Leglocks in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
How to Train Leglocks Safely in BJJ and Submission Grappling
Leglocks are a contentious issue in some grappling circles. Sambo and catch wrestling make extensive use of leglocks, which are also very popular in Japan. On the other side, many Brazilian jiu-jitsu clubs ignore or downplay leg attacks and judo rules outlaw them altogether. The aversion to leglocks is largely a safety issue, since a recklessly applied leglock can cause severe knee damage. However, a fighter who ignores leglocks is putting themselves at a huge disadvantage.
Why Learn Leglocks in BJJ?
The Element of Surprise - The first benefit of leglocks in Brazilian jiu-jitsu is that because they’re less common than chokes and armlocks, fewer BJJ fighters are aware of leglock entries and are less able to defend from them.
Leglocks as “The Great Equalizer”- Most grappling experts agree that leglocks are very effective techniques to use against larger opponents. Martial arts legend “Judo” Gene LeBell and Stephen Kesting of Grapple Arts have both referred to leglocks as “equalizers” for their effectiveness against larger and stronger fighters.
Leglock Danger
The most dangerous aspect of training leglocks is the very small margin of error. For many leglocks, by the time pain is felt damage has already been done to the joint. Heel hooks and toeholds can be especially dangerous because they involve a twisting motion that can tear cartilage and ligaments. Refusing to tap to a heel hook or toehold can mean reconstructive surgery and over a year spent in physiotherapy and recovery.
Straight Leglocks: Ankle Locks, Achilles Locks, Kneebars
Grapplers who are new to leglocks should start with the straight leglocks like ankle (achilles) locks and kneebars. These are the safest leg attacks because they have the greatest margin of safety. If applied in a controlled manner, the opponent has plenty of time to tap before damage is done.
Twisting Leglocks: Heel Hooks and Toeholds
Twisting leg attacks like heel hooks and toeholds are devastatingly effective submission techniques and are very dangerous when used by unskilled or reckless fighters. Because of the anatomy of the leg and the mechanics of these techniques, severe damage to the leg can occur before pain is felt.
Knee Compressions (Calf Crushes)
Very popular in Russian sambo, calf crushes and knee compressions can cause knee dislocations and/or fractures of the tibia and fibula. Use extreme care when training these techniques, because a dislocated knee is a potential career ender.
Safe Leglock Training Means Swallowing Your Pride
Fighters training leglocks can’t afford to have too much pride - on either side of the technique. A fighter who is caught in a leglock and doesn’t tap could be looking at over a year on the injured list. Likewise, a fighter who has a stubborn opponent in a leglock and cranks it just to get a tap could lose a training partner for a year.
Leave the pride at the door. If you’re caught in a leglock, tap. If you have an opponent in a tight leglock and they don’t tap, just let it go and realize that you had it.
The take-home message? Don’t be afraid of leglocks, but be very careful of them. Learn to recognize the pressure caused by a properly applied leglock and don’t wait for sharp pains before tapping out. Take the time to learn and defend leg attacks by training with a qualified instructor and only practicing with partners who you can trust.
Rafael Mendes looks for a leglock on Ruben Charles
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