How to Perform a Leg Lock for Mixed Martial Arts Fighting
Use of leg locks in martial arts fighting styles has been frowned upon in the past, but has become more accepted. The danger in leg submissions is that your opponent may not feel the pain until a tear or break occurs.
If you are in a competitive setting and have solid leg control, the most sportsman thing to do is to apply the lock slowly to cause your opponent to tap and avoid a potential career ending injury. If your opponent does not tap, they may be able to escape and gain a superior position. If you find yourself caught in a leg lock, avoid attempting to “roll out." Doing so will help you avoid injury. The best counter to a leg attack is a leg counter attack. Follow a few steps in order to apply a figure four leg lock properly.
- Ensure that your opponent is lying on the ground in a supine position in order to properly position for and initiate the leg lock.
- Grab your opponent’s right leg, and position your left leg over his right leg. The result should be that you are facing away from your opponent.
- Grab your opponent’s left leg, and bend their right leg. The result will be that your opponent’s right foot is resting on his left leg just above the knee. Face to the left of your opponent, and their legs should begin to form a “P” or a “4”, and your right leg should be threaded through the hold in the “P” or the “4”.
- Hold the position, and lean back, twisting to the right, and land on your back. Your positioning should be at the opposite end of your opponent, but not on him.
- Hook your left leg over your opponent’s foot to properly finish the move.