Step into the time machine, my grappling friends, as we embark on a journey through the captivating history of leg locks in our beloved art of grappling! From ancient civilizations to modern-day competitions, leg locks have evolved and adapted, leaving their mark on the world of martial arts.

Ancient Roots

Back in ancient Greece, Pankration was all the rage - a blend of wrestling and striking that didn't shy away from targeting those legs. Those early leg lock techniques soon where buried in the sands of the arena.

Sambo and Catch Wrestling

Fast forward to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, where two grappling styles, Sambo and Catch Wrestling, were throwing down their own leg lock magic. Sambo, a Russian martial art, had its roots in indigenous wrestling styles, making leg locks a central part of its game. Meanwhile, Catch Wrestling, originating in Britain and finding fame in the United States, put its own spin on leg locks, adding some spice to the mix.

BJJ to the Rescue

Then came Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) on the scene in the 20th century, bringing its own flavor to the leg lock party. BJJ practitioners recognized the power of leg locks but faced some restrictions in early competitions. Safety concerns and a desire to keep the focus on ground-based techniques led to some limitations on their use. Many practitioners began to skip learning the leg locks.

The Resurgence

But fear not, leg lock enthusiasts! In more recent times, there's been a glorious resurgence of leg locks in the grappling world. Thanks to pioneers like Dean Lister, Eddie Cummings, and the legendary coach John Danaher, who showcased the deadly effectiveness of leg locks in high-level competitions, BOOM! legs were back in action. Take a peek at Dean Lister's Leg Lock system.

ADCC and the Submission-Only Craze

ADCC (Abu Dhabi Combat Club World Championships) opened its doors wide to leg locks, giving grapplers the chance to shine with their leg lock skills. Plus, with the rise of submission-only events, where finishing opponents is the name of the game, leg locks have become the stars of the show!

Controversies and Adaptations

As with any game-changer, leg locks brought their share of controversies. Critics voiced concerns about safety and ethics, especially regarding certain techniques that put a lot of torque on the knee joint. But hey, we're all about adaptation and improvement! Grapplers have been working on proper technique execution and control to keep things safe and sound.

So there you have it, my grappling time travelers - the epic journey of leg locks in our art of grappling. From ancient civilizations to modern-day competitions, leg locks have endured, evolved, and left their mark on the grappling landscape. As we forge ahead, leg locks will continue to play a significant role, shaping the strategies and tactics of future generations of grapplers. Time to master those leg locks and roll like the experienced grapplers we are! Osss! 🥋💪

A JOURNEY THROUGH HISTORY: EXPLORING THE EVOLUTION OF LEG LOCKS IN GRAPPLING