Dont feel Ankle Locks... need advise

[Kevin Green]

http://www.grapplearts.com/Leglock-DVDs.php?sid=

[Sean Marshall]

you usually dont feel leg locks until its already too late

[Mike Nall]

you usually dont feel leg locks until its already too late

With heel hooks, yeah, for sure. But I think you're slightly exaggerating. When it comes to footlocks, toeholds, and kneebars, those things hurt with plenty of time to tap if you're smart. The kneebar is a little on the fence. But you should definitely be feeling toeholds and footlocks before something pops.

[scottross]

Some people are harder to tap in an ankle lock than others. Just as with virtually every move, some people have a natural resistance to it for whatever reason. However, someone who really knows ankle locks will be able to get you tap. The smart thing to do is have someone who does know foot locks well put you in one. Then you see where the pain is supposed to come from. Some people will tell you that a straight ankle lock is just a pain move but don't buy into that. I can break bones with mine, I haven't - but I don't think anyone would dispute that I could.

I had the same experience with ankle locks - and with knee bars - when I was starting out. I have flexible joints, strong tendons, etc.. but I also noticed that I instinctively turn my feet in a way that helps relieve the pressure. That having been said, someone who really knows ankle locks can still catch me - but most people don't. You'll know they have caught you because it hurts!

To me the key to an ankle lock is catching the ankle properly when you begin the move. Let's say your opponent is playing open guard and leaves his right foot dangling within reach. Silly opponent.

1. Encircle the right foot with your right arm but don't attack at a 90 degree angle; use a 45 degree angle that will bring your right hand upwards along the bottom of your rib cage until your fingers are resting mid-sternum, pointing towards your left shoulder. This should leave your opponent's leg on the boniest part of your forearm. The meaty part of your forearm is no good for the ankle locks.

2. Squeeze your elbow to your ribs. This traps the ankle tightly and takes away any wiggle room.

3. 1 and 2 are actually one motion but view it step by step until you have learned it.

4. Foot placement: There's a lot of variance here and really, if I can catch your ankle, I like my chances to tap you no matter where my feet are unless I'm dealing with a foot lock ninja. In that case, you shouldn't be trying a foot lock. Anyhow, I slide my right leg underneath my opponent's right leg at the same time I trap his foot with my arm. The outside of my right foot is ideally placed on my opponent's abdomen to keep him from coming up. My left foot simultaneously darts either to his crotch to prevent my opponent from coming over my leg or behind his right knee. Squeeze your knees together to make it harder for your opponent to escape and to immobilize the leg so that the submission is more effective. This is all one continuous motion.

5. The finish: When you lean back, don't go straight back - lean to your right side and put your head on the mat and twist your right shoulder backwards while expanding your chest to bring your forearm up. Do this slowly because they usually tap before you've gone an inch.

[Ben Clapperton]

I've a similar issue with knee bars and inside heel hooks. I don't often tap to a knee bar but sometimes I will to acknowledge that the hold was applied. I always tap to heel hooks because I'm paranoid that something will snap even though I'm not feeling it.