Break Gable Grips For Choi Bar: Techniques & Drills

Introduction

Hey guys! Let's dive into a super common and often frustrating situation in grappling: dealing with gable gripped hands when you're trying to lock in a Choi bar. This submission, a variation of the armbar, can be incredibly effective, but it all falls apart if your opponent has a tight grip. We're going to break down the mechanics of the gable grip, why it's so strong, and, most importantly, how to dismantle it so you can secure that sweet submission. Whether you're a seasoned grappler or just starting out, understanding these concepts will seriously level up your submission game. So, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of breaking those grips and finishing the Choi bar like a pro.

Understanding the Gable Grip

First off, let’s chat about the gable grip itself. Think of it as a super-strong handshake your opponent is using to defend their arm. It’s formed by interlocking the fingers, creating a unified, powerful structure. This grip is deceptively strong because it engages multiple muscle groups in the hands, forearms, and even the shoulders. When someone gable grips their hands together, they're essentially creating a single unit that’s incredibly resistant to being pulled apart. This is why it’s such a common defense against armbars, triangles, and, you guessed it, the Choi bar. The key to breaking this grip isn't just about raw strength; it's about understanding the mechanics of the grip and applying the right techniques to exploit its weaknesses. This means you need to think smart, not just strong. We need to analyze the angles, leverage points, and the ways we can manipulate the structure of the grip to make it fall apart. One crucial thing to remember is that the gable grip relies on the interlocking of the fingers. This is both its strength and its weakness. By targeting the fingers and the connection points, we can start to unravel the entire structure. We’ll get into specific techniques for doing this in a bit, but for now, just remember that understanding the mechanics of the gable grip is the first step in dismantling it. So, before you even attempt the Choi bar, take a moment to assess the situation. See how tight the grip is, where their hands are positioned, and think about your strategy for breaking it. This proactive approach will significantly increase your chances of success.

Why the Gable Grip Thwarts the Choi Bar

So, why is the gable grip such a pain when you're going for a Choi bar? Well, the Choi bar, like many armbars, relies on isolating and hyperextending the elbow joint. To do this effectively, you need to control your opponent's arm and prevent them from reinforcing their defenses. The gable grip acts as a shield, making it incredibly difficult to isolate the arm. It creates a solid connection between the opponent’s hands, preventing you from pulling the arm across your centerline, which is crucial for the Choi bar setup. Imagine trying to bend a stick, but someone is holding it firmly in the middle – that’s what the gable grip does to your Choi bar attempt. It essentially neutralizes your leverage and makes it almost impossible to get the necessary extension on the elbow. Furthermore, the gable grip allows your opponent to use their entire body to defend. They can brace their hands against their chest or legs, adding even more resistance to your attempts to break the grip and isolate the arm. This is why simply trying to muscle your way through the grip rarely works and often leads to you expending unnecessary energy. You'll likely find yourself in a strength contest, which is not where you want to be in grappling. Instead, you need to focus on technique and leverage to overcome the gable grip. Think of it as a puzzle – you need to find the right pieces and fit them together to unlock the submission. The gable grip also limits your ability to create the necessary angles for the Choi bar. The angle of attack is essential for this submission, and the grip can prevent you from achieving the optimal positioning. You need to be able to control the arm and move it into the right place to apply the pressure. The gable grip makes this incredibly difficult, forcing you to rethink your approach and find creative ways to break the grip and create the angles you need. So, in essence, the gable grip is a formidable defense against the Choi bar because it disrupts your ability to control the arm, create leverage, and achieve the proper positioning. But don't worry, we're about to dive into some effective techniques for breaking it down and getting that submission!

Techniques to Break the Gable Grip

Alright, let's get to the good stuff: how to break that pesky gable grip! There are several techniques you can use, and the best one will often depend on the specific situation and your opponent's positioning. Remember, the key is to use leverage and technique, not just brute strength. One of the most fundamental techniques is the peeling method. This involves using your hands to target the weakest points of the grip, which are the fingers. Instead of trying to pull the entire grip apart, you focus on peeling the fingers apart one by one. Start by gripping one of their hands with both of yours, focusing on their knuckles. Then, use a twisting motion to break the connection between their fingers. This method is incredibly effective because it disrupts the structure of the grip from the inside out. It also allows you to maintain control of their arm while you're breaking the grip. Another great technique is the wedge method. This involves using your forearm or elbow to create a wedge between their hands. Imagine you're trying to pry something apart with a wedge – you're applying force at a specific point to break the connection. In this case, you can use your forearm to wedge between their wrists or elbows, forcing their hands apart. This method is particularly effective if your opponent is gripping their hands tightly against their chest or body. The wedge creates space and disrupts their base, making it easier to break the grip. You can also use a grip fighting strategy to break the gable grip. This involves using your hands to control their wrists and prevent them from reinforcing the grip. If you can control their wrists, you can control their hands, and if you can control their hands, you can break the grip. This strategy requires a proactive approach – you need to anticipate their movements and constantly adjust your grip to maintain control. Finally, don't underestimate the power of body positioning and movement. Sometimes, simply shifting your weight or changing your angle can create the necessary space to break the grip. If you're in a stalemate, try moving your hips or adjusting your base. This can disrupt your opponent's balance and create opportunities to break their grip. Remember, breaking the gable grip is a process. It's not always going to happen instantly. You may need to try different techniques and combinations to find what works best. The key is to stay patient, stay technical, and keep applying pressure until the grip breaks.

