Maneuver in Grappling and Tree Climbing

Maneuver in ne waza (ground grappling) in Judo and Jujutsu is very similar to climbing a tree. 

In both cases, your grip is very important, so it is vital to be aware of your physical center and its position relative to that which you take hold. The closer the physical center is to what you're holding, the more secure your position, and the stronger you are.  

In climbing and in grappling, it is important to fasten to as many points of contact as possible. I don't just mean with the hands and feet: you want chest contact, hip contact, and to be able to make use of as much of the surface area of the body as possible. Holding a tree trunk with your legs is no different than holding an opponent's trunk to lock him in guard; hugging a tree limb is no different than hugging an opponent's limb to reverse. 

But don't get confused and reverse a tree limb. Such a tactic is not a good idea, as it greatly increases the potential of a counterattack from the ground.

Of course in grappling, the ground is your friend, because it graciously impedes the opponent's movement. Even so, when you reposition, you must do so one limb at a time, invading incrementally and systematically, so that your position is always superior to your opponent's. Any negligence in your position is a potential opportunity for the opponent to reorganize. If the opponent seizes this opportunity, you will have to scramble, and a scramble is always risky, because its outcome is unclear. In a friendly match it's no big deal, but if in serious conflict or forty feet above the ground, uncertainty should be avoided whenever possible. 

Thus, position is the key requirement here. The fundamental concept in climbing and grappling is that, above all else, you must always maintain a strong and secure position. If your position becomes compromised, then you must backtrack and seek an alternate route. If you cannot do this, then you are in danger.