A wrist lock is a joint lock that effects wrist joint through hand rotation. Wrist locks are very common in martial arts like Jujitsu, Aikido, Krav Maga, Hapkido were they are used as self-defense techniques.They are permitted to use in the combat sports like Brazilian Jiu-jitsu and catch wrestling but illegal in Judo and Sambo.
Jiu Jitsu wrist locks
Many of the wrist lock techniques taught in traditional martial arts are usually performed against an unresisting opponent so their application in the real fight is questionable. This is where BJJ prevails, it test wrist lock techniques against a fully resisting opponent so it is easy to see if something works or not. Although wrist locks are very effective if done properly, they are not common submission in the BJJ.
Wrist lock can be done from deferent positions like standing up in a grip fight, bottom closed guard, side control. Great opportunity to pull off this submission is from failed armbars or omoplatas. When your opponent starts folding their hand towards their wrist, that is a good moment to do a wrist lock.
Wrist Locks From Guard
Press In Wrist Lock is one of the most simple technique.It is best utilized when your opponent puts his hands on your hips while locking his arms out. Use your outside arm to pull the elbow away from the body, then use your other hand to double up on your hold. Too tap opponent just Press down and do a crunch.
Calasans Americana is wrist lock named after famous by BJJ champion, Claudio Calasans. This submission is set up like Americana from the guard and to work you must secure opponents elbow tight to your chest.Also when you have a grip on his hand between wrist and finger you switch to Americana grip.To finish you push the opponents hand to his shoulder.
Standard wrist lock from the guard is a simple but effective technique to surprise your opponent and force them to tap. The first step is to pull your opponents arm to your shoulder like when doing armbar, except you gonna use your other hand to bring opponents hand to his hip. To finish, turn his fingers to his body and fold arm towards your opponent. If you cannot finish with one hand, use your other hand while pressing his elbow.
Wrist locks From Side Control
Among all submissions from side control available in Jiu Jitsu sometimes its good to mix thing up. Sometimes well performed wrist locks can win you a fight or make opponent open up space for other submissions. The most important thing from this position is that you have a good base so your opponent won’t just bridge you out of position. Use your knee and elbow to control his shoulder and hip and your chin to lock his wrist in a position where fingers point away from you. After connect both of your hands at the tip of his elbow while keeping your chin down and bringing shoulder towards his elbow to finish wrist lock.
Conclusion
Wrist locks are amazing technique when drilled properly and applied correctly.Most schools don’t do them so a lot of people won’t be expecting it.It is always a good thing to increase your range of submissions that you can use at competitions or in the sparing. However, take cushion when using wrist locks on a teammate because they can make serious damage to the wrist. This submission is legal in competition from Blue belt under IBJJ rules. These are attacks that are very effective but also very dangerous for your opponent since for wrist lock to be effective you must execute them in fast and explosive manner. Wrist locks in Jiu Jitsu are best used as a surprise attack and when attacked by surprise your joint will take bigger damage because it was relaxed. Also, the range of motion of the wrists isn’t so big, so it is much harder to tap on time.
