Controlling the free leg on Knee bars?

[Brian Debes]

I just watched a highlight video for Sambo submissions in tournament. One thing I noticed about their knee bar finishes that mine usually lack, is that they are constantly scooping the free leg (almost like an ankle lock) to control it (keeps the guy from standing up/spinning?) They seemed to always either have that control or have the free leg trapped on the bottom (pinning it on the mat with their body).

What do the leg lock-wizards think about this for no-gi grappling? Is it just as good without the shoes? If it’s not, is there a good substitute grip? I always control the free leg on an ankle lock, should I be doing it on my knee-bars?

[Chris Herzog]

Asbsolutely, When Igor Yakimov (my Sambo Instructor) was here back in December he said its a detail thats currently running through the Sambo camps in Russia. Lots of the top guys are using it now. It's something I've been using since and it is a % increaser for sure!

Just a point, its not a new technque, but rather just one of those details thats reemerging and top guys are taking notice.

[Calan Ownhouse]

After being ass-kicked off of people's knees a couple hundred times, this sounds interesting. Definitely gonna try it, as i always see kneebars and go for them, but have an incredibly low finish % with them.

[Phill Schwartz]

YESSSS i have this problem all the time!

[Brian Debes]

Asbsolutely, When Igor Yakimov (my Sambo Instructor) was here back in December he said its a detail thats currently running through the Sambo camps in Russia. Lots of the top guys are using it now. It's something I've been using since and it is a % increaser for sure!

Just a point, its not a new technque, but rather just one of those details thats reemerging and top guys are taking notice.

Thanks so much for the response!!! I’m going to start messing with it then.

By the way, I know you’ve already done knee bar videos, but since you were asking for requests for “This week in Rochester”… Mine is: Details on when/how to control the free leg on a knee-bar from a couple of different entry’s (Do I wrap it before I fall from Russian cowboy? Off a leg drag? when do I do it and when shouldn't I?)

Thanks a ton again!!!

[Chris Herzog]

I'm sure there will be some kneebars in the future and make sure to cover that controling the free leg detail.



In the mean time, the best way to establish the free leg control is when your opponent tries to kick off the arms controling the other leg. So if were to get to 1:12 of the video below (Knee bar w/ the RNC grip) and my parter was to bring his left leg over and attempt to push on my left elbow with his left foot, I would simply let him push my left arm off and then limp my left arm around the outside of his left leg and then re-establish the RNC grip with both legs bound up.

You can also go 2- 1 on 1 grip (one palm on one heel, left on left leg , right on right) or 2 on 2 both legs bound in a RNC grip. I prefer the 2 on 2 RNC grip, just offers more control. Hope this can tide you over

[Mike Nunja]

Ya if I can I will but once you have the knee bar some times it takes a second away that you could be using to hyper extend the knee. If you can def do it.