Before you can control a match, you need to control your stance and distance. In this post (and breakdown video), I’ll show you how to stay safe and initiate contact like a wrestler — without getting thrown or snapped down.

🎥 Watch the full breakdown here:
YouTube: Stance & Movement for Beginner Grapplers (Coming Soon)

Why Grapplers Get Blast-Doubled into the Shadow Realm

If you stand tall in jiu jitsu, your opponent will blast double you into a table.

And I don’t know about you…

But I’d prefer not to go viral for bad reasons.

That’s why today, we’re going back to the basics.

How to stand, move, and make contact like a wrestler — without getting flattened.

Strong Wrestling Stance for Grapplers

Here’s what a solid wrestling stance looks like:

Me in a wrestling stance
  • Feet shoulder-width apart (square or staggered)
  • Knees bent, weight balanced
  • Back straight, head up
  • Elbows tucked (aka T-Rex arms 🦖)
  • Hands at chest level, ready to engage
Is it pretty? No. But it wins matches — and protects you from highlight-reel takedowns.

Two Safe Ways to Initiate Contact

The two safest ways to engage:

✅ 1. Attack Low and Climb

Grab a wrist → climb to inside tie, collar tie, etc.

This keeps your head and hands between you and their shots.

✅ 2. Use Your Back Hand First

Want a collar tie? Use your back hand (opposite your lead leg).

That way if they clear it, your lead hand still defends your leg.

🧠
This reduces your exposure and builds smart muscle memory.
Yes, elite guys like Burroughs and Dake break this — but they’re elite. You’re building the foundation.

Contact Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Reaching with Both Hands at Shoulder Height

→ You’re wide open for shots or snap downs.

❌ Standing Straight Up

→ Welcome to Hobbyist Stance. Welcome to a blast double.

❌ Leading with Your Head

→ It’s called hand fighting, not forehead fighting.

Use your T-Rex arms. Move your feet. Then build to control.

Practice Games That Help It Sink In

Handcuffed Stance

  • One partner in stance with hands behind back
  • Other tries to pull them down
  • Switch after 1 min
    → Builds stance stability + neck strength under pressure

Level Change Mirror Drill

  • One partner leads, the other mirrors every level change
  • Switch after 1 min
    → Builds awareness of level to defend your legs

Recap: Today’s Sequence

  1. Lock in a solid stance
  2. Use back hand or wrist control to initiate
  3. Avoid the 3 big mistakes
  4. Reinforce through pressure-tested games

Next Step

In the next issue, I’ll break down the 6 essential tie-ups every grappler should know — and how to flow between them.

→ Subscribe here to get it delivered next week.

Share this post