Leglock

Last updated
Leglock
Classification Joint-lock
Style Shoot wrestling, Sambo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Catch wrestling, Judo

A leglock is a joint lock that is directed at joints of the leg such as the ankle, knee or hip joint. [1] A leglock which is directed at joints in the foot is sometimes referred to as a foot lock and a lock at the hip as a hip lock. Leglocks are featured, with various levels of restrictions, in combat sports and martial arts such as Sambo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, catch wrestling, [2] mixed martial arts, Shootwrestling and submission wrestling, but are banned in some sports featuring joint locks such as judo. [3] [4] [5] The technique has been seen across a wide range of different combat sports and is reportedly over 2,500 years old, having been seen in the lost art of Pankration in the original Olympic Games. [6]

Contents

As with other jointlocks, leglocks are more effective with full body leverage. Some attack the large joints of the knee or hip and involve utilizing leverage to counteract the larger muscle groups, while others directly attack ligaments in the knee or the smaller joint of the ankle. Leglocks can involve control positions such as the inside leg triangle or leg knot to maintain control while applying the attack or transitioning between two attacks, though they and some other control positions are banned in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu competition. Some other leglock control positions have been adopted into modern BJJ and submission grappling competitions as "guards" such as the snake guard, one-legged X-guard, and 50/50 Guard, where they are used for both leglocks and to reverse into dominant positions from the bottom.

In training or sparring, leglocks are applied in a slow and controlled manner, and are often not hyperextended such as in the case of the comparatively dangerous heel hook. [7] Instead, submission is signalled before the lock is fully applied. In self-defense application, or when applied improperly or with excessive force, leglocks can cause muscle, tendon and ligament damage, even dislocation or bone fractures.

Some examples of the many types of leglocks are found below.

Kneebar

A kneebar is performed on the leg similarly to how the armbar is performed on the arm. Kneebar 2-Neil Melanson Seminar March 2012.jpg
A kneebar is performed on the leg similarly to how the armbar is performed on the arm.

A kneebar (also known as legbar, kneelock or hiza-juji-gatame) is a leglock that can hyperextend the knee. The basic kneebar technique is similar to that of an armbar. The practitioner will trap the opponent's leg in between their legs and secure the leg with their arms so the opponent's kneecap points towards the body. The practitioner then applies pressure with their hips, forcing the opponent's leg to straighten, hyperextending the knee joint. A variation of the kneebar is similarly accomplished, but instead of holding the leg with the hands, the practitioner will trap the opponent's foot behind one armpit. The practitioner will then apply pressure using their upper body as well and their hips, yielding a greater amount of force applied to the knee, therefore rendering the lock much more difficult to escape before tissue or ligament damage occurs.

Ankle lock

An ankle lock (occasionally referred to as a shin lock) is a leglock that is applied to any of the joints in the ankle, typically by hyperextending the talocrural joint through plantar hyperflexion. [8] Ankle locks are often applied in a manner which simultaneously causes a compression lock to the achilles tendon, and sometimes also to the calf muscle.

Straight ankle lock

The straight ankle lock (depending on how it is performed is known in judo as an akiresuken-gatame or ashi-hishigi) is what is usually thought of as an ankle lock. It is typically performed using the legs to isolate one of the opponent's legs, and placing the opponent's foot in the armpit, while holding the foot with the forearm at the lower part of the opponent's calf, usually at the achilles tendon. By leveraging the hips forward, the foot becomes forcefully plantar flexed, hence creating a potent joint lock on the ankle. The forearm serves as a fulcrum in the leveraging, and may cause severe pressure on the achilles tendon, especially when the bony parts of the forearm are used. Such a straight ankle lock is sometimes referred to as an "achilles lock".

A figure-four toe hold. Figure four toe hold.jpg
A figure-four toe hold.

Toe hold

A toe hold (also known as ashi-dori-garami in judo) involves using the hands to hyperextend and/or hyperrotate the ankle, typically by grabbing the foot near the toes, and twisting or pushing the foot while controlling the opponent's leg. [9] A common type of toe hold is the figure-four toe hold, where a figure-four hold is used to hold the opponent's foot. This type of toe hold is performed by holding the foot by the toes with one hand, and putting the other hand under the opponent's achilles tendon, and grabbing the wrist. By controlling the opponent's body, and using the hands to plantar flex the foot either straight or slightly sideways, hence putting considerable torque on the ankle. The toe hold can also be applied in a similar position as an ankle lock.

Heel hook

The regular heel hook twists the ankle medially. The opponent's leg is entangled to prevent him from escaping the hold. 040901-M-2789C-004heel hook.jpg
The regular heel hook twists the ankle medially. The opponent's leg is entangled to prevent him from escaping the hold.

A heel hook is a leg lock affecting multiple joints, and is applied by transversely twisting the foot either medially or laterally. [10] The torsional force puts severe torque on the ankle, which in turn transfers torque to the knee.

