Learn the effective BJJ Calf Slicer leg lock with this detailed guide. Master step-by-step instructions, common mistakes, and key details for this...
Leg Lock
Blue/Purple
β οΈSafety WarningThis technique carries a high risk of serious injury, especially to the knee or ankle. Do not attempt without qualified instructor supervision. Beginners should build fundamental skills before training leg locks.
π₯ Purple Belt
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Advanced
The Calf Slicer, also known as a Calf Crush, is a potent BJJ leg lock submission that targets the calf muscle, creating immense pressure and pain. It works by placing a hard 'blade' (often your shin bone or forearm) behind the opponent's calf and applying opposing force to compress the muscle against the bone. This technique can be incredibly effective when applied correctly, leading to a quick tap.
Technique Map
graph LR
Leg_Lock["Leg Lock"]:::catNode
Leg_Lock --> Calf_Slicer
Calf_Slicer["Calf Slicer"]:::currentNode
Calf_Slicer -.-> Heel_Hook["Heel Hook"]:::relNode
Calf_Slicer -.-> Inside_Heel_Hook["Inside Heel Hook"]:::relNode
Calf_Slicer -.-> Outside_Heel_Hook["Outside Heel Hook"]:::relNode
Calf_Slicer -.-> Knee_Bar["Knee Bar"]:::relNode
Calf_Slicer -.-> Toe_Hold["Toe Hold"]:::relNode
classDef currentNode fill:#f59e0b,stroke:#fff,color:#fff,font-weight:700
classDef relNode fill:#141926,stroke:#1f2840,color:#a78bfa
classDef catNode fill:#1f2840,stroke:#7c6af7,color:#7c6af7,font-style:italic
How to Execute
1
Secure the Leg: From a leg entanglement (like 50/50 or leg drag), isolate one of your opponent's legs, ensuring you have control of their foot/ankle.
2
Position the Blade: Bring your shin bone or forearm across the back of their calf muscle, just below the knee, ensuring your 'blade' is perpendicular to their leg.
3
Create the Wedge: Loop your arm over their shin/ankle, connecting your hands to form a strong, tight grip (e.g., S-grip or Gable grip) around their leg and your own 'blade'.
4
Control the Foot: Use your free hand or your body to control their foot, preventing them from rotating out and helping to direct the pressure.
5
Apply Pressure: Bridge your hips forward and/or extend your body, driving your 'blade' into their calf while simultaneously pulling their foot towards their buttock.
6
Finish the Submission: Continue to squeeze your grip and extend your body, creating a powerful slicing action on their calf until they tap.
Key Details & Tips
1
Blade Placement is Crucial: Ensure your shin bone or forearm is directly behind the thickest part of their calf muscle, not on the Achilles or knee joint, to maximize pressure.
2
Maintain a Tight Grip: A strong, locked grip (S-grip or Gable grip) around their leg and your own 'blade' is essential to prevent them from escaping the wedge.
3
Control the Foot and Ankle: Preventing your opponent from rotating their foot significantly increases the effectiveness and difficulty of their escape.
4
Hip Engagement: Drive with your hips and extend your body, rather than just pulling with your arms, to generate maximum power and leverage for the submission.
Variations
1
Shin-on-Shin Calf Slicer: Often executed from positions like 50/50 or X-Guard, where your shin is used as the 'blade' against their calf.
2
Arm-Triangle Style Calf Slicer: Using your forearm as the 'blade' and locking your hands around their leg and your bicep, similar to an arm-triangle choke setup.
3
Calf Slicer from the Truck/Back Control: When you have back control or a truck position, you can often isolate a leg and apply a calf slicer using your shin.
When to Use
The Calf Slicer is highly effective in various leg entanglement positions, particularly from 50/50 guard, Reverse De La Riva, or when an opponent defends against other leg locks by turning away. It can also be set up from leg drags, knee shield Guard Passes, or even certain back control scenarios where you can isolate a leg.
Counters & Defenses
1
Straighten the Leg: The primary defense is to straighten your leg, removing the bend that allows the wedge to form and relieving the pressure.
2
Turn into the Pressure: Rotate your body and knee towards your opponent, alleviating the slicing action and making it harder for them to maintain the angle.
3
Peel Off the Grip: Use your hands to pry apart your opponent's grip, breaking their connection around your leg and their 'blade'.
4
Stack and Drive: If possible, stack your opponent, putting pressure on their hips and breaking their posture, which can disrupt their leverage.
Calf SLICERS from everywhere!
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βοΈ Training Safety & Performance
Q: Is the Calf Slicer legal in BJJ competition?
The legality of the Calf Slicer varies significantly by federation, belt level, and age group. In IBJJF, Calf Slicers are generally permitted at Brown and Black belt levels in adult divisions, but often illegal for lower belts and in most kids' divisions. Always check the specific rules of the tournament you are competing in.
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