Leglock Defence Concepts (Dinu Bucalet)
0
Leglock Defence·Dinu Bucalet BJJ
Easy 3 step way to defend and then look to counter leg attacks. Of course there are many other ways but this is a very b…
Leglock Defence
Family足関節技ディフェンス(Ashi Kansetsu-waza Difensu)
HybridTranslation: leglock defence
Overview
The Leglock Defence family covers all defensive techniques against leg-based submissions including heel hooks, kneebars, toe holds, and ankle locks. [1] Leglock defence has become one of the most critical areas of submission defence in modern grappling due to the explosive growth of leg lock offence in competitive BJJ and MMA. [1],[2] The primary defensive strategies are the boot (hiding the foot to prevent grip), hip pressure (driving the hips toward the opponent to relieve rotational force), and leg pummelling (freeing the legs from entanglement). [2],[3]
History & Origin
Leglock defences were historically underdeveloped in BJJ compared to upper body submission defence, as the IBJJF's restriction of heel hooks slowed the development of comprehensive leg lock defensive systems. [1] The revolution in leg lock offence led by Dean Lister, John Danaher, and the Danaher Death Squad during the 2010s forced a corresponding revolution in leg lock defence that has become essential at all levels of competitive grappling. [2],[3]
Effectiveness
Lineage
Leglock defence developed alongside the leg lock revolution in no-gi BJJ. [1]
Competition Record
Leglock defence is critical in modern no-gi competition. [1]
Images
No images yet for this technique.
Sign in to suggest an image.
Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — Using foot positioning to control range and angles — maintaining optimal distance relative to the opponent
Joints Involved — Ankles (pivot and directional changes), knees (level maintenance), hips (balance and weight distribution)
Force Vector — Multi-directional — lateral steps, pivots, and retreats adjust distance and angle simultaneously
Distance Principle — Managing the distance between fighters is the most fundamental defensive skill — controlling range dictates which techniques are available
Position & Entry
From clinch or ground — When the opponent secures a controlling grip, use two-on-one, stripping, or peeling motions to break their hold
As preemptive defence — Break the opponent's grip before they can execute their intended technique
Videos
1 video
Learn This Technique
No instructional courses yet for this technique.
Sign in to suggest a course.
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
— Unified MMA — Legal defensive technique
Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025PDF— IBJJF — Legal — defensive techniques are fundamental to g...
IBJJF Rules Book v6.0, June 2024PDF— IJF — Legal defensive action
IJF Sport and Organisation Rules 2025, Article 27PDF— ADCC — Legal
ADCC Rules Update, April 2025PDF— UWW — Legal defensive technique
UWW International Wrestling Rules, January 2026PDF— FIAS Sport Sambo — Legal
FIAS International Sambo Competition RulesPDFTraining Notes
✓Leglock defence is essential in modern grappling — the leg lock game has evolved dramatically and every grappler must have reliable defensive systems (Danaher, Leg Lock System, 2018)
✓The hierarchy: (1) don't enter the entanglement, (2) fight for inside position, (3) hide the heel, (4) straighten the leg, (5) clear the entanglement
✓Inside position (your knees inside the opponent's legs) is the single most important concept — whoever has inside position controls the leglock exchange
✓The boot (hiding the heel by pointing the toes and flexing the foot) is the fundamental immediate defence against heel hooks
✓Against kneebars, straighten the leg to remove the fulcrum angle — a straight leg cannot be kneebar'd
✓Leg pummelling (swimming your legs inside) is how you win the inside-position battle and prevent the opponent from attacking
✓In MMA, leglock defence must account for ground strikes — don't stay in entanglements; clear and stand up
✓Train leglock defence as frequently as upper-body submission defence — the leg game is no longer optional
Common Mistakes
!Ignoring the leg entanglement and focusing only on the heel/knee — the entanglement is the root problem; clear it
!Not understanding inside vs. outside position — outside knee position means you're the one being attacked
!Crossing your legs when defending — this gives the opponent control of both legs
!Bending the knee against a heel hook — straighten or at minimum keep it neutral; bending gives more rotational access
!Not boot-hiding immediately when caught in 50/50 or ashi garami — the boot must be automatic
!Pulling the leg straight out without clearing the entanglement — the opponent will simply re-enter
!Treating leglock defence as a white/blue belt concern only — the best grapplers in the world actively drill leglock defence
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Setup Chain
1Anticipate the Attack — read the opponent's intention through body cues
2Execute Defence — apply the specific defensive technique with proper timing
3Recover Stance — return to a balanced fighting position immediately
4Counter or Disengage — capitalize on the opening or create safe distance
Sources & References
Primary Source
Boxing (Edwin Haislet, 1940)
1BookLeg Locks: Enter the System (Danaher, 2019)
Alias sources — [1] Enter the System (Danaher, 2018) [2] Enter the System (Danaher, 2018) [3] Jiu-Jitsu University (Ribeiro, 2008)
2BookJiu-Jitsu University (Ribeiro, 2008)
Effectiveness sources — [1] Mastering Jujitsu (Gracie & Danaher, 2003) [2] Jiu-Jitsu University (Ribeiro, 2008)
3OtherJapanese Martial Arts Hybrid Terminology
Mixed Japanese-Western terminology — combines traditional Japanese terms with katakana loanwords
4CitationLeg Locks: Enter the System (Danaher, 2019)
Alias sources — [1] Enter the System (Danaher, 2018) [2] Enter the System (Danaher, 2018) [3] Jiu-Jitsu University (Ribeiro, 2008)
5CitationJiu-Jitsu University (Ribeiro, 2008)
Effectiveness sources — [1] Mastering Jujitsu (Gracie & Danaher, 2003) [2] Jiu-Jitsu University (Ribeiro, 2008)
Community
Athletics
Requires
grip fighting technique, forearm endurance, timing
Favours
strong hands and forearms, quick stripping motions
Key muscles
forearm flexors/extensors, wrist rotators, biceps
Sub-techniques
Boot Defence
