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Leglock theory for no-gi BJJ


Leglock theory for no-gi BJJ

Some leglock theory for no-gi BJJ that we teach here at Savarese BJJ (www.njbjj.com) goes as follows. Break them down to a hip: One of the distinguishing characteristics of the revolution in leg locking that has swept the world was the heavy emphasis on leg locking from bottom position. In the old days, the vast majority of leg lock entries were from top position. Indeed, leg locking was largely seen as an alternative to guard passing. This created a lot of naïve criticisms of leg leg locking that seem almost out of touch nowadays. Students were told that leg locks were a bad idea because if it didn’t work you would lose top position. Well, what if we entered from bottom position? Then there was no danger of positional loss, and many leglockers who compete in grappling have put their emphasis there. There are many, many great entries from bottom position into an opponents legs. But be sure to realize that though your ENTRIES into the legs will be on a standing or kneeling opponent in your guard, be sure to knock your opponents down to their hips/buttocks (or at the very least one knee) before you start working for your FINISHES. It is quite difficult and risky to try finishing as a skilled opponent stands over you. Much safer to off balance him down to a hip first and then and only then start working for the finish. Remember always that the magic of ashi garami position is that it has a dual nature. It is just as good for off balancing and sweeping as it is for finishing. Use both of those aspects of ashi garami from bottom position and your success rate from under tough opponents will start climbing in the directions you want!