The Jacare Standing Wristlock
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From StandingΒ·Invisible Jiu Jitsu
The Jacare Standing Wristlock is like aikido, but it works! ~Support the Channel by Liking, Commenting on, and Sharing tβ¦
Translation: from standing
Range & classification
Category
Strike & defenceLocksClose rangeFighting multiple people
Distance
CloseMiddleLong
Body target
Upper bodyMiddle bodyLower body
Overview
The figure-four wrist lock from standing applies a figure-four grip configuration to the opponent's wrist while both fighters are on their feet, using the doubled leverage of the interlocked hands to bend the wrist into flexion. [1],[2] The standing position allows the attacker to use stance changes and rotational force to amplify the wrist bend. [1] The technique is commonly entered from a handshake trap, wrist grab, or arm control position where the attacker can quickly secure the figure-four before the opponent retracts. [1],[2]
History & Origin
Standing figure-four wrist locks are core techniques in aikido, hapkido, and traditional jujutsu, where they form part of the curriculum for controlling standing attackers. [1],[2] The figure-four configuration is also used in wrestling for controlling the arm, though wrestling applications focus on positional control rather than joint submission. [1] The standing application for submission purposes represents the traditional martial arts approach to standing self-defense scenarios. [1],[2]
Country of originΒ· shown in random order
- BrazilBJJ, Submission Grappling, MMA
- Japanη«γ‘ζγγ(Tachi-waza kara)BJJ, Judo, Submission Grappling
- USASubmission Grappling, MMA
- RussiaSambo
- ChinaChin Na
Effectiveness
Standing submissions (guillotines, standing kimuras, standing arm triangles) are applied from the feet and are high-percentage in MMA where the opponent's guard pull attempt exposes them. [1]
Lineage
Standing submissions come from judo (tachi-waza ne-waza transitions) and catch wrestling. [1]
Competition Record
Standing submissions, particularly guillotine chokes, are among the most common finishes in UFC competition. [1]
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action β Forced flexion, extension, or rotation of the wrist beyond its normal range of motion
Joints Involved β Radiocarpal joint (wrist), intercarpal joints, distal radioulnar joint
Force Vector β Two-point control β one hand stabilises the forearm while the other drives the wrist into flexion, extension, or deviation
Vulnerability β Small joint with limited muscular protection makes it susceptible to sudden, low-force submissions
Position & Entry
From any grip exchange β During grip fighting, isolate the opponent's wrist with two-on-one control and apply sudden flexion or rotation
From guard (gi) β When opponent posts a hand on the mat or chest, trap the wrist and apply downward pressure for the wrist lock
From mount or side control β Opponent posts to escape, trap the wrist against the mat and apply the lock
Variants
Standard wrist lock (kote gaeshi) β two-handed rotational lock on the wrist
Gooseneck wrist lock β flexion lock bending the wrist down toward the forearm
Standing wrist lock β applied during grip fighting or a standing exchange
Ground wrist lock β catching the opponent's posted hand from mount, side control, or guard
Videos
1 video
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
5
High5/10
Wrist lock variant targeting carpal and radioulnar joints through forced deviation or torsion
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Advanced
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
Illegal
β kansetsu-waza
IJF Sport and Organisation Rules 2025, Article 27PDFLegal
β IBJJF β Legal at all belt levels
IBJJF Rules Book v6.0, June 2024PDFβ ADCC β Legal β all submissions legal in ADCC
ADCC Rules Update, April 2025PDFβ Unified MMA β Legal submission technique
Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025PDFβ FIAS Sport Sambo β Legal
FIAS International Sambo Competition RulesPDFβ FIAS Combat Sambo β Legal
FIAS Combat Sambo RulesPDFTraining Notes
βStanding wrist locks attack the opponent's wrist during grip fighting, clinch work, and standing transitions β they exploit the momentary hand positions that occur during standing grappling (Danaher, New Wave Jiu Jitsu, 2020)
βStanding wrist locks are among the fastest submissions in grappling: the transition from grip break to wrist lock can occur in under a second
βThe most common standing wrist lock: during grip fighting, peel the opponent's hand off your lapel and immediately apply an extension lock β the grip break becomes the submission
βStanding wrist locks work best against stiff-armed opponents: those who push or post with locked-out arms expose their wrists to attack
βAikido and jujutsu developed the most sophisticated standing wrist lock systems: nikkyo, sankyo, kote-gaeshi, and gooseneck all applied from standing
βStanding wrist locks can create takedowns: the wrist pain and structural compromise off-balance the opponent β the wrist lock drives them to the ground
βStanding wrist locks in judo: during grip fighting for dominant kumi-kata, the hand exchange creates brief moments where the wrist is vulnerable
Common Mistakes
!Attempting standing wrist locks against a mobile opponent β the opponent must be momentarily committed (gripping, pushing, reaching) for the wrist to be catchable
!Not controlling the elbow β a free elbow allows the opponent to retract the arm; control the forearm and elbow while attacking the wrist
!Using standing wrist locks as primary attacks β they work best as opportunistic attacks during grip fighting transitions
