Introduction:

The Figure Four Leg Lock is a popular grappling technique used in professional wrestling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. This powerful submission hold attacks the opponent’s leg, causing immense pain and potentially leading to injury if not countered or released in time. In this article, we will explore three different ways to perform a Figure Four Leg Lock effectively.

1. The Classic Figure Four Leg Lock:

Step 1: Start by facing your opponent’s legs while they are lying on their back.

Step 2: Grab one of their legs and lift it up, bending it at the knee.

Step 3: Step over their raised leg with your inside leg (the one closest to their body). Your knee should be positioned on the outside of their bent knee.

Step 4: Slide your other leg under their raised leg and cross it over your inside leg, essentially creating a figure-four shape with your legs.

Step 5: Apply pressure by arching your back and pushing down with your hips. This will create intense pressure on the opponent’s leg, forcing them to tap out or risk injury.

2.The Inverted Figure Four Leg Lock:

Step 1: Begin in side control with your body positioned on one side of the opponent. Keep your chest close to their body for leverage.

Step 2: Reach under their closest leg and grip behind their knee with your far hand.

Step 3: Pull their leg up towards you, so that their foot is resting on your shoulder. Keep holding onto their knee for support.

Step 4: Slide your nearest leg under their thigh while crossing it over and hooking onto your other ankle, again creating a figure-four shape with your legs.

Step 5: By torquing the opponent’s trapped leg upward and applying steady pressure, you will force them into submission or significantly compromise their position.

3.The Standing Figure Four Leg Lock:

Step 1: Begin in a standing position facing your opponent. Take hold of one of their legs, either by grabbing the ankle or behind the knee.

Step 2: Lift and bend their leg while turning your body so that their foot is positioned across your hip.

Step 3: Step over their raised leg with your inside leg (the one closest to their body), and place your opposite foot firmly on the ground for balance.

Step 4: Use your free hand to grab your inner thigh and pull upward while pushing down on the opponent’s trapped leg with your hip.

Step 5: Drive pressure down on the opponent’s twisted leg, forcing them to tap out or giving you the advantage in a takedown scenario.

Conclusion:

The Figure Four Leg Lock is a versatile and powerful submission technique that can be applied in various grappling situations. Practicing these three variations will increase your proficiency with the hold and expand your overall grappling arsenal. Remember to always practice safely and under proper supervision, as this technique can lead to severe injuries if performed incorrectly or without control.