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# How to Stand, Move, and Make Contact Like a Wrestler
- URL: https://www.jordanlaster.com/how-to-stand-move-and-make-contact-like-a-wrestler/
- Published: 2025-06-11T12:30:21.000Z
- Updated: 2025-08-23T03:09:11.000Z
- Author: Jordan Laster
- Tags: Grappling

> *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.*

## 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](https://storage.ghost.io/c/aa/33/aa330dc1-964a-4f62-8d7c-ededf33635ae/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-10-at-11.03.05---PM-1.png)

- 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