There are several variations of heel hooks, with the most typical being performed by placing the legs around a leg of an opponent, and holding the opponent's foot in the armpit on the same side. The legs are used to control the movement of the opponent's body while the opponent's foot is twisted by holding the heel with the forearm, and using the whole body to generate a twisting motion, hence creating severe medial torque on the ankle. A similar heel hook can be performed by holding the opponent's foot in the opposite armpit, and twisting it laterally; a move which is referred to as an inverted, reverse or inside heel hook.

Many practitioners considered the heel hook to be a dangerous leg lock, with a high rate of injury, [11] especially to ligaments in the knee. As a result, many popular figures in the grappling world do not believe that heel hooks should be taught to beginners. [12] Despite being a very old technique, [13] the heel hook is illegal in many forms of competitive grappling and was at one point completely banned in Brazilian jiu-jitsu under IBJJF rules, but this was changed for advanced competitors as of 2021. [14] Today there are several exceptions to this, most notably the advanced categories of competition Brazilian jiu-jitsu [15] and Sambo. [16]

Calf crush

A calf crush or calf slicer (also known as calf cutter, knee slicer, or knee separator), known in judo as hiza-hishigi, is a technique wherein one compresses their opponent's leg (heel to butt) while placing one's forearm or shin behind the knee to crush the calf muscle while potentially separating the knee joint. As with biceps slicers, there is a common misconception that this technique causes only pain. Calf locks can cause very serious injuries to the knee as well as damaging the calf muscle, and caution should be a priority when finishing the lock.

See also

Related Research Articles

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brazilian jiu-jitsu</span> Martial art

Brazilian jiu-jitsu is a self-defence martial art and combat sport based on grappling, ground fighting, and submission holds. BJJ focuses on taking ones opponent down to the ground, gaining a dominant position, and using a number of techniques to force them into submission via joint locks or chokeholds.

Professional wrestling holds include a number of set moves and pins used by performers to immobilize their opponents or lead to a submission. This article covers the various pins, stretches and transition holds used in the ring. Some wrestlers use these holds as their finishing maneuvers, often nicknaming them to reflect their character or persona. Moves are listed under general categories whenever possible.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Submission wrestling</span> Fighting style

Submission wrestling, also known as submission grappling, submission fighting or simply grappling, is a competitive martial art and combat sport that focuses on ground fighting and submission techniques. It is a hybrid discipline that incorporates elements of various grappling arts, mostly Brazilian jiu-jitsu but also Judo, Sambo, and wrestling. Submission wrestling is practiced both as a competitive sport and as a training method for self-defence and mixed martial arts (MMA).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Guard (grappling)</span> Position in grappling

The guard is a ground grappling position in which one combatant has their back to the ground while attempting to control the other combatant using their legs. In pure grappling combat sports, the guard is considered an advantageous position, because the bottom combatant can attack with various joint locks and chokeholds, while the top combatant's priority is the transition into a more dominant position, a process known as passing the guard. In the sport of mixed martial arts, as well as hand-to-hand combat in general, it is possible to effectively strike from the top in the guard, even though the bottom combatant exerts some control. There are various types of guard, with their own advantages and disadvantages.

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mount (grappling)</span> Position in grappling

The mount, or mounted position, is a dominant ground grappling position, where one combatant sits on the other combatants torso with the face pointing towards the opponent's head. This is a favorable position for the top combatant in several ways. The top combatant can generate considerable momentum for strikes to the head of the opponent, while the bottom combatant is restricted by the ground and by the combatant on top. Other advantages include various chokeholds and joint locks that can be applied from the top. The bottom combatant will usually look to sweep the opponent or transition into a better position such as the guard.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Small joint manipulation</span>

Small joint manipulation, in grappling, refers to twisting, pulling or bending fingers, toes, wrists and ankles to cause joint locks in the various joints in those appendages.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Side control</span> Grappling position

In grappling, side control is a dominant ground grappling position where the top combatant is lying perpendicularly over the face-up bottom combatant in such a way that the legs are free and he or she exerts no control over the combatant on the bottom. The top combatant is referred to as having side control, and is in a stable position, with the other combatant pinned beneath them. From there the top combatant can proceed with elbows, knees, various submissions, or transition into a mounted position. It is high priority for the bottom combatant to sweep the top combatant or otherwise escape the position, for instance by entangling the opponent's free legs and trying to obtain the half guard or guard.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Grappling hold</span> Martial arts technique

A grappling hold, commonly referred to simply as a hold that in Japanese is referred to as katame-waza, is any specific grappling, wrestling, judo, or other martial art grip that is applied to an opponent. Grappling holds are used principally to control the opponent and to advance in points or positioning. The holds may be categorized by their function, such as clinching, pinning, or submission, while others can be classified by their anatomical effect: chokehold, headlock, joint-lock, or compression lock. Multiple categories may be appropriate for some of these holds.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Spinal lock</span>

In combat sports, a spinal lock is a multiple joint lock applied to the spinal column, which is performed by forcing the spine beyond its normal ranges of motion. This is typically done by bending or twisting the head or upper body into abnormal positions. Commonly, spinal locks might strain the spinal musculature or result in a mild spinal sprain, while a forcefully and/or suddenly applied spinal lock may cause severe ligament damage or damage to the vertebrae, and possibly result in serious spinal cord injury, stroke, or death. Spinal locks and cervical locks are forbidden in IBJJF Brazilian jiu-jitsu competitions, amateur mixed martial arts (MMA), multiple forms of no Gi jiu-jitsu, judo, and other martial arts. However, professional MMA and some Brazilian jiu-jitsu competitions do permit spinal locks and, particularly, neck cranks, and such moves are trained in various MMA and Brazilian jiu-jitsu schools.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wristlock</span>

