Your grappling: Loose or Tight?

[Bama Zulu]

Tight and heavy. Always explosive on sub attempts, but controlled.

 

[Coach Couzo]

No DAYLIGHT!

That means there should be no space between you and your opponent (if you are in the dominant position). If you are not in the dominant position, you want to "create daylight", aka make space between him and you.

In either case, you do not want to keep your muscles flexed and tight because that wears you down quickly. Stay loose enough to be able to do your own moves, and solid enough to avoid being manhandled and shoved around.

I'm not sure about your whole 'No DAYLIGHT!' theory. This might apply well in wrestling where a pin is the objective, but in BJJ/SubWrestling allowing your opponent space can gain you a better position or submission.

For example, I'm mounted on my opponent - good for me. I start to set-up a myriad of submissions and my opponent, fearing the inevitable, begins a half-hearted turn to his stomach

 

[Foolkiller]

If your small like me (115 lbs at 27 years old), you have to play the loose and quick game...becomming tight only when your back to sink in a sub.

How tall are you? I'm 5'5" and I'm still 165 when not competing. You must have a very frail build.

 

[triso]

I tend to get option 2 very frequently because of my loose game. I think I need to mix them both in a little more.

 

[Darth Shlong]

DISGUSTINGLY tight, i can tap you in an airplane bathroom, i dont need space, i EMBRACE

 

[Falero]

I'd perfer playing a loose and relaxed game, but I usually play a tight game with a lot of transitions. I need to relax and flow more on the mat.

+1 to that. When I am fluid, I rock. But usually I

 

[jludley]

Dude I keep it tight and rough man Im prefer to stay very aggressive not only does it itimidate your opponent a lil but it gives me enough rage I usually end my bouts quick but I got excellent cardio.

 

[nick889]

iam more loose, im around 5'6 155 so i use quicker movements, a lot more standing gaurd passes and lots of open gaurd (shorter legs) like de la riva hooks, x gaurd and spider gaurd

 

[jludley]

Im 5'10 190 I usually wrestle 185 to 195 I really like to hold my opponent down and when it comes to submission its always easy to put them on because Im in control.

 

[agu0001]

For me it varies, when I have a good side control,front control and a nice strong base I like to grind into my opponent and keep nice and tight to limit their escapes but when Im in a position that isnt so good Im usually loose until I can get myself into a more stable position

As for stand up grappling I stay in nice and tight to reduce their chance of shooting or throwing.

 

[Nate Pringle]

Depends on my opponent. If he's flexible or fast etc. I tend to be slow and tight, not giving him room to move. With bigger or stronger etc. guys I play more fast & loose. Make them use more energy and try to catch them by flowing more and using more speed.

My thoughts exactly.

 

[pitviper259]

always loose, always fluid (or at least i think so

 

[wOg]

I've only been training for a few months, so it is probably a no-brainer that I roll more tight than loose ...

But that is the kind of game I like. Methodical. Positional. Slow. The idea of not using "too much" energy and relying on leverage instead is what I love most about jiu jitsu.

 

[sambosteve]

loose enough to be both when I need to be.

 

[SmashiusClay]

Fairly loose and fluid, slows down when fighting with the gi, but I'm still much more of an agressive fighter, hate to sit still and wit for my opponent to push the fight.

 

[Bolaojj]

I play super tight and cause as much discomfort as I can until I see that I need to open up to get the submission. If I can keep it tight and get the tap, that's the way I go.

 

[RobT]

I try to stay tight, but also constantly attacking.

 

[Gsoares2***]

i try to stay and be loose the entire time i fight.
The only time i get tigh and over powering is when my ego gets in the way.. Every time it happens i tell my self to chill and get back to playing loose.
IMOP its best to train loose so you learn to use the least amount of energy and still perform the task at hand. The problem with it is alot of people will smash right through you at first, but eventually you will be getting them with little to no effort as they are still trying to play so tight and rough.
Plus the fact that im so lazy, i cant play a tight game. I get tired and then im not having fun.

 

[RobT]

Gsoares: what do you mean by tight? I expend as little energy as possible. Tight to me just means sticking to your opponent and not giving them room. I never look to overpower anyone.

I would say a loose game would be far more likely to get me tired as I'd have to be constantly moving to prevent my opponent passing or whatever.

I'm always relaxed, whether on top or bottom and in any position (except maybe when being high-mounted - I'm still learning after all!).

 

[sanuces]

im fast and loose most of the time. always mounting attacks, going for sweeps, escapes etc. i am usually moving alot to see what my opponent will react to then look to exploit an opening when i see it. the only time im slow and methodical is when im passing the guard.