Disadvantages to using Joint Locks in Jiu Jitsu

In Jiu Jitsu there are many ways to make a person submit, one of these methods is called the joint lock. This is a method that involves manipulating an attacker’s joint in a way that the joint reaches its maximum degree of motion. There are mainly 5 different types of locks, arm, leg small joint manipulation, spinal locks and wristlocks. The bad news is that most people don’t do these the right way, making their attack useless and the are the reasons why.

The most common reason is poor mechanics, in order to keep this from happening you will have to learn the basics of this technique as to be able to apply your strength in an effort to know where to apply your strength.

The joint lock can be ineffective if the person it is being applied to is flexible, although this is rare there are cases of a person being able to bend their arm to the point that it reaches a 90 degree angle, another reason that the lock might be useless is if your attacker can withstand a high level of pain. This means that even if you execute the lock perfectly that your opponent might not be affected by the pain, if you find this to be the case your opponent might be deranged or high on drugs.

If you find yourself in this position then you will have to resort to another move such as a chokehold to render your opponent unconscious.

A good example of this type of move is called the Rear Carotid Restraint, this is executed by reaching deep towards the front of your opponent and wrapping your bicep around the sides of his neck. You will then want to squeeze your arms so that it is pressing against the sides of his neck while you press his downward toward his chest, hold this position until his body goes limp.

Another possible reason that your lock doesn’t work is that the person may have suffered an injury to the same area previously or as mentioned before they may just be extremely flexible.

The last reason that this is ineffective could be any combination of the fore mentioned reasons. However of all of the reasons mentioned the most common reason is lack of proper mechanics, and this is the only one that you have any real control over. All of the other reasons are in your opponents hands. If you find yourself in a situation you can’t handle run and get help.

Jiu Jitsu is the only martial arts used that employs the use of joint locks to make a person submit, the only way to make sure you get this right is to constantly practice this in the event that you may need to use it.

Basic Jiu Jitsu Etiquette

The art of Jiu Jitsu is an old timeless tradition, for a person to learn this art they must enroll in a class and follow basic etiquette.
Jiu Jitsu etiquette is practiced by everyone, with absolutely no exceptions. If you find yourself forgetting as what to do then the best advice is to do what the senior student is doing.

The first rule is that the proper uniform must be worn, if you have not been given one then until such time as you are given one just wear a t-shirt and shorts or sweat pants.

The second thing to remember is that during the class it will be hot so make sure you have a towel along with plenty of water to avoid getting dehydrated.

You are allowed to take notes during the class, that way you can review when you get home that evening. These notes should be turned over to your sensei. This is one component which you are graded on so that you can earn your next belt.

Your instructor no matter if they are male or female must be referred to as “Sensei” meaning the one that has gone before. Outside of the class environment you can call your instructor by their first names. If you are being taught by someone who is not an instructor you can refer to them as sir or ma’am.

In addition to calling your instructor sensei one must also bow which is the way to salute in Jiu Jitsu. Bowing is done before you work with a partner and afterwards, this is a way to show respect. To properly bow you need to stand with your feet together and both of your hands on the front of your thighs, it is important to maintain eye contact when bowing, along with sliding the hands down the thighs for a second before standing back up.

You should also bow when you enter or leave the mat or dojo, this is seen by others as a sign that you are there to practice with them. Also it tells others that you are there and not distracted by the worries you may have in the outside world, once the class is over and you bow you are ready to return to your outside life.

If the class is already in progress and you are leaving or entering the mat make sure your instructor knows this so they know where everyone is.

In a Jiu Jitsu class there is a seating arrangement. Brown belts will sit on the left of the instructor, blue on the right side and the beginners or white belts face the instructor.

Sitting during a class is also important, the proper way is to sit on your knees with you rear resting on your feet. Another way to sit is cross-legged; any other way can be looked upon as being disrespectful unless you are injured.

During a match one way to show submission is to tap either your opponent or the mat, when this is done the person must stop what they are doing. Jiu Jitsu etiquette is a must all the time as to avoid serious injury to someone, when in doubt ask the sensei or a senior student.