Translation: compression lock defence
The Compression Lock Defence family covers defensive techniques against compression locks (also called muscle crushes or slicers), where the attacker applies pressure across a muscle belly using a bone as a fulcrum. [1] Compression lock defence focuses on preventing the attacker from establishing the fulcrum position and relieving the compressive pressure before tissue damage occurs. [1],[2] This family includes arm compression defence (against bicep slicers) and leg compression defence (against calf slicers), each requiring specific defensive mechanics based on the anatomy being attacked. [2],[3]
Compression lock defences developed as these attacks became more prevalent in competitive grappling, particularly after the IBJJF allowed calf slicers at brown belt level and above. [1] The increasing sophistication of leg lock games in modern no-gi grappling made compression lock defence an essential component of defensive training. [2],[3]
Compression lock defences prevent bicep and calf slicers by controlling the opponent's leg positioning and maintaining space. [1]
Compression lock defences developed as these attacks became more common in BJJ. [1]
Used in BJJ competition. [1]
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Guro James Wilson of Crescent City Eskrima shows a technique of defending yourself against a knife attack. Guro James iβ¦
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Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
Submission defence involves resisting joint locks/chokes; risk of injury if defence fails or is delayed
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
Boxing (Edwin Haislet, 1940)
Alias sources β [1] Enter the System (Danaher, 2018) [2] Jiu-Jitsu University (Ribeiro, 2008) [3] Mastering Jujitsu (Gracie & Danaher, 2003)
Effectiveness sources β [1] Jiu-Jitsu University (Ribeiro, 2008)
Mixed Japanese-Western terminology β combines traditional Japanese terms with katakana loanwords
Alias sources β [1] Enter the System (Danaher, 2018) [2] Jiu-Jitsu University (Ribeiro, 2008) [3] Mastering Jujitsu (Gracie & Danaher, 2003)
Effectiveness sources β [1] Jiu-Jitsu University (Ribeiro, 2008)
reaction speed, structural body mechanics, defensive awareness
quick reflexes and conditioned defensive surfaces
varies β forearms (blocking), legs (movement), core (stability)
Every move, in any martial art, shares a few universal traits. Mix and match below to pinpoint the right tool β or compare equivalents across styles.
The Arm Compression Defence subfamily covers defences against bicep slicers and arm crushes, where the opponent places their shin, forearm, or wrist across the defender's bicep and folds the arm to compress the muscle between the bone surfaces. [1] The primary defence is preventing the arm from being folded past the point where compression becomes dangerous, either by straightening the arm or by positioning the elbow to avoid the fulcrum. [1,2] If caught, the defender must relieve pressure by extending the arm or repositioning the fulcrum before the compression causes pain compliance or injury. [2,3]
The Leg Compression Defence subfamily covers defences against calf slicers and leg crushes, where the opponent places their shin across the back of the defender's knee or calf and folds the leg to compress the calf muscle against the fulcrum. [1] Defence against leg compressions focuses on preventing the leg from being folded and extracting the knee past the fulcrum point. [1,2] The defender must act quickly because calf slicers can cause significant pain and potential injury to the knee ligaments in addition to the muscle compression. [2,3]
Compression lock defenses (against bicep slicers, calf slicers) require straightening the targeted limb before the compression locks on. Once the bone-on-muscle compression is fully applied, the pain is immediate and defense is difficult. Prevention is the primary defense. (BJJ instructionals; competition strategy)
Creating a wall with your hands is the most critical foundation. FMA Pulse emphasizes splaying your fingers and turning to face the attack so that when your opponent strikes the wall, they feel a jarring impact that disrupts their momentum.
Attack both their arm and their leg simultaneously to diminish their ability to retract. This dual-point control limits their options and traps them in the lock position.
Rushing the technique. FMA Pulse warns against hurrying into the lock without first establishing the proper wall position and getting the jarring effectβpremature pressure won't be effective.
The Compression Lock Defence family covers defensive techniques against compression locks (also called muscle crushes or slicers), where the attacker applies pressure across a muscle belly using a bone as a fulcrum. Compression lock defence focuses on preventing the attacker from establishing the fulcrum position and relieving the compressive pressure before tissue damage occurs.
Compression lock defences developed as these attacks became more prevalent in competitive grappling, particularly after the IBJJF allowed calf slicers at brown belt level and above. The increasing sophistication of leg lock games in modern no-gi grappling made compression lock defence an essential component of defensive training.
Unified MMA: legal β Legal defensive technique; IBJJF: legal β Legal β defensive techniques are fundamental to grappling; IJF: legal β Legal defensive action; ADCC: legal β Legal; UWW: legal β Legal defensive technique; FIAS Sport Sambo: legal β Legal
Danger rating 3/10. Moderate β submission defence involves resisting joint locks/chokes; risk of injury if defence fails or is delayed
The standard setup chain: Anticipate the Attack β Execute Defence β Recover Stance β Counter or Disengage.
Standard counters include: Timing β attack when the defence is recovering or between movements / Feint β use deception to create openings in the defensive structure / Angle Change β attack from an unexpected angle that the defence does not cover.
Common variants: Standard defence (primary defensive technique from the most common position); Reactive defence (triggered by the opponent's attack, minimal movement for β¦); Proactive defence (anticipating the attack and positioning to neutralise it β¦); Counter defence (using the defensive movement to create an immediate countβ¦).
Used in BJJ competition.
Top errors to watch for: Not recognizing the compression lock until pain is severe β learn to identify the setup and position early / Bending the attacked limb further when caught β this increases compression; straighten the limb instead / Trying to pull the limb straight out β work to control the opponent's lever arm first, then extract / Ignoring compression locks in training because they're 'not real submissions' β compression locks cause serious injurβ¦.
The Compression Lock Defence is also known as Appaku-waza Difensu, Slicer Defence, Crush Defence, Compression Defence.
