Holding your partner

If you are right handed, grip opponent's left lapel at about your own shoulder height with your right hand. If you are tall or your opponent is very small stick to this rule about shoulder height. It can be of great advantage to hold up high around the collar at the back of your partner's neck. The left hand holds the opponents sleeve halfway on the outside. There should be no slack but with the cloth gathered up until it is tight on the opponent's arm. There are several variations on holds. The standard hold is best as it gives maximum control of the opponent. The body should be slightly inclined to the right with the right foot forward. Left handers should follow these instructions substituting left for right, and right for left in all cases.