Dominate with Leg Locks from the Bottom: Pro BJJ Techniques Revealed

Why Leg Locks from Bottom Are a Game-Changer in BJJ and MMA

In the high-stakes world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and mixed martial arts (MMA), being caught on the bottom doesn't mean you're out of the fight. Far from it! Elite grapplers like Keenan Cornelius have revolutionized the bottom game by weaponizing leg locks. These submissions target the knees, ankles, and heels, catching opponents off-guard when they posture up for attacks. Whether you're rolling in the gym, prepping for a BJJ tournament, or sharpening your ground game for MMA, mastering these techniques gives you an edge from inferior positions.

Leg locks have exploded in popularity, thanks to innovators pushing no-gi and gi boundaries. They're perfect for smaller fighters or anyone who loves sneaky reversals. In this guide, we'll break down proven entries from closed guard, half guard, and other bottom scenarios. Follow along with beginner-friendly explanations, progressing to advanced tweaks. Gear up with comfortable rash guards and shorts from Apollo MMA to ensure smooth mobility during these dynamic scrambles.

Building a Strong Foundation: Prerequisites for Leg Lock Success

Before diving into specifics, nail the basics:

Ashi Garami Control: This entry point is your gateway. Secure one leg inside your hip while framing the other with your arm and leg. It's like a seatbelt for their limb.

Hip Mobility: Explosive bridges and shrimps are key. Practice daily to escape bad spots and chain attacks.

Grip Fighting: No-gi? Use underhooks and sleeve control. In the gi, sleeve grips and pant holds shine.

Pro Tip for Beginners: Start slow on the mat. Drill entries without resistance, then add speed. In MMA, these flow seamlessly into takedowns or stand-ups—think wrestling transitions.

Technique 1: Heel Hook from Closed Guard (Keenan's Signature Entry)

Closed guard is a classic bottom position, but when your opponent stands to pass or posture for an armbar, it's leg lock time!

Step-by-Step Breakdown:

1. Initiate the Trap: As they stand, break their posture with a two-on-one grip on their far sleeve. Shrimp your hips away slightly to off-balance them. 2. Enter Ashi Garami: Swing your inside leg behind their standing leg, hooking your foot inside their thigh. Your outside leg comes across to trap their ankle against your chest. 3. Secure the Figure-Four: Rotate your hips to wrap your leg over their trapped ankle, forming the figure-four lock. Your arm snakes under their knee for control. 4. Finish the Heel Hook: Offense ramps up—squeeze your elbows together, arch your hips, and torque the heel. Tap early in training!

Common Mistake: Don't let them step over your head. Frame their hip aggressively.

Advanced Variation for MMA: Chain to a kneebar if they defend. This mirrors UFC finishes where bottom players snatch limbs mid-scramble.

Visualize drilling this 10x per side. Fighters in Muay Thai or wrestling backgrounds adapt quickly due to clinch familiarity.

Technique 2: Leg Lock Entries from Half Guard

Half guard shines when closed guard breaks. Opponents often neglect legs here, making it ripe for attacks.

Key Entries:

Deep Half Guard to Straight Ankle Lock:

1. Underhook their far leg as you dig deep under their body. 2. Elevate their base leg with your knee shield. 3. Transition to saddle position, cup their heel, and extend for the lock.

Knee Shield Half to Heel Hook:

1. From knee shield, bait their pass attempt. 2. Run the loop: Thread your leg through for ashi garami. 3. Roll them over your shoulder for the finish.

Real-World Application: In BJJ comps like ADCC, these have scored upsets. For kickboxers crossing into MMA, half guard leg locks neutralize leg kicks beautifully.

Drill Progression:

Beginner: Static holds (30 seconds).

Intermediate: Partner resists posture.

Advanced: Live rolling from bad positions.

Technique 3: Butterfly Guard Leg Entanglements

Butterfly guard's hooks make leg locks explosive. Great for open mats or no-gi MMA rounds.

Execution:

1. Hook and Elevate: Open guard, insert butterfly hooks. When they pressure down, flip to ashi garami. 2. Outside Pass Defense: If they switch to pass, counter with the "Keenan roll"—invert under their body to isolate the leg. 3. Heel Hook or Toe Hold Finish: Choose based on defense. Toe holds target the small joints for quick taps.

Gear Note: Flexible shorts prevent grips—grab yours at Apollo MMA for optimal no-gi flow.

Defending and Countering Leg Locks from Bottom

To attack effectively, understand defense:

Foot Positioning: Keep toes pointed up, never flat.

Stack Avoidance: Circle away from torque.

Counter Attacks: From defense, hit arm drags or back takes.

MMA Twist: In the cage, leg locks force explosive stand-ups, burning opponent gas.

Training Drills to Internalize These Weapons

Positional Sparring: Start in closed guard bottom, only leg lock to win.
Flow Rolling: Chain entries fluidly.
Partner Drills: 5-min rounds focusing on one position.

Aim for 20-30 mins daily. Track progress in your training log.

Integrating Leg Locks into Your MMA Arsenal

BJJ leg locks translate directly to MMA. Watch how Demian Maia or Paul Craig snatch them mid-fight. Pair with wrestling for entries, Muay Thai for sprawls. Beginners: Focus on closed guard. Advanced: Mix with 50/50 guard.

Safety First: Train with mouthguards and quality pads from trusted brands like Hayabusa or Venum, available at Apollo MMA.

Final Tips from the Elite

Keenan emphasizes patience—wait for the posture break. Add these to your game, and you'll submit from anywhere. Head to the mats, gear up, and lock it in!

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