Leg locks are so wonderful, aren’t they!?

Through my years of learning the sport and training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, I have grown to love leg locks and how effective they can be and how quickly they can end a match.

Yet, I also understand that they can be more complex than most submission holds, so it takes time to work on them and to fully digest them.  For those looking to get into the leg lock game, it can be overwhelming at the start, however, today I’m here to share one of my basic drills to help you improve your leg lock setup!

Breaking It Down Into Manageable Pieces

When looking to add new tools to your game, especially if it’s something as fragile in nature as the leg lock, you must be willing to break it down into pieces so that you don’t try to learn too much, too soon.

In this particular drill, you can see I’m focusing on setting up the 50/50 and going for the achillies lock.

The setup is very important; as it will dictate the entire move once you hit the mat.  You can see how much I stress the leg placement—in fact, that’s basically the drill!

With your partner, while on the mat, isolate one leg and initiate the 50/50 guard.  Once here, look to bring your leg into place, by brining it over their leg and firmly onto their hip. You can learn more about the 50/50 in this article by Science of Skill!

The focus on the drill is the actual movement of that leg, and where you are placing it on their hip.  Don’t just go through the motion and let it take it’s time finding a home, be forceful with it and keep it tight to your partners body.

Constant repetition of this setup will make it second nature once you find yourself in a live grappling situation.

Drilling With A Purpose And With A Patience

I’m sure by now you’ve been around the block when it comes to grappling.  You’ve likely heard about certain advanced techniques that you want to learn, or certain habits leading up to a match that will help you perform…the list goes on and on.

One thing you’ve likely heard is how dangerous drilling leg locks can be.  While I am a major supporter of the holds, I do agree 100% that these are to be used with caution, especially when working on them with a training partner of yours.

All it takes is one exaggerated move or tweak of the body and your partner could be on the shelf for some time, and if this happens, then you’ll probably become labeled as someone dangerous to work with, leaving you as an outcast in the gym.

So be smart when going for these holds and drills in practice!  Leg locks will make you feared in competition, which is exactly what you want, but you don’t want to be feared in practice among your own partners.You can learn more about drilling in this article by Grapple Arts!

Grapple safe and grapple smart!

Dan Faggella