SubFamilyThe Boot Defence subfamily covers the technique of hiding the foot from the opponent's grip by curling the toes, pointing the foot, and tucking the heel behind the opponent's body or thigh. [1] The boot is the first-line defence against heel hooks and ankle locks — by preventing the opponent from accessing and controlling the foot, the submission cannot be applied. [1,2] The boot defence requires the defender to actively manage foot position throughout any leg entanglement, treating the foot like a hand that must be kept safe from grips. [2,3]
1 genera·1 techniquesExplore
Hip Pressure Defence
SubFamilyThe Hip Pressure Defence subfamily covers leg lock defence techniques where the defender drives their hips toward the opponent, reducing the space needed for the submission's rotational or extension mechanics. [1] Hip pressure defence works by closing the distance between the defender's hip and the opponent's controlling hands, which reduces the lever arm and consequently the force the opponent can generate on the joint. [1,2] Driving the hips forward is the primary defence against kneebars and a critical secondary defence against heel hooks. [2,3]
1 genera·1 techniquesExplore
Leg Pummeling Defence
SubFamilyThe Leg Pummeling Defence subfamily covers defensive techniques where the defender systematically frees their legs from the opponent's entanglement, working to remove the legs from positions that expose them to submission attacks. [1] Leg pummelling is the ground-equivalent of hand fighting in the clinch — it involves using the legs to swim inside and outside the opponent's leg control, clearing hooks and entanglements. [1,2] Effective leg pummelling is essential for escaping saddle, 50/50, and other leg entanglement positions that are the foundation of modern leg lock attacks. [2,3]
1 genera·1 techniquesExplore
Notes
Leg lock defense follows the Danaher principle: 'clear the knee line first, then address the grip.' If the attacker's hips are above your knee, you are in immediate danger. The boot (straightening the foot to prevent the heel hook grip) is the first-line defense. Never rotate away from a heel hook — always rotate into the pressure to relieve torque. (Danaher, Enter the System; Lachlan Giles instructionals)
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I defend against heel hooks and foot locks at the same time?
According to Dinu Bucalet, the key is to hide your heel by turning your whole leg and foot into your opponent's ribs rather than just turning your knee. This positioning makes it nearly impossible for them to catch your heel for either a straight foot lock or heel hook, regardless of whether your leg is on the same side or across their body.
What are the main defensive concepts I should focus on when caught in a leglock?
Dinu Bucalet emphasizes three core concepts: first, turn your heel in the right direction to hide your heel and Achilles; second, put weight and pressure on the leg being attacked; and third, work to undo your opponent's control by managing their grip and positioning.
When my opponent has me in a leglock, where should I apply pressure to escape?
Identify which direction you need to push based on your opponent's control—you may need to push up or in different directions. Dinu Bucalet notes that you should look for where their top leg is and apply pressure accordingly by controlling their grip either over or under, depending on the situation.
How does the Leglock Defence work?
The Leglock Defence family covers all defensive techniques against leg-based submissions including heel hooks, kneebars, toe holds, and ankle locks. Leglock defence has become one of the most critical areas of submission defence in modern grappling due to the explosive growth of leg lock offence in competitive BJJ and MMA.
Where does the Leglock Defence come from?
Leglock defences were historically underdeveloped in BJJ compared to upper body submission defence, as the IBJJF's restriction of heel hooks slowed the development of comprehensive leg lock defensive systems. The revolution in leg lock offence led by Dean Lister, John Danaher, and the Danaher Death Squad during the 2010s forced a corresponding revolution in leg lock defence that has become essential at all levels of competitive grappling.
Is the Leglock Defence legal in competition?
Unified MMA: legal — Legal defensive technique; IBJJF: legal — Legal — defensive techniques are fundamental to grappling; IJF: legal — Legal defensive action; ADCC: legal — Legal; UWW: legal — Legal defensive technique; FIAS Sport Sambo: legal — Legal
How dangerous is the Leglock Defence?
Danger rating 3/10. Moderate — submission defence involves resisting joint locks/chokes; risk of injury if defence fails or is delayed
How do I set up the Leglock Defence?
The standard setup chain: Anticipate the Attack → Execute Defence → Recover Stance → Counter or Disengage.
How do I defend against the Leglock Defence?
Standard counters include: Timing — attack when the defence is recovering or between movements / Feint — use deception to create openings in the defensive structure / Angle Change — attack from an unexpected angle that the defence does not cover.
What are the variants of the Leglock Defence?
Common variants: Standard defence (primary defensive technique from the most common position); Reactive defence (triggered by the opponent's attack, minimal movement for …); Proactive defence (anticipating the attack and positioning to neutralise it …); Counter defence (using the defensive movement to create an immediate count…).
How effective is the Leglock Defence in competition?
Leglock defence is critical in modern no-gi competition.
What are common mistakes when doing the Leglock Defence?
Top errors to watch for: Ignoring the leg entanglement and focusing only on the heel/knee — the entanglement is the root problem; clear it / Not understanding inside vs. outside position — outside knee position means you're the one being attacked / Crossing your legs when defending — this gives the opponent control of both legs / Bending the knee against a heel hook — straighten or at minimum keep it neutral; bending gives more rotational access.
What are other names for the Leglock Defence?
The Leglock Defence is also known as Ashi Kansetsu-waza Difensu, Leg Lock Escape, Anti-Leglock, Lower Body Defence.