Thigh Slicer

The Thigh Slicer, also known as the Knee Compression Lock, is a submission that targets the thigh and knee joint by compressing the opponent's quadriceps muscle against their shinbone. This submission can cause intense pain and potentially damage the soft tissue or ligaments around the knee if not applied with caution. While less common than other submissions, it is highly effective when executed properly.

Key Concepts

Compression Lock

  • The Thigh Slicer applies pressure by trapping the opponent’s thigh against a hard surface, such as your forearm or shin.

Leg Isolation

  • The opponent’s leg must be trapped and controlled to ensure the submission is secure.

Leverage and Body Positioning

  • Proper body positioning amplifies the pressure on the thigh and knee.

Execution Steps

Isolate the Leg

  • Trap the opponent's leg so that their thigh is pinned against your shin or forearm.

Control the Opponent’s Hip

  • Secure control of their hip to prevent them from moving or relieving pressure.

Create the Compression

  • Use your shin, forearm, or another hard surface as a fulcrum to press against the opponent's thigh while pulling or pushing their leg into the compression point.

Lock the Position

  • Secure their leg and hip using your arms, legs, or grips to maintain tight control.

Apply Pressure

  • Gradually increase the force by pulling or pushing, causing intense pressure on the thigh and knee. Maintain control to prevent escape or injury.

Common Entries

From De La Riva or Open Guard

  • Trap the opponent's leg during sweeps or transitions to isolate the thigh.

From Half Guard

  • Transition into the Thigh Slicer when the opponent extends their leg or posts to maintain balance.

During a Leg Lock Attempt

From Butterfly Guard

  • Sweep the opponent forward, isolating their leg, and transition into the submission during their recovery.

From X Guard or Single-Leg X Guard

  • Use the opponent’s positioning to isolate their leg and compress their thigh.

From Back Control

  • If the opponent defends by removing your hooks or rolling, trap their leg and transition to the Thigh Slicer.

During Guard Pass Defense

  • As the opponent attempts to pass, isolate their leg and transition into the submission.

Scramble Situations

  • During chaotic exchanges, trap the opponent’s leg and quickly apply the Thigh Slicer.

Tips for Success

Control Their Hip

  • Prevent the opponent from escaping or rolling out by dominating their hip movement.

Secure the Leg

  • Ensure the leg is tightly trapped against your compression point.

Adjust Your Angle

  • Align your body to maximize pressure and minimize the risk of escape.

Use Gradual Pressure

  • Avoid sudden movements to prevent injury and give the opponent time to tap.

Leverage Your Body

  • Use your entire body to apply pressure, not just your arms or legs.
Warning

The Thigh Slicer is a powerful submission that can cause significant pain and damage to the knee and thigh if applied recklessly. Practice with care, and release immediately upon tapping. Many competitions restrict or ban this technique, especially for lower belt levels, so always check the rules before attempting it in a tournament setting.

Positioning

The Thigh Slicer is highly effective in positions where you can dominate the opponent’s Fundamentals/Base and hips while isolating their leg. Tight connections and proper angles are crucial for executing this submission successfully.

From Half Guard

  • Trap the opponent’s leg as they attempt to pass or post, transitioning into the Thigh Slicer.
  • Use their extended leg when defending a Guard Passes/Knee Cut pass to set up the submission.

From Closed Guard

  • Isolate the opponent’s leg during sweeps or transitions, applying the Thigh Slicer as they post or try to stack.

From Butterfly Guard

From De La Riva or Open Guard

  • Trap the opponent’s leg during transitions or sweeps, using the Thigh Slicer to exploit their positioning.
  • Use the opponent’s attempted Toreando or Guard Passes/Knee Cut pass to isolate the leg for the submission.

From X Guard or Single-Leg X Guard

  • Elevate the opponent and isolate their leg, transitioning to the slicer by compressing their thigh.

From Back Control

During Guard Pass Defense

From Mount

  • Trap the opponent’s leg as they bridge or push, isolating it to apply the compression lock.

From Side Control

  • If the opponent frames or extends their leg during an escape attempt, trap it and transition into the Thigh Slicer.

Scramble Situations

  • During dynamic exchanges, trap the opponent’s leg as they post or extend it, quickly applying the slicer.
  • Exploit loose positioning during failed Takedowns or reversals.

During Leg Lock Transitions

From Turtle Control

  • Trap the opponent’s leg as they attempt to escape or recover guard, using it to set up the slicer.

YouTube Videos