Let’s say that you’re the guy on the right in above photo. You’re trying to pass someone’s spider guard: they are controlling your sleeves near the wrist and have one or both feet on your biceps. If you were to stand up and put your left foot on the inside of his left thigh you could then pull your arm back and rip his grip off your sleeve. Your foot would pin his leg and make it impossible for him to follow your arm as it retracts backwards.

Another time you can use your legs while gripfighting is if you and your opponent are both standing and he is controlling your sleeve at the wrist or even just grabbing your wrist (if his grip is strong). To force him to release his grip lift your knee up, place it on the top of his hand/wrist, and then extend your hips, stripping his grip off. Be aware that if you use this trick too often your opponent will eventually be able to grab your leg as you try it, but used in moderation it should take him completely by surprise. Finally remember to be gentle with this technique in training – you can hurt your partner if you do it fast.

Jiu-jitsu submissions are all about using your whole body to attack a single part of your opponent’s body, and grip fighting is no different. Using your legs in this context is like bringing a gun to a knifefight, something I’m 100% in favor of!