Wrist Lock

The Wrist Lock is a submission technique that targets the wrist joint by applying pressure to bend it beyond its natural range of motion. This technique leverages control and isolation of the opponent’s hand and wrist to cause pain and force a tap. Wrist locks can be applied as standalone submissions or as transitions from other positions and submissions.

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Key Concepts

  • Joint Lock: The Wrist Lock manipulates the wrist joint, often causing pain through hyperflexion or hyperextension.
  • Control and Isolation: Success requires immobilizing the opponent’s wrist and arm to prevent escapes.
  • Leverage and Precision: Proper grip and body positioning maximize the force applied to the joint.

Execution Steps

  • Secure the Grip:

    • Control the opponent’s hand or wrist with a firm grip, keeping it tight and close to your body.

  • Control the Arm:

    • Use your other hand or body positioning to control their arm and prevent movement or counterattacks.

  • Manipulate the Wrist:

    • Bend their wrist into hyperflexion (palm toward forearm) or hyperextension (back of hand toward forearm), depending on the specific wrist lock.

  • Apply Leverage:

    • Use your body weight, arms, or hands to increase the pressure on the wrist joint.

  • Maintain Control:

    • Ensure the opponent cannot twist or pull their hand away by keeping tight connections and controlling their arm.

  • Finish the Submission:

    • Gradually increase the pressure until the opponent taps, avoiding sudden or excessive force.

Common Entries

From Closed Guard

  • Apply the wrist lock when the opponent posts or grips your gi.
  • Transition from other attacks, like the Armbar, if the opponent defends by gripping.

From Side Control

  • Use wrist locks as the opponent frames or pushes against your chest.

From Mount

  • Attack the wrist when the opponent tries to frame or push against your hips or chest.

From Back Control

  • Apply the wrist lock when the opponent defends by gripping your hands or lapels.

During Grip Fighting

  • Exploit the opponent’s grip by twisting or bending their wrist during Grip Fighting exchanges.

From North South

  • Use their extended arms to set up the wrist lock.

During Takedown Defense

  • Transition to a wrist lock if the opponent extends their arm or grips you during a failed Takedown.

During Scrambles

  • Take advantage of exposed wrists during dynamic exchanges.

Tips for Success

  • Control Their Arm: Isolate their wrist by controlling their arm to prevent escapes or counters.
  • Focus on the Angle: Proper alignment and direction of force are crucial for applying pressure effectively.
  • Be Subtle: Wrist locks are often applied quickly and with minimal movement, catching the opponent off guard.
  • Transition to Other Submissions: If the opponent defends, transition to Armbar, Kimura, or other joint locks.
  • Apply Gradual Pressure: Increase pressure slowly to avoid injury and give the opponent time to tap.
Safety Note

The Wrist Lock can cause significant pain and damage if applied recklessly. Always practice with care and release immediately when your partner taps. In some competitions, wrist locks may be restricted or banned for lower belt levels, so check the rules before using this submission in a match.

Positioning

The Wrist Lock thrives in situations where you can control the opponent’s Fundamentals/Base and isolate their wrist through tight connections. It is a versatile submission that can often be applied quickly and unexpectedly.

From Closed Guard

  • Apply a wrist lock when the opponent grips your gi or posts their hand on the mat.
  • Transition to a wrist lock from an Armbar or Triangle Choke setup if the opponent defends by grabbing their own hand.

From Side Control

  • Use the wrist lock when the opponent frames against your chest or neck.
  • Trap their wrist while transitioning to other submissions, like the Americana or Kimura.

From Mount

  • Attack the wrist when the opponent pushes against your hips or chest to escape.
  • Transition into the wrist lock during an Americana or Armbar attempt.

From Back Control

  • Apply a wrist lock when the opponent grips your hand or tries to peel off your hooks during back control.

From Knee on Belly

  • Use the pressure from Knee on Belly to force defensive movements, exposing their wrist for the lock.

From North South

  • Attack the opponent’s wrist when they extend their arms defensively or to frame.

From Butterfly Guard

  • Apply the wrist lock when the opponent grips your legs or gi.
  • Use wrist locks as counters during Grip Fighting exchanges.

From Standing

  • Wrist locks can be applied during Grip Fighting exchanges or as counters to grips in takedown setups.
  • Use a wrist lock to counter a strong Lapel Grip or wrist grab.

During Takedown Defense

  • Exploit the opponent’s extended arm during a failed Takedown attempt.
  • Transition to a wrist lock from standing grips.

From Turtle Control

  • Use the wrist lock if the opponent posts their arm to recover guard or defend against a choke.

During Grip Fighting

  • Wrist locks are highly effective in breaking grips during gi and no-gi Grip Fighting exchanges.

During Scrambles

  • Take advantage of exposed wrists during dynamic exchanges or when the opponent posts on the mat.

From X Guard or Single-Leg X Guard

  • Apply the wrist lock if the opponent grips your gi or posts to maintain balance.

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