Why Mastering the Lockdown Escape Matters in BJJ and MMA
The lockdown guard is one of the most frustrating positions for any grappler or MMA fighter to face. Popularized by elite competitors, it locks your leg in place, stalling your passing attempts and threatening sweeps or submissions. But fear not—Bernardo Faria, a four-time IBJJF World Champion and ADCC medalist, shares his battle-tested method to unlock it efficiently.
This technique isn't just for pure jiu-jitsu practitioners; it's invaluable in MMA where time on top translates to ground-and-pound opportunities or dominant positions. Whether you're training no-gi for wrestling-heavy fights or gi for BJJ comps, escaping the lockdown keeps your momentum and prevents your opponent from regaining control. We'll break it down step by step, with tips to make it seamless in live rolls or cage scenarios.
Understanding the Lockdown Position
In the lockdown, your opponent's legs clamp one of your legs between theirs, with their shin across your thigh and foot hooked behind your knee. This creates a 'C' shape that blocks knee cuts and torreando passes. Common in modern BJJ, it's used by fighters like Lachlan Giles or Craig Jones to invert and attack.
From top, you might feel stuck, but Faria emphasizes patience and leverage over force. Ripping out aggressively often leads to them inverting or taking your back. Instead, use body positioning and grips to systematically dismantle it. Gear tip: A quality rash guard or gi from brands like Origin or Hyperfly (available at Apollo MMA) provides the grip and mobility needed for these micro-adjustments.
Step 1: Establish Dominant Posture and Grips
Start by posting your hands on the mat beside your opponent's hips for a strong base. Avoid grabbing their gi pants early—focus on control.
- Key grip: Secure a two-on-one grip on their lockdown leg. Palm down on their knee, other hand cupping the shin.
- Posture up: Drive your chest up and shoulders back to create space. Your free leg (the one not locked) should be base out wide for stability.
This setup prevents them from pushing your hips or inverting. In MMA, this mirrors wrestling sprawls, keeping weight off your hands for strikes if needed.
Step 2: Break the Hook with Hip Pressure
Now, apply targeted pressure to unlock the foot hook.
- Hip into shin: Slide your knee (the locked one) across their shin while dropping your hip onto it. Think of compressing the 'C' shape.
- Elbow inside: Bring your elbow of the two-on-one grip inside their thigh, blocking any push.
- Rotate slightly: Turn your hips 45 degrees away from the lockdown side to torque the leg free.
Faria stresses smooth circles over yanks—speed comes from mechanics. Practice this drill slowly; it builds the feel for no-gi scenarios where friction is less.
Step 3: Clear the Leg and Advance Position
With the hook broken, transition to passing.
- Knee cut entry: Lift your cleared knee high and slice it across their thigh.
- Underhook the leg: If they resist, switch to an underhook on their far leg while framing their hip.
- Drive forward: Explode hips forward into half guard or side control.
Pro tip: If they reload the lockdown, circle your knee to the outside and smash pass. This flows into knee-on-belly, prime for MMA elbows.
Common Mistakes and Fixes
Even pros slip up. Here's how to avoid them:
- Mistake: Pulling the leg out forcefully. Fix: Use opponent’s momentum—let them push, then counter-rotate.
- Mistake: Poor base during escape. Fix: Always keep your head above their belt line and weight centered.
- Mistake: Ignoring the free leg. Fix: Threaten a pass on the other side to distract.
In training, drill from bad positions. Start in lockdown 10x per side, aiming for under 5 seconds per escape. Track progress to build confidence.
Integrating into Your Game: Training Drills
To own this:
1. Solo drills: Shadow pass lockdown on a partner who holds static. Focus on grips.
2. Positional sparring: 3-min rounds from lockdown only. Score escapes.
3. Live rolling: Chain into your A-game passes post-escape.
For MMA crossover, add light stand-up entries or guard pulls. Wrestlers love this for single-leg defenses turning into top control.
Gear Recommendations for Optimal Training
Smooth escapes demand reliable equipment:
- Gis: Tatami or Fuji for grip strength without slipping.
- Rash guards: Sanabul or Venum for no-gi lockdowns.
- Mats: Quality puzzle mats prevent slips during hip switches.
Browse Apollo MMA's collection for pro-grade gear that withstands intense sessions. Proper fit ensures you move freely without bunching.
Advanced Variations for Competition
Faria adapts for elite levels:
- Against inversions: Stack deeper and forearm their hip.
- Gi specifics: Collar drag the free arm to off-balance.
- No-gi tweaks: Calf slicer threat to force openings.
Study footage from Faria's matches or ADCC trials. Relevance spans BJJ, submission grappling, and MMA ground work.
Final Thoughts: Unlock Your Passing Game
Bernardo Faria's lockdown escape is a game-changer—simple, reliable, and scalable. Master it, and half guards become highways to mount. Dedicate sessions weekly, and watch your top game dominate. Whether prepping for a local tourney or MMA camp, this tool sharpens your edge.
Ready to train? Gear up at Apollo MMA and hit the mats. Share your escape successes in the comments!
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