The Leg Lock Renaissance

For decades, leg locks were viewed with suspicion in traditional BJJ, often dismissed as “cheap moves” or dangerous techniques reserved for lower belts. That perception changed dramatically in the 2010s, when a wave of competitors—particularly from teams like the Danaher Death Squad—developed highly systematic approaches to leg entanglements.

Techniques such as inside heel hooks, outside ashi garami, and saddle positions became dominant weapons in no-gi competition. The effectiveness of these systems forced the broader BJJ community to adapt, leading to a rapid technical arms race. Once marginalized, leg locks are now a central part of modern grappling, reshaping training curriculums and competitive strategy at every level.