Ep. 286: Submission Series: Ankle Locks, feat. Lucas Wilhan
May 26, 2024
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Black belt Lucas Wilhan discusses ankle locks in BJJ, including evolution, effectiveness, strategies, and variants. He shares insights on mastering ankle locks, embracing both Gi and No-Gi styles, and modern Jiu-Jitsu techniques. The discussion covers training methodologies, instructional courses, and premium subscription offerings.
Ankle locks have evolved with new variations like the shotgun and Polish ankle locks, offering diverse finishing options.
Modern ankle locks emphasize hybrid breaking mechanics for increased effectiveness through linear, rotational, and compression breaks.
Tactical camping in leg entanglements and considering body type are crucial for executing ankle locks effectively against opponents with different attributes.
Deep dives
Ankle Lock Myths and Evolution
The podcast discusses the evolution and myths surrounding ankle locks in jiu-jitsu. Contrary to the belief that ankle locks are ineffective, recent developments have shown their effectiveness, especially at the highest levels of competition. New variations like the shotgun ankle lock and Polish ankle lock have emerged, offering more powerful and diverse finishing options. An emphasis is placed on understanding the mechanics and predictability of opponents' responses to maximize the effectiveness of ankle locks.
Hybrid Mechanics in Ankle Locks
The conversation delves into the mechanics of modern ankle locks, emphasizing the importance of hybrid breaking approaches. By incorporating linear, rotational, and compression breaks, modern ankle lock variations like the Cloverleaf ankle lock achieve increased effectiveness. The discussion highlights the significance of combining multiple breaking mechanics to enhance the power and versatility of ankle lock submissions.
Tactical Camping and Body Type Considerations
The podcast explores the concept of tactical camping in jiu-jitsu, particularly in leg entanglements like the outside ashi guruma position. Camping serves as a strategic approach to control opponents psychologically and force reactions. Additionally, the conversation touches on the relevance of body type in executing ankle locks, noting that body attributes such as height and leg length can impact the execution and success of ankle lock techniques.
Techniques for Different Body Types and Size Discrepancies
When faced with opponents who have longer legs or a significant weight advantage, like heavyweight fighters, different techniques and adjustments are necessary. It's crucial to attack the end of the lever effectively, creating frames to prevent opponents from gaining close range or applying excessive pressure on the leg. Moreover, when engaging in leg submissions such as the straight ankle lock, one must be mindful of body types and the potential risks involved, especially with substantial size differences, to avoid potential injuries.
Exploring Modern Variants and Strategies for Ankle Locks
Delving into modern variations of ankle locks, practitioners discuss techniques like the Polish ankle lock and the Ioki lock as contemporary takes on the traditional straight ankle lock. Varying approaches are explored, with considerations for body types and preference for certain techniques evolving over time. Demonstrating the importance of sensitivity and adaptability, practitioners emphasize the need to assess the effectiveness of ankle lock variants and transition to alternative submissions when necessary.
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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