.
.

The Evolution of Leg Locks in MMA and BJJ: From Forbidden Technique to Necessary Skill

The Evolution of Leg Locks in MMA and BJJ: From Forbidden Technique to Necessary Skill

Leg locks have taken an interesting path in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA) and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). Once seen as a dangerous and dishonorable move, leg locks are now a core part of grappling.

They also had a reputation for being “cheap” or dishonorable, which was a common belief in BJJ circles. Many traditionalists thought that they didn’t need as much skill as other submissions. This mindset stayed around for years, with the move often seen as a last resort. Yet, those who used to avoid them have started to embrace them.

This shift has changed how many fighters approach submissions in both sports. If you love live betting, you can also train yourself to change your mindset to match that of the experts. They train, learn from their mistakes, and always rise to meet a challenge, and you can too! Beat the odds, just like this unconventional technique.

Early Perceptions

In the 1990s, BJJ was still growing in popularity, and at the same time, MMA was getting its start. The UFC had just begun, and most fans were unfamiliar with this aspect of the sport. Grapplers like Royce Gracie shocked the world with their ground game, but leg locks were still uncommon.

Many relied on submissions like rear-naked chokes, triangle chokes, and armbars. These techniques were not only effective but also viewed as more respectful. Many coaches felt that leg locks were dangerous, both for the person applying them and the person defending as it was easy to injure someone’s knee or ankle if the technique wasn’t done perfectly.

The Rise of Specialists

Despite the negative views, a small group of martial artists from certain backgrounds, like Sambo or Catch Wrestling, continued to use leg locks.

One of the first fighters to make leg locks more visible in MMA was Ken Shamrock. Coming from a Catch Wrestling background, he had a strong knowledge of leg submissions. His success helped shine a light on the techniques, yet they still didn’t become mainstream.

It wasn’t until the 2010s that it started to gain real momentum. A new generation began to study them more closely largely driven by the guidance of one key figure: John Danaher. A coach and BJJ instructor, he saw the potential of the move. He believed it had been overlooked and underdeveloped.

Danaher’s belief was shared by his students, especially those in the Danaher Death Squad (DDS). Names like Gordon Ryan, Garry Tonon, and Eddie Cummings became famous for their methods and showed that they could be controlled and applied safely.

The Revolution

The rise of Danaher’s students started what many call the “leg lock revolution,” where many dominated competitions with their leg attacks. It became clear that these weren’t just dangerous—they were an essential part of modern grappling.

With this change, they started to lose their stigma, as more began to realize that avoiding them was a weakness. In both MMA and BJJ, leg lock defense became necessary, and those who didn’t know how to deal with this were at a serious disadvantage. As a result, many teams started to include it in their regular training.

Leg Locks in MMA

The impact of this in MMA has also grown, as names like Ryan Hall, Rousimar Palhares, and others have used leg locks successfully in high-level fights. The sport’s fast-paced nature makes it harder to apply these submissions, but they remain a deadly tool in the right hands.

They do require a different approach though, as the risk of strikes means that participants can’t spend too long attacking the lower limbs, but with the right setup and timing, it can still be a fight-ending technique. They have become especially useful for those who specialize in grappling.

 

Sloth Jiu-Jitsu: you can be slow and unathletic and still kick butt in Jiu-Jitsu.

Welcome to SLOTH Jiu-jitsu – the ultimate programme for conserving energy, utilising body weight and taking your time! An especially effective strategy for older or less athletic competitors, but suitable and highly recommended for all jiu-jitsu practitioners. 12 chapters taught in person by 3rd Degree BJJ Black Belt Gile Huni.