Introduction: Two Paths to Victory
While both Catch Wrestling and BJJ aim to submit an opponent, their approaches can differ significantly. These differences reflect the historical contexts and philosophies we’ve discussed in our previous posts:
- Catch Wrestling: Often emphasizes speed, pressure, and pain compliance.
- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Typically focuses on control, position, and leverage.
Let’s examine some key submission categories and compare how each art approaches them.
Arm Locks: From Kimura to Double Wristlock
Catch Wrestling: Double Wristlock (Kimura)
- Typically applied with explosive force
- Often set up from top positions or as a counter to an opponent’s move
- May be used to force a pin as well as a submission
BJJ: Kimura
- Usually applied methodically after securing control
- Setups from various positions, including guard and half-guard
- Often used as a sweep or position change if submission fails
Key Difference: While the basic mechanic is the same, Catch Wrestling tends to apply the technique more abruptly, while BJJ practitioners often use it as part of a longer control sequence.
Chokes: Mata Leão vs. Rear Naked Choke
Catch Wrestling: Mata Leão (Rear Naked Choke)
- Applied with a focus on quickly cutting off blood flow
- Often combined with neck crank elements for added pain
- May be applied from positions other than the back
BJJ: Rear Naked Choke
- Emphasis on securing back control before applying the choke
- Refined technique focusing on precise placement of choking arm
- Typically applied without additional cranking motion
Key Difference: Both arts value this choke highly, but BJJ places more emphasis on positional control before submission, while Catch Wrestling may sacrifice position for a quicker finish.
Leg Locks: A Tale of Two Approaches
Catch Wrestling: Leg Locks
- Wide variety of leg lock techniques (knee bars, ankle locks, heel hooks)
- Applied aggressively, often prioritizing the submission over position
- Historically more emphasis on straight ankle locks and knee bars
BJJ: Leg Locks
- Traditionally less emphasized, but growing in popularity
- More systematic approach, especially in modern competition scenes
- Greater focus on control positions like the 411/honey hole before submission
Key Difference: Catch Wrestling has historically been more open to leg attacks, applying them opportunistically, while BJJ has developed more systematic approaches, especially in recent years.
Neck Cranks: A Point of Divergence
Catch Wrestling: Neck Cranks
- Widely used and accepted
- Viewed as valid submissions and pain compliance techniques
- Examples include can opener, twister, and crucifix neck crank
BJJ: Neck Cranks
- Traditionally less emphasized due to safety concerns
- Some techniques like the twister have gained popularity through MMA
- Generally more restricted in sport BJJ competitions
Key Difference: This category highlights a philosophical difference, with Catch Wrestling more openly embracing techniques that may be considered too dangerous for some BJJ competitions.
Compression Locks: From Muscles to Submissions
Catch Wrestling: Compression Locks
- Frequently used, targeting large muscle groups
- Examples include the bicep slicer and calf slicer
- Often applied suddenly to force a quick tap
BJJ: Compression Locks
- Less common but still present
- Often used as part of a larger control strategy
- May be restricted in some competition rulesets
Key Difference: Catch Wrestling tends to use these locks more frequently and aggressively, while BJJ often views them as supplementary techniques.
Wrist Locks: Small Joint Manipulation
Catch Wrestling: Wrist Locks
- Commonly used, often in combination with other techniques
- Applied from various positions, including standing
- Seen as both a submission and a way to create openings
BJJ: Wrist Locks
- Less emphasized, especially in early training
- Often seen as an advanced technique
- More commonly used in self-defense oriented schools
Key Difference: Catch Wrestling generally places more emphasis on these small joint locks, while BJJ tends to focus on them less, especially in sport contexts.
Positional Submissions: Control vs. Catch
Catch Wrestling: Pin Submissions
- Submissions often applied from top pins
- Examples include arm triangles from side control or mounted crucifixes
- Focus on using body weight and pressure to force submissions
BJJ: Guard Submissions
- Developed a complex guard game with numerous submission threats
- Examples include triangle chokes, armbars, and omoplatas from guard
- Emphasis on using leverage to submit from seemingly inferior positions
Key Difference: This highlights a fundamental difference in approach, with Catch Wrestling focusing more on top position dominance, while BJJ has developed a sophisticated bottom game.
The Synthesis in Modern Grappling
As we’ve seen in our previous discussions on the influence of Catch Wrestling on BJJ, modern grapplers, especially in MMA contexts, often blend techniques from both arts:
- Leg Lock Renaissance: BJJ’s increased focus on leg locks in recent years shows clear influence from Catch Wrestling.
- Positional Evolution: Many modern BJJ practitioners have adopted a more aggressive, Catch-style approach to submissions from top positions.
- Submission Chains: The concept of chaining submissions together, common in Catch Wrestling, has become increasingly prevalent in high-level BJJ.
Conclusion: Appreciating the Differences
Comparing the submission techniques of Catch Wrestling and BJJ reveals not just technical differences, but philosophical ones as well. Catch Wrestling’s aggressive, submission-over-position approach contrasts with BJJ’s methodical, position-before-submission philosophy. However, as these arts continue to cross-pollinate, especially in MMA settings, we’re seeing a rich synthesis of techniques.
For grapplers in Austin and beyond, understanding these differences and similarities can greatly enhance your training. Whether you’re focused on sport jiu-jitsu, MMA, or self-defense, having a broad understanding of submission techniques from both arts can make you a more well-rounded and effective grappler.
In our next posts, we’ll continue to explore specific techniques and training methods from various martial arts. Stay tuned to deepen your understanding of the vast world of combat sports and self-defense!