FULL LEG LOCK CLASS!! - *Reverse DLR to Knee Compression* - V.O.W. BJJ
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Leg Compression DefenceΒ·VOW BJJ
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Translation: leg compression defence
Range & classification
Category
Strike & defenceLocksClose rangeFighting multiple people
Distance
CloseMiddleLong
Body target
Upper bodyMiddle bodyLower body
Overview
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]
History & Origin
Leg compression defences grew in importance with the rise of modern leg lock systems, particularly after the Danaher Death Squad and other leg lock specialists made calf slicers a common competitive technique. [1] Defence against leg compressions is now standard curriculum in advanced BJJ training. [2],[3]
Country of originΒ· shown in random order
- BrazilBJJ, MMA
- Japanθε§θΏ«γγ£γγ§γ³γΉ(Ashi Appaku Difensu)BJJ
- USAMMA, Catch Wrestling
- RussiaSambo
- EnglandCatch Wrestling
Effectiveness
Leg compression defence prevents calf slicers. [1]
Lineage
Developed in BJJ. [1]
Competition Record
Used in BJJ competition. [1]
Images
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action β Preventing or reducing the effect of an incoming attack through physical interception, evasion, or structural positioning
Joints Involved β Varies by defence type β blocks use arms/shins, evasions use head/body movement, sprawls use hips
Force Vector β Opposing or tangential to the attack β either absorbing, redirecting, or evading the incoming force
Defensive Principle β Economy of motion β the best defence uses minimal movement to neutralise the maximum threat
Position & Entry
From fighting stance (under fire) β Bring both hands to the head, elbows tight, tuck the chin β absorb the flurry while protecting vital targets
As emergency defence β When overwhelmed by volume, shell up in the cover position until the opponent pauses
Videos
1 video
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
3
Moderate3/10
Submission defence involves resisting joint locks/chokes; risk of injury if defence fails or is delayed
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Intermediate
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
β Unified MMA β Legal defensive technique
Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025PDFβ IBJJF β Legal β defensive techniques are fundamental to g...
IBJJF Rules Book v6.0, June 2024PDFβ IJF β Legal defensive action
IJF Sport and Organisation Rules 2025, Article 27PDFβ ADCC β Legal
ADCC Rules Update, April 2025PDFβ UWW β Legal defensive technique
UWW International Wrestling Rules, January 2026PDFβ FIAS Sport Sambo β Legal
FIAS International Sambo Competition RulesPDFTraining Notes
βLeg compression defence addresses calf slicers and knee-compression attacks that fold the calf against the thigh with a lever behind the knee (Danaher, Leg Lock System, 2018)
βThe primary defence is to straighten the leg β the calf slicer requires a deeply bent knee to create compression
βControl the opponent's leg (usually the shin) that forms the lever behind your knee β remove or reposition it
βPush the opponent's hips away to create space to extract your leg β hip control is essential for all leglock defence
βCalf slicers are common from truck position, 50/50, and reverse half guard β learn the entries to defend them
βThe calf slicer can damage the MCL and meniscus, not just the calf β this makes it more dangerous than it appears
βHide the heel while defending the calf slicer β opponents often transition to heel hooks from the same position
βPrevention: don't allow your leg to be trapped in a deeply bent position with a lever behind the knee
Common Mistakes
!Bending the knee further to try to slip out β this deepens the compression and can cause immediate damage
!Not controlling the opponent's lever leg β the lever creates the compression; it must be addressed
!Ignoring the heel hook threat while defending the calf slicer β the same position allows multiple attacks
!Trying to stand up without first removing the lever β standing with the lever still in place can worsen the compression
!Not recognizing the calf slicer entry from common positions like truck and 50/50
!Defending only the pain without addressing the position β escape the position, not just the submission
!Pulling the leg straight out without controlling the opponent's body β they'll follow and reapply
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Setup Chain
1Anticipate the Attack β read the opponent's intention through body cues
2Execute Defence β apply the specific defensive technique with proper timing
3Recover Stance β return to a balanced fighting position immediately
4Counter or Disengage β capitalize on the opening or create safe distance
Sources & References
Primary Source
Boxing (Edwin Haislet, 1940)
1BookBoxing (Dempsey, 1950)
Alias sources β [1] Jiu-Jitsu University (Ribeiro, 2008) [2] Fundamentals of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (Danaher, 2012) [3] Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Theory and Technique (Gracie, 2001)
2BookKarate-Do Kyohan (Funakoshi, 1935)
Effectiveness sources β [1] Jiu-Jitsu University (Ribeiro, 2008)
3OtherJapanese Martial Arts Hybrid Terminology
Mixed Japanese-Western terminology β combines traditional Japanese terms with katakana loanwords
4CitationBoxing (Dempsey, 1950)
Alias sources β [1] Jiu-Jitsu University (Ribeiro, 2008) [2] Fundamentals of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (Danaher, 2012) [3] Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Theory and Technique (Gracie, 2001)
5CitationKarate-Do Kyohan (Funakoshi, 1935)
Effectiveness sources β [1] Jiu-Jitsu University (Ribeiro, 2008)
Community
Athletics
Requires
reaction speed, structural body mechanics, defensive awareness
Favours
quick reflexes and conditioned defensive surfaces
Key muscles
varies β forearms (blocking), legs (movement), core (stability)
Sub-techniques
Find by what a technique does β not its name
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.
Category
Distance
Body target
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I prevent my opponent from passing when I'm in the leg compression position?
Keep your outside leg activated for distance management and avoid allowing a cross face. Once you get your leg crossed over, you don't need to worry as much about the cross face because your leg blocks the pass (VOW BJJ).
What's the key to finishing the leg compression successfully?
Use a good underhook pulling your opponent's leg into your body and change the direction of their foot. This reduces their weight on you and allows you to come up through the position to finish (VOW BJJ).
How should I position my knee when applying leg compression?
Cross your outside leg over and get your knee on top of your opponent's leg, positioning yourself up on your shoulder. This positioning prevents them from bringing their leg behind them and allows you to rotate their leg (VOW BJJ).
How does the Leg Compression Defence work?
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. Defence against leg compressions focuses on preventing the leg from being folded and extracting the knee past the fulcrum point.
Where does the Leg Compression Defence come from?
Leg compression defences grew in importance with the rise of modern leg lock systems, particularly after the Danaher Death Squad and other leg lock specialists made calf slicers a common competitive technique. Defence against leg compressions is now standard curriculum in advanced BJJ training.
Is the Leg Compression Defence legal in competition?
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
How dangerous is the Leg Compression Defence?
Danger rating 3/10. Moderate β submission defence involves resisting joint locks/chokes; risk of injury if defence fails or is delayed
How do I set up the Leg Compression Defence?
The standard setup chain: Anticipate the Attack β Execute Defence β Recover Stance β Counter or Disengage.
How do I defend against the Leg Compression Defence?
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.
What are the variants of the Leg Compression Defence?
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¦).
How effective is the Leg Compression Defence in competition?
Used in BJJ competition.
What are common mistakes when doing the Leg Compression Defence?
Top errors to watch for: Bending the knee further to try to slip out β this deepens the compression and can cause immediate damage / Not controlling the opponent's lever leg β the lever creates the compression; it must be addressed / Ignoring the heel hook threat while defending the calf slicer β the same position allows multiple attacks / Trying to stand up without first removing the lever β standing with the lever still in place can worsen the compression.
What are other names for the Leg Compression Defence?
The Leg Compression Defence is also known as Ashi Appaku Difensu, Calf Slicer Defence, Leg Crush Defence, Calf Crush Escape.