Transitioning to the Choi Bar After Breaking the Grip

Okay, so you've successfully broken the gable grip – awesome! But the job's not done yet. Now comes the crucial part: transitioning smoothly into the Choi bar before your opponent has a chance to re-establish their defenses. The transition is just as important as breaking the grip itself. A sloppy transition can give your opponent the opening they need to escape or reverse the position. The first thing you need to do is maintain control of the arm. As you break the grip, make sure you keep a firm hold on their wrist and elbow. Don't give them any space to pull their arm back or change the angle. You want to keep their arm isolated and vulnerable. One of the most effective ways to transition is to immediately secure the arm across your centerline. This is a fundamental principle of armbar submissions. By pulling their arm across your body, you prevent them from turning into you and create the necessary angle for the Choi bar. Use your legs to help you control their body and prevent them from escaping. Think of your legs as a second set of hands, helping you to secure the position. As you secure the arm, position your body for the finish. This typically involves bringing your legs high on their shoulder and head, creating a tight triangle. The tighter your triangle, the more effective your armbar will be. Make sure your hips are aligned with their elbow joint, so you can apply maximum pressure. A common mistake is to rush the finish. Take your time to establish a solid base and control before you start applying pressure to the elbow. This will significantly increase your chances of success and reduce the risk of losing the submission. Another important tip is to anticipate their reactions. Your opponent is not going to sit there and let you finish the armbar. They're going to try to escape, defend, or even counter-attack. Be prepared for their movements and have a plan to deal with them. This might involve adjusting your grip, changing your angle, or even transitioning to a different submission if necessary. Remember, grappling is a dynamic game. You need to be able to adapt to the situation and make adjustments on the fly. By mastering the transition from breaking the gable grip to securing the Choi bar, you'll significantly improve your submission rate and become a much more dangerous grappler.

Drills and Training Exercises

Now that we've covered the techniques, let's talk about how to train them. You can't just read about these things and expect to be a master – you need to put in the work on the mats. Drilling and specific training exercises are crucial for developing the muscle memory and reflexes you'll need to break the gable grip and finish the Choi bar in a live roll. One of the most effective drills is the grip breaking repetition drill. This involves having a partner hold a gable grip on your arm while you practice breaking it using the techniques we discussed earlier. Start slow and focus on proper technique. Gradually increase the speed and resistance as you become more comfortable. This drill is great for developing your hand dexterity and grip fighting skills. You can also incorporate variations into the drill, such as having your partner change their grip position or resistance level. This will help you adapt to different situations and become more versatile in your grip breaking. Another valuable drill is the transition drill. This involves transitioning from breaking the gable grip to securing the Choi bar. Start with your partner holding a gable grip, break the grip, and then immediately transition to the armbar setup. Focus on smooth, seamless transitions. This drill is excellent for developing your timing and coordination. You can also add resistance from your partner to make the drill more challenging. For example, have them try to escape or defend the armbar as you're setting it up. This will help you develop the skills you need to finish the submission under pressure. In addition to these specific drills, it's also important to incorporate grip fighting into your regular training. Spend time in your rolls focusing on controlling your opponent's hands and preventing them from establishing strong grips. This will help you develop a proactive grip fighting strategy that you can use to break the gable grip and set up your submissions. Finally, don't forget the importance of sparring and positional training. Live rolling is the ultimate test of your skills. It's where you'll really see how well you can apply the techniques you've learned in a realistic setting. Positional training, where you start in a specific position and work on breaking grips and securing submissions, is also a great way to improve your game. Remember, consistency is key. The more you drill and train these techniques, the more natural they will become. You'll develop the muscle memory and reflexes you need to break the gable grip and finish the Choi bar with confidence.

Conclusion

So there you have it, folks! Dealing with gable gripped hands during a Choi bar attempt doesn't have to be a roadblock in your grappling journey. By understanding the mechanics of the grip, mastering the breaking techniques, and drilling those transitions, you'll be well-equipped to secure this powerful submission. Remember, it's all about technique, leverage, and a little bit of patience. Keep practicing, stay technical, and you'll be tapping out opponents with the Choi bar in no time. Happy grappling!