A grappling hold, commonly referred to simply as a hold that in Japanese is referred to as katame-waza, is any specific grappling, wrestling, judo, or other martial art grip that is applied to an opponent. Grappling holds are used principally to control the opponent and to advance in points or positioning. The holds may be categorized by their function, such as clinching, pinning, or submission, while others can be classified by their anatomical effect: chokehold, headlock, joint-lock, or compression lock. Multiple categories may be appropriate for some of these holds.
Two wrestlers clinching
Two soldiers in a "Crude North-South" position
An armbar submission hold.
Bas-relief of a headlock at the Bayon temple (12th/13th century). A Khmer soldier puts a Cham soldier in a headlock.
Grappling is a fighting technique based on throws, trips, sweeps, clinch fighting, ground fighting and submission holds.
Masahiko Kimura vs. Hélio Gracie, a high-profile 1951 bout between Masahiko Kimura and Hélio Gracie
Hawaiian State Grappling Championships, August 2004.
Ancient Egyptian wrestling
A Greek bronze statue from 2nd century BC depicting Pankration. The standing fighter is applying an armlock, a grappling technique. From the Staatliche Antikensammlungen in Munich.
