In this clip we see the competition variations of Colin Oates’s gripping strategies against opposite stance opponents. This sleeve pull through allows Oates to get a deep and dominant grip around the back, against Israel’s Raufman, on route to winning a bronze medal at the 2014 Samsun Grand Prix. From this position he can put in strong attacks.

In the next round, against Georgia’s Tatarashvili, it’s the deep back grip that nullifies his opponent’s forward throws, and puts Oates in a very good position in Newaza.

In the bronze medal contest against Turkey’s Sandal, it’s the pull through, followed by the back grip that sets up his medal winning technique. Waza ari from the throw, with immediate transition into an Ippon scoring hold-down.

In the final of the 2014 Baku Grand Slam, and a Waza ari ahead against Russia’s Khan Magomedov, Oates’s control of the back prevents his opponent from putting in any strong attacks, whilst he is still able to attack with his favourite techniques. This happens time and again, as Oates allows Khan Magomedov the inside lapel grip, opting to control the fight using his deep back grip. When his opponent attacks he is able to fend it off, and then counter. And it results in a Grand Slam gold medal for Oates.

One year later at the same tournament, with Oates on course to take a silver medal, the same gripping scenario works for him in the eliminations. With Russia’s Ardanov taking the lapel, Oates works the angle to throw from a central back grip. Once on the ground Oates doesn’t hesitate, transitioning quickly and putting his opponent in a very vulnerable position.

In the semi final just the back grip alone is enough to make Spain’s Uriate drop onto his knees, and give Oates the ascendency in Newaza. Later on in the same contest, once Oates is able to get a settled back grip he wastes no time in attacking with Sumi gaeshi. Once again it leaves him in a strong position on the ground.

In the 2015 Paris Grand Slam against Hungary’s Zambori, Oates again allows his opponent the inside lapel, before using his gripping pattern to take a high back grip and from here, it’s he who is the one that is able to launch the throw.

The same year, this time in Tokyo, Oates opts to control the right side of his opponent’s back, before stepping in and throwing with Uchi mata, and here’s a great example to show how the dominant back grip can be used to counter your opponent’s throw, as Oates scores from Uchi mata Sukashi.

From the 2014 Baku Grand Slam Oates shows his sleeve grip break to good effect, as he neutralises the attacking potential of Georgia’s Kardava.
And, finally, here’s just how effective the sleeve grip break technique can be, as Oates uses it as a launchpad to throw Israel’s Shmailov with Osoto gari. It scores him Ippon and he’s on his way to his third Grand Slam final.