A wristlock is a joint lock primarily affecting the wrist-joint and, in some cases, the radioulnar joints through rotation of the hand. A wristlock is typically applied by grabbing the opponent's hand, and bending and/or twisting it. Wristlocks are very common in martial arts such as chin-na, aikido, hapkido and jujutsu where they are featured as self-defense techniques. They are also used as submission holds in martial arts such as Brazilian jiu-jitsu and catch wrestling. While being an illegal technique in modern sambo and judo competitions, it is still practiced in judo forms of self-defense kata kōdōkan goshinjutsu. Wristlocks are also widely used as pain compliance holds, often in police, military, and residential treatment centers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Knee-on-stomach</span> Grappling position

Knee-on-stomach, or knee-on-belly, knee-on-chest, knee-ride, knee mount, is a dominant ground grappling position where the top combatant places a knee on the bottom combatant's torso, and usually extends the other leg to the side for balance. This position is typically obtained from side control, simply by rising up slightly and putting a knee on the opponent's stomach or chest.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Compression lock</span> Grappling hold that presses muscle into bone

A compression lock, muscle lock, muscle slicer or muscle crusher, is a grappling hold that causes severe pain by pressing a muscle into a bone. A compression lock can cause a joint lock in a nearby joint when it is applied by squeezing a limb over a fulcrum. A forceful compression lock may damage muscles and tendons, and if accompanied by a joint lock, may also result in torn ligaments, dislocation or bone fractures. Compression locks can be used as pain compliance holds, and are sometimes featured in combat sports as submission holds.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tate shiho gatame</span> Judo technique

Tate-Shiho-Gatame (縦四方固) is one of the seven mat holds, Osaekomi-waza, of Kodokan Judo. In grappling terms, it is categorized as a mounted position.

Ashi-Hishigi also called an Achilles lock or simply an ankle lock, is a technique described in both The Canon Of Judo by Kyuzo Mifune and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Theory and Technique by Renzo Gracie and Royler Gracie as well as demonstrated in the video, The Essence Of Judo. It is classified as a joint lock (Kansetsu-waza), and is not a recognized technique of the Kodokan. However, it is a commonly used technique in both Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tournaments and Mixed martial arts competition.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sweep (martial arts)</span> Martial arts techniques

A sweep is either of two categories of martial arts techniques. From standing, sweeps are throws or takedowns that primarily use the legs to attack an opponent's legs. On the ground, sweeps are techniques for reversing a grappling position from a guard position.

References

  1. ↑ Trnka, Tue. MMA-ordbogen. www.mmareporter.dk. URL last accessed February 5, 2006. (In Danish)
  2. ↑ Riccaldi, Alain. Catch Wrestling Leg Locks. www.fightordie.it. URL last accessed February 5, 2006. (In Italian)
  3. ↑ Judo Leg Locks. Leg locks
  4. ↑ "Judo Leglocks – Judo Info". judoinfo.com. Archived from the original on 2013-08-09. Retrieved 2010-11-24.
  5. ↑ International Judo Federation. IJF Referee Rules Archived 2012-04-15 at the Wayback Machine . www.ijf.org. URL last accessed January 7, 2006.
  6. ↑ "Submission History: The Origins Of The Heelhook". Jitsmagazine.com. 2020-08-12. Retrieved 2020-10-27.
  7. ↑ Bison Grappling. Heel hook. bisons.net. URL last accessed February 5, 2006.
  8. ↑ Kesting, Stephan. Breaking down the Ankle Lock, Kneebar Mastery: Fixing the Most Common Mistakes. www.grapplearts.com. URL last accessed February 5, 2006.
  9. ↑ Gotch, Frank. The toe hold. gnarlmaster.tripod.com. URL last accessed February 5, 2006.
  10. ↑ Pearson, Charlie. Heel hook. www.lockflow.org. URL last accessed February 4, 2006.
  11. ↑ Burne, Kathrine. "Are Heel Hooks Actually Dangerous?". JitsMagazine. Retrieved 28 April 2023.
  12. ↑ Rogers, Kian. "Jocko Willink Believes White Belts Should Not Be Taught Heelhooks". JitsMagazine. Retrieved 27 April 2023.
  13. ↑ Lindsey, Alex. "Submission History: The Origins Of The Heelhook". JitsMagazine. Retrieved 27 April 2023.
  14. ↑ Lindsey, Alex. "It's Official, Heelhooks And Reaping Are Coming To The IBJJF In 2021". JitsMagazine. Retrieved 27 April 2023.
  15. ↑ International Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Federation (for beginners, not advanced practitioners)Rules. www.cbjj.com.br. URL last accessed February 5, 2006
  16. ↑ "US sambo rules". ussambo.com. Archived from the original on 2009-03-06. Retrieved 2013-11-04.
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