Ep. 286: Submission Series: Ankle Locks, feat. Lucas Wilhan
May 27, 2024
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Lucas Wilhan, black belt under Bruno Fernandes, discusses ankle locks in BJJ. Topics include evolution of ankle locks, outside ashi position, mastering techniques, and unity in training. Emphasizes modernization, strategic considerations, and risks of weight discrepancies.
Ankle locks have evolved with new variations and breaking mechanics, enhancing their effectiveness in modern jiu-jitsu.
Utilizing camping techniques in ankle locks creates pressure and control, leading to successful transitions to sweeps or submissions.
Adaptations in applying ankle locks based on body types and opponent sizes are crucial for securing effective submissions in Jiu-Jitsu.
Deep dives
Evolution of Ankle Locks in Modern Jiu-Jitsu
Ankle locks have evolved from being viewed as less effective submissions to becoming a crucial part of the leg lock game in modern jiu-jitsu. With the emergence of new variations like the shotgun ankle lock and the Polish ankle lock, practitioners can now apply multiple breaking mechanics, including linear, rotational, and compression breaks, making the submissions more effective and versatile.
Camping in Leg Entanglements
Camping, typically associated with controlling a position to make the opponent work harder, has found a place in leg entanglements, especially with ankle locks. By maintaining the Achilles grip and using frames like shoulder or lat posts, practitioners can create a check position where opponents feel pressured and unable to escape easily from outside Ashi Garami or similar entanglements before transitioning to sweeps or other submissions.
Body Type Considerations in Ankle Locks
Adjustments in applying ankle locks based on body type are crucial. Factors like height and leg length influence the effectiveness of ankle locks. Practitioners with longer limbs can create greater extension on the Achilles, while those with shorter limbs may face challenges against taller opponents who can resist the lock by leveraging their calf muscles or extending their legs to avoid submissions.
Varied Approaches to Straight Ankle Locks
Utilizing different techniques like the belly-down ankle lock when facing opponents with longer legs is crucial to ensure attacking the lever's end effectively in Jiu-Jitsu. Adjusting strategies based on opponent size discrepancies, such as heavyweight versus middleweight matchups, highlights the importance of targeting vulnerable areas with adequate framing to prevent counterattacks.
Considerations for Optimal Straight Ankle Lock Execution
Emphasizing the significance of maintaining a strong, tight grip around the Achilles, along with appropriate framing to thwart opponent movements during the ankle lock application in Jiu-Jitsu. Avoiding tunnel vision and adapting to opponent responses underscore the need for strategic sensitivity and positional awareness to secure effective submissions successfully.
This week we're joined by Lucas Wilhan! Lucas is a black belt under Bruno Fernandes and is the head instructor at Lapel Arts in Vancouver, BC, Canada. In this episode, Lucas joins us to break down concepts behind the ankle lock, and to discuss modern innovations and variants around this submission.
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