Leg Locks v Guard Passing

In modern Jiu-Jitsu, one debate has ignited fierce passion: Leg Locks versus Traditional Passing. It's not just a debate about technique; it's a clash of philosophies.

Leg locks have surged dramatically over the last decade, led by innovators like Gordon Ryan, Craig Jones, and the Danaher Death Squad. They've revolutionized competitive grappling, showcasing devastating submissions like heel hooks, toe holds, and ankle locks. Supporters argue leg locks represent the cutting edge of grappling, rendering traditional passing outdated and predictable. They insist leg locks democratize the sport, allowing smaller athletes to dominate stronger opponents through superior strategy and technique.

Traditional guard passers, however, fiercely defend their approach. They argue that positional dominance, pressure, and control represent the core of true Jiu-Jitsu. Guard passing isn't flashy—it’s brutal efficiency. Its practitioners insist that relying heavily on leg locks is inherently risky, inviting catastrophic counters, injuries, and positional disadvantages. For traditionalists, leg locks feel more like gambling than grappling—thrilling but fundamentally unreliable.

So who's right?

The fact is, modern competitive results increasingly favor the leg lockers. Matches frequently end in lightning-fast submissions, proving that a skilled leg locker can dismantle even experienced traditionalists. Traditional passing, while effective, is becoming predictable against elite-level opponents who specialize in leg entanglements.

However, this isn't about completely dismissing traditional guard passing. Rather, it's about acknowledging that in the current landscape of high-level grappling, ignoring leg locks is tactical suicide. Those who adapt quickly and integrate leg entanglements into their arsenal are thriving, while those stuck in the past risk becoming obsolete.

The battle of Leg Locks vs. Traditional Passing is clear: adapt or be left behind. Grapplers who embrace innovation are rewriting the rules of engagement and reshaping Jiu-Jitsu’s future.