Some systems, such as amateur wrestling, pehlwani, judo and Brazilian jiu-jitsu are exclusively grappling arts and do not allow striking.

While prolonged grappling in Muay Thai will result in a separation of the competitors, the art extensively uses the clinch hold known as a double collar tie.

A dominant position (usually on top) allows the dominant grappler a variety of options, including: attempting to escape by standing up, obtaining a pin or hold-down to control and exhaust the opponent, executing a submission hold, or striking the opponent.

The bottom grappler is, on the other hand, concerned with escaping the situation and improving their position, typically by using a sweep or reversal.

Some people feel more confident on the bottom because of the large number of submissions that can be accomplished from having the opponent in full-guard.

When unskilled fighters get embroiled in combat, a common reaction is to grab the opponent in an attempt to slow the situation down by holding them still, resulting in an unsystematic struggle that relies on brute force.

If a grappler is strong and can utilize leverage well, a takedown or throw itself can be a fight-ending maneuver; the impact can render an opponent unconscious.

[citation needed] Likewise, grappling sports have been devised so that their participants can compete using full physical effort without injuring their opponents.

The term chin na in Chinese martial arts deals with the use of grappling to achieve submission or incapacitation of the opponent (these may involve the use of acupressure points).

Their practice is significantly more dangerous than unarmed grappling and generally requires a great deal of training.

In these arts, the object is either to take down and pin the opponent, or to catch the adversary in a specialized chokehold or joint lock which forces them to submit and admit defeat or be rendered helpless (unconscious or broken limbs).

There are two forms of dress for grappling that dictate pace and style of action: with a jacket, such as a gi[7] or kurtka, and without (No-Gi).

Notable Champions Frank Mir, Joe Fiorentino, Jon Jones, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Anthony Porcelli and Antonio Bustorff.