Issue 057
December 2009
In Brazilian jiu-jitsu, leg locks are often neglected until students reach an advanced level. As no-gi competition has become more popular over the years, the appearance of leg locks in MMA has become more commonplace. Popularized by Russian Sambo fighters, the straight ankle lock (or Achilles) can be applied anywhere between the ankle and just below the knee, but the ‘sweet spot’ is just above the ankle on the Achilles tendon. Like most compression locks or ‘muscle crushes’, the straight Achilles generally causes submission by pain compliance, leaving no lasting injury. If applied with sufficient force it can, contrary to popular belief, cause lasting damage to the muscle and tendon and potentially cause an ankle separation.
3 minute clinic
Angle
The Achilles should never be executed lying on both shoulders. In order to prevent escape and apply effective pressure, the attacker should always fall to one side or face down. This is especially important in MMA, where the leglocker must be mindful of the opponent counter punching while you are unable to defend your face.
The Grip
There are a few acceptable grips for the straight Achilles. Here we see the ‘cup and saucer’, a closed fist enclosed in the palm of the other hand. This grip makes it easier to slice the ‘blade’ of the arm (the sharp edge of the forearm bone) into the leg. Royler Gracie tends to favor a figure-four held over the shin, which can afford greater control over the leg in some circumstances, allowing the attacker to track a rolling opponent more easily.
The Feet
The traditional Achilles lock sees the heel pressing tight against the hip, while the leg between that of the opponent’s legs has the heel hidden away to prevent a heel hook counter. More recently, many fighters have started hiding the bottom leg under the opponent to prevent it from being attacked with a leg lock counter.
Peter Irving is a professional welterweight fighter and Fighters Only’s resident fight expert. With a record of 9-6-1, Irving has fought in Europe and the USA, and currently holds the Strike & Submit and 10th Legion European Titles.
Fake guard pass to Achilles
Step 1: Pete is standing in Jack’s open guard, attempting to control Jack’s feet. Pete is pressuring down on Jack’s shins to prevent the up-kick.
Step 2: Pete wraps Jack’s ankle, taking care to secure the leg without gripping so tightly that his intention to attack with a leglock becomes obvious. Pete still wants Jack to think he is trying to pass his guard.
Step 3: Pete puts his heel on to Jack’s hip to attack the leg and grips up his hands. If he falls on his back and then tries to apply the leglock, Jack will realize his intentions and be ready to defend. The key to a successful leglock is surprise.
Step 4: Pete lands on his side, not on his back. If he falls back he will make it easy for Jack to stand up above him, opening himself up to punches and increasing Jack’s chances of escaping.
Step 5: Pete slides his right arm through and drives the blade of the forearm into the back of Jack’s leg.
Step 6: Pete looks back and arches his back to apply maximum pressure to the ankle.
Achilles from the guard
Step 1: Pete is underneath Jack working an open guard with both hooks behind Jack’s knees. Pete has his hands up, anticipating Jack’s strikes.
Step 2: Pete slips to the right and winds his near hook through and around Jack’s leg to place his heel on Jack’s hip. Pete uses his left hand to collapse Jack’s knee, helping to rotate Jack away from Pete’s head, making it more difficult for Jack to strike down at him.
Step 3: Pete takes his far hook from behind Jack’s knee and places it on his inside thigh, just above the knee. He kicks away to collapse Jack’s base, forcing him to turn further and lifting his near heel off the mat.
Step 4: As Jack is forced to the mat Pete wraps the ankle and turns up to his knees.
Step 5: Pete sits up holding the ankle tight beneath his armpit and looks upwards to apply the pressure.
