Reference framework
The Invariables
Mechanical truths that hold regardless of body type, size, style, or lineage. The foundation of every technique page on this site.
"Invariants are things that must happen in order for something to occur."
An invariable is not an opinion. It is not "how I was taught." It is a structural law of grappling — a mechanical truth that holds regardless of who applies it. Every technique page on this site cites the invariable it expresses. Reading the invariable before the technique is reading the reason before the instruction.
The invariables index will grow as content phases progress. Universal invariables are complete; domain-specific invariables for each position family are added as that family's content is published.
Universal invariables
Hold across all positions and contexts.
Connection eliminates space and transfers weight
Inside position controls the outside
Structural resistance must be disrupted before submission
Force angle determines leverage, not size
Frames redirect perpendicular; fail when opposing
Base is weight over the support point
Connection is the prerequisite for control
Positional advantage is the prerequisite for submission
Joints attacked against natural range reach danger faster
Space is contested — neither player owns the space they create
The underhook controls the hip on that side
Rotation around a fixed point creates leverage
Destabilisation precedes control
Limb isolation requires removing it from the defensive system
Segmenting the body prevents unified defence
Escape mechanics require creating space before moving through it
Leg entanglement invariables
Specific to heel hook and entanglement positions.
Scramble invariables
Transitions, scrambles, and the wrestle-up framework. Credited to Craig Jones.
Submission invariables
Mechanical laws governing strangles and joint submissions.
Strangles require compression on both sides of the neck simultaneously
The target limb must be isolated from the body's defensive system
The secondary anchor must be controlled or removed
Arm-out strangles apply force more directly; arm-in strangles must compensate
Joint submissions require loading the joint to its structural limit
Standing / takedown invariables
Structural requirements for destabilisation and takedown completion.
Guard invariables
Structural truths from the bottom — foot line, facing, connections, hip mobility.
Passing invariables
Structural truths from the top — clear feet, hold knees, break connections.
Pin invariables
Structural truths of pinning — chest contact, hip coverage, flattening, underhooks.
Where each invariable is discussed
Reverse reference — concept pages (systems, ranges, dilemmas, gripping, scrambles) that cite each invariable. Technique pages that express each invariable are listed on the individual invariable page.
- INV-01
- Collar tie escalation ·Underhook escalation ·Seated guard grip escalation ·Arm drag to back ·Two-on-one to ashi garami ·Top position objectives ·Ashi garami: heel hook / back take ·Two-on-one: ashi garami / back take ·RNC and back attack system ·Closed guard system ·Knee slice passing system ·Half guard passing system ·Smash pass system
- INV-04
- Front headlock: guillotine / takedown ·Back position: RNC / arm triangle ·Leg entanglement: continue / reset ·Top half: smash pass / kimura ·Half guard: back take / sweep ·Butterfly: inside heel hook / sweep ·Standing: takedown / guard pull ·X guard: sweep / leg lock entry ·Turtle: gut wrench / leg entanglement ·Closed guard hip bump dilemma ·Back take scrambles ·Turtle attack and escape ·The dog fight ·Referee's position dynamics
- INV-07
- Collar tie escalation ·Underhook escalation ·Seated guard grip escalation ·Leg entanglement grip chains ·Top position objectives ·Two-on-one: ashi garami / back take
- INV-12
- Triangle system ·Anaconda / darce system ·Seated guard system ·Half guard passing system ·Leg drag passing system
- INV-13
- Underhook escalation ·Scramble objectives ·Standing objectives ·Shin shield system ·Butterfly guard system ·Torreando open guard passing ·The dog fight ·Half guard: back take / sweep
- INV-14
- Back position: RNC / arm triangle ·Mount: armbar / triangle / choke ·Top half: smash pass / kimura ·Kimura system
- INV-LE01
- Seated guard grip escalation ·Two-on-one to ashi garami ·Leg entanglement grip chains ·Ashi garami: heel hook / back take ·Two-on-one: ashi garami / back take