!Holding the wrist lock standing when it isn't finishing β if the standing lock doesn't tap, transition to a takedown or ground follow-up
!Not disguising the attack β standing wrist locks work through surprise; obvious setups are easily defeated
!Applying against a fisted hand β wait for the grip or open hand; a fist resists wrist locks
!Not following through to the ground β standing wrist locks that partially work can become ground submissions; don't let go during the transition
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Setup Chain
1Establish Position β achieve the controlling position needed for this submission
2Create the Threat β begin the submission setup to force a defensive reaction
3Secure the Hold β lock the submission grip with proper body mechanics
4Finish β apply increasing pressure until the opponent taps or the joint/choke takes effect
Sources & References
Primary Source
Japanese pro wrestling/judo standard terminology; widely used in Japanese grappling
1OtherJapanese Martial Arts Community Terminology
Japanese pro wrestling/judo standard terminology; widely used in Japanese grappling
Standard Japanese martial arts terminology (kanji/hiragana)
3OtherJapanese Martial Arts Standard Terminology (ζ¦ιη¨θͺ)
Established Japanese martial arts naming convention β native Japanese term (εθͺ/ζΌ’θͺ)
4CitationJapanese pro wrestling/judo standard terminology; widely used in Japanese grappling
Japanese terminology sourced from Japanese pro wrestling/judo standard terminology; widely used in Japanese grappling
Community
Athletics
Requires
fine motor control, grip sensitivity, quick hand transitions
Favours
dexterous hands with strong fingers
Key muscles
forearm flexors and extensors, intrinsic hand muscles
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the basic principle behind executing a wristlock?
The general principle is simple: bend one end and pull the other. You create a bend in your opponent's wrist, then apply force in the opposite direction to finish the lock.
How do I control my opponent's arm once I have the wristlock in place?
Once you have the bend, turn your body and dip in so your opponent can't force their wrist back out. Point your opponent's fingers in a direction, then take their elbow in that same direction while flaring the elbow to maximize the lock's effectiveness.
Why is hand positioning important for a standing wristlock?
Controlling from a lower hand position (at the wrist rather than the collarbone) gives you significantly more control over your opponent's movement and allows you to slip past their body without them being able to block you.
How does the From Standing work?
The figure-four wrist lock from standing applies a figure-four grip configuration to the opponent's wrist while both fighters are on their feet, using the doubled leverage of the interlocked hands to bend the wrist into flexion. The standing position allows the attacker to use stance changes and rotational force to amplify the wrist bend.
Where does the From Standing come from?
Standing figure-four wrist locks are core techniques in aikido, hapkido, and traditional jujutsu, where they form part of the curriculum for controlling standing attackers. The figure-four configuration is also used in wrestling for controlling the arm, though wrestling applications focus on positional control rather than joint submission.
Is the From Standing legal in competition?
IBJJF: legal β Legal at all belt levels; IJF: banned β Only elbow joint locks (kansetsu-waza) permitted in judo β all other joint loβ¦; ADCC: legal β Legal β all submissions legal in ADCC; Unified MMA: legal β Legal submission technique; FIAS Sport Sambo: legal β Legal; FIAS Combat Sambo: legal β Legal
How dangerous is the From Standing?
Danger rating 5/10. Wrist lock variant targeting carpal and radioulnar joints through forced deviation or torsion
How do I set up the From Standing?
The standard setup chain: Establish Position β Create the Threat β Secure the Hold β Finish.
How do I defend against the From Standing?
Standard counters include: Early Recognition β identify the submission attempt early and begin defence immediately / Posture and Base β maintain strong posture and base to prevent submission setups / Grip Fight β deny the attacker their preferred gripping configuration.
What are the variants of the From Standing?
Common variants: Standard wrist lock (kote gaeshi) (two-handed rotational lock on the wrist); Gooseneck wrist lock (flexion lock bending the wrist down toward the forearm); Standing wrist lock (applied during grip fighting or a standing exchange); Ground wrist lock (catching the opponent's posted hand from mount, side contβ¦).
How effective is the From Standing in competition?
Standing submissions, particularly guillotine chokes, are among the most common finishes in UFC competition.
What are common mistakes when doing the From Standing?
Top errors to watch for: Attempting standing wrist locks against a mobile opponent β the opponent must be momentarily committed (gripping, pusβ¦ / Not controlling the elbow β a free elbow allows the opponent to retract the arm; control the forearm and elbow while β¦ / Using standing wrist locks as primary attacks β they work best as opportunistic attacks during grip fighting transitions / Holding the wrist lock standing when it isn't finishing β if the standing lock doesn't tap, transition to a takedown β¦.
What are other names for the From Standing?
The From Standing is also known as Tachi-waza kara, Standing Figure-Four Wrist Lock, Tachi Figure-4 Lock.