This is a very hot area under discussion in terms of use, safety, when and with whom to use them on. I have read lots of articles and blogs that are strongly for training with them and some against them. As I see it, they are part of the grappling world, and learning how to use them also trains a person how to defend against them.
First and most important is to train safe, I’ll say that again, it’s most important to train safe when applying leg locks. Training safe means to learn the technique first, drilling it, and then apply the technique at the right time on the appropriate training partners. The major problem I have seen, is ligament tearing can happen fast with lower extremities. Improper technique, fast cranking, and lack of common sense can give rise to injuries and put a training partner out of action for quite some time.
Another problem I have seen is advanced students using leg locks on lower belts. This is a situation where injuries can occur because they are still learning the movements, lack coordination, and do not have adequate experience. Also, they are still learning when it is necessary to tap. It is not appropriate in a training environment to forcibly apply an technique of this sort on inexperienced individuals, or anyone for that matter. It just takes one injury or bad experience for a new person to leave and never train again. It is not a good training practice, nor is it good for referrals or repeat business. I learned this the hard way. There was a time when I was training with a good friend and he grabbed my foot to apply a toe hold. I didn’t tap because I didn’t feel any pain until I heard a pop. With every hobbled step I took for the next 3 weeks I was swearing at my friend. The truth was that I did not tap in time.
I remember learning from a Gracie black belt to use the “Gas Acceleration” concept when applying a submission. This is when you first secure the submission with proper technique, then slowly apply pressure like pressing on a gas pedal. In the past I would attempt submissions, going full throttle immediately. However, I would become tired and lose the submission. So I was taught to slowly apply pressure, then gradually increase. As I am doing this, I’m maintaining awareness of my training partner. (Sometimes your partner’s hands are tied up and cant tap, so they let you know verbally or by tapping their foot on the mat). I keep slowly increasing the pressure as I’m adjusting my position. I keep calm, relaxed, focused and aware.
Remember the ankle and knee joints are very sensitive to torque or rotation. Fast, powerful locking of the joints can cause permanent damage to the ligaments, muscles and tendons. So be careful, aware and courteous with your training partners. Train to have your fellow partners train another day. It’s better to tap early, rather then too late!

Dr. Mark Armbruster/Chiropractor
Relson Gracie Brown Belt
Colorado Vitality Center
Phone: 303-242-8089
www.armchiro.com

Seminar 1: Guard Passes
(Sat. May 12th @ 11am- 1pm)
Seminar 2: Closing the Distance and Takedowns from the Clinch
(Sat. May 12th @ 2:30pm-4:30pm)
Costs: Single seminar – U$65 or Both seminars – U$100
(add $20 for @ door for single seminar and $40 for both)

www.javiervazquez.tv for pre-registration

Professor Steve Hordinski