Leg locks in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

The training of leg lock submissions has always been a controversial issue in the grappling arts.  Sambo and catch wrestling practitioners swear by them while jiu-jitsu and judo players downplay or completely ignore their use.  Moves such as the ankle lock, kneebar, heelhook and toehold were made popular in the Russian military because injuring the legs would render the enemy unable to walk without the aid of another person.  Many instructors frown upon beginners using leg locks because they can be dangerous if done recklessly.  This is true, but the same goes for many other techniques such as the kimura which can lead to shoulder injuries if applied without regard for safety.  Currently the IBJJF only allows kneebars and toe holds in the brown and black belt divisions while heel hooks are completely illegal.  There is also the no-reaping rule which is controversial in itself.  It states that a competitor may not pass his or her leg over the hip bone of the opponent when attacking the legs or else be immediately disqualified.  While this regulation was probably put in place for safety issues, it has also caused confusion and frustration among the athletes.  This is mostly due to the vagueness of the exact point at which the leg could be considered past the hip bone.  In some cases the rule has even been taken advantage of (i.e. when a competitor intentionally moves the opponents leg past the hip bone to have him or her disqualified).  The only real solution is to get rid of the no-reaping rule and encourage more control in the application of leg locks in competition.

While most leg locks are illegal in jiu-jitsu competition with the exception of the brown and black belt divisions, they should still be practiced in training by lower belt players (especially those who aim to compete).  This is not to say that from now on every white belt out there should start slinging heelhooks with reckless abandon; instead they should focus on learning the fundamental technique first just as they would with any other move then slowly integrate it into their game with safety in mind.  For example, at Renzo Gracie Pittsburgh we frequently work on leglocks in our advanced nogi class but stress controlled live sessions where the emphasis is placed more on correct technique rather than going all-out for the submission.  It is important to learn these leg attacks (and escapes) from the start in order to have a more complete game.  This is probably why many high-level jiu-jitsu practitioners who neglect leglocks end up losing in competitions where their opponents are not necessarily more skilled, but simply have more weapons in their arsenal.  Anyone who recently competed at the Slippery Rock University tournament can relate to this.

Leglocks have gained prominence not only in the submission grappling scene lately but in mixed martial arts, as well.  While he is now on a two fight losing streak, Rousimar Palhares went on a tear in the UFC not too long ago where he established a reputation for his ruthless leglock attacks.  This, combined with his physical strength and episodes of mental instability, made him a feared opponent in the middleweight division.  Few wanted to face him because there was such a strong possibility of suffering a serious injury during the fight and being out for months or even years.  While Palhares is an exceptional example, it should be noted how big of an impact leglocks can make in competition, both physically and mentally.

Gokor Chivichyan once said "I believe the reason why we don't see leglocks in grappling and MMA as often as other submission techniques is simply because most people don't know how to do them."

This quote essentially sums up why leglocks should be practiced more in jiu-jitsu.  It's that element of surprise, that extra tool in the box that gives the player a certain advantage over his or her opponent and at the highest levels sometimes that makes all the difference between a win and a loss.

To observe leglocks being used effectively, watch videos of Dean Lister, Vinny Magalhaes, Davi Ramos and Sambo practitioners in action.


-Dino

A Quick Insight Into BJJ Competition

Competition plays a huge role in every sport, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is no exception. On October 15, 2011, several members of RGA Pittsburgh put their skills to the test at the 5th Annual Western PA Grappling Championships. Afterwards, I got the chance to interview one of our white belt competitors, Jonas Rubiano, and pick his brain about the experience.


What was the hardest obstacle to conquer? Was it mental, physical, or a combination of both?
I'd say the hardest obstacle, for me, was the physical aspect. This is because I worked at 6:00 AM that morning, and not having a chance to eat a good meal at all that day was tough on the body. I feel it's easy to get mentally focused since you have time to prepare for that and when you see other competitors your adrenaline starts.

Mentally and physically, how did you prepare for competition?
I mentally prepared by having a set playlist of songs I work out to. Then, before I compete I listen to or sing those songs to myself and get my mind back into the state of being focused. Physically, I only had two matches so all I really did was try to stretch the night before, make sure I ate right and that I was nice and limber before competition.

What was your favorite and least favorite aspect of competing?
My favorite aspect of competing is the pure rush of going up against people of a similar skill set. My least favorite part is losing, obviously.

Which was more difficult, the gi or nogi division?
I would say the no-gi division was a little more difficult because the chances of competitors sand-bagging their skills are much higher, while the belt rankings in gi competition tend to prevent that.

Do you have any tips for future BJJ competitors?
Just be mentally ready to fight your fight. Don't worry about your opponent's plan. Trust your skills and yourself.

What did you get out of the experience? Was it a good or bad one for you?
It was a good experience for me; I took a lot of good out of it. Even though I lost in the end, I still felt I had a good showing. It made me more aware of where I needed to improve.

Did the skills you learned in the gym translate well to your fights?
Yes, the techniques I practiced in the gym translated well in my fights, although the timing to execute them was rushed. I believe that if you know the move and its counter, it makes your game much stronger.

Do you think it’s important to have a game plan?
I believe it is important to have a game plan, but I also think that you need to have heart and confidence. Without those, a game plan won't be executed because there is room left for doubt.

What’s your favorite technique in BJJ?
My favorite technique in BJJ is the triangle choke. I like to utilize it from my guard as either a threat to chain to another submission or as a sweep.

Did competition bring your weaknesses to light? What are some things you feel you need to work on?
Any test of skill such as a competition will bring out the areas you need work on, but I feel as though you should already have an idea of that weakness. That way, competition will only confirm or deny it. I'd say I need to work on my strength training the most but also holding positions for points before advancing or going for the submission.