Learn to apply effective BJJ wrist locks from various positions. This comprehensive guide covers step-by-step technique, common variations, and crucial...
Joint 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 wrist lock is a potent joint lock in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu that targets the opponent's wrist joint, causing pain and forcing a tap. Often underestimated, it can be a highly effective submission when applied correctly and opportunistically from various positions. Mastering the wrist lock adds a powerful, often unexpected, weapon to your BJJ arsenal.
Technique Map
graph LR
Joint_Lock["Joint Lock"]:::catNode
Joint_Lock --> Wrist_Lock
Wrist_Lock["Wrist Lock"]:::currentNode
Wrist_Lock -.-> Armbar["Armbar"]:::relNode
Wrist_Lock -.-> Kimura["Kimura"]:::relNode
Wrist_Lock -.-> Americana["Americana"]:::relNode
Wrist_Lock -.-> Omoplata["Omoplata"]:::relNode
classDef currentNode fill:#f97316,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
Isolate the Wrist: Begin by isolating your opponent's wrist, often by gripping their hand or sleeve. Ensure you have a strong, controlling grip that prevents them from easily pulling their hand away.
2
Control the Hand: With one hand, cup the back of their hand or fingers, ensuring their palm is facing you or slightly upwards. Your other hand should secure their wrist just above the hand.
3
Create Leverage: Position your thumbs on the back of their hand, near the knuckles, and your fingers wrapped around their palm. Your other hand provides stability and prevents their wrist from rotating.
4
Apply Pressure: Gently but firmly push their knuckles towards their forearm while simultaneously flexing their wrist downwards. The pressure should be directed to bend the wrist beyond its natural range of motion.
5
Maintain Control & Finish: Keep a tight grip and slowly increase the pressure until your opponent taps. Ensure your body position supports the leverage and prevents them from escaping.
Key Details & Tips
1
Subtle Application: Wrist locks are often 'sneaky' and require precise timing and control rather than brute force. Focus on angles and leverage.
2
Opponent Reaction: Many opponents will instinctively pull away or try to flatten their hand, which can sometimes make the lock easier to apply if you maintain control and follow their movement.
3
Safety First: Apply pressure slowly and allow your partner ample time to tap. Wrist locks can cause injury if applied too quickly or with excessive force, so always prioritize safety.
4
Body Mechanics: Use your whole body, not just your arms, to create leverage and maintain control, making the submission more powerful and less fatiguing for you.
Variations
1
Sleeve Grip Wrist Lock: Often applied from guard or mount, using a sleeve grip to control the hand and applying pressure with the other hand to bend the wrist.
2
Straight Jacket Wrist Lock: From side control or mount, using your arm to pin their wrist to the mat and applying pressure with your body weight and hand.
3
Figure-Four Wrist Lock: Securing the opponent's wrist with one hand and then using your other hand to grab your own wrist, creating a figure-four grip for maximum leverage and control.
When to Use
Wrist locks are highly versatile and can be applied from various positions. They are particularly effective from the guard (especially closed or spider guard) when your opponent posts their hand, from side control or Mount when they defend by posting, or standing in the clinch when an opponent grips your gi or body. Opportunistic wrist locks can also be caught during scrambles or transitions when an opponent is trying to regain posture or balance.
Counters & Defenses
1
Pull Hand Back & Curl: Immediately pull your hand away and out of the grip, curling your fingers into a tight fist to reduce the surface area and strength of your wrist.
2
Rotate Wrist: Rotate your wrist to relieve the pressure and break the angle of the lock, making it harder for the opponent to apply the necessary bend.
3
Straighten Arm: Fully extend your arm and straighten your wrist to remove the bend, eliminating the leverage point for the wrist lock.
4
Attack the Grip: Directly attack the opponent's grip on your hand or wrist, peeling away their fingers or breaking their hold.
βοΈ Training Safety & Performance
Q: Are wrist locks considered legal in BJJ competitions?
Yes, wrist locks are generally legal at blue belt and above in most major BJJ organizations like IBJJF, though specific rules can vary by federation, age group, and even division (e.g., gi vs. no-gi). Always check the rule set of your specific competition before applying them.
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