Mastering the Wrist Lock Throw - Standing Submissions
0
From StandingΒ·Team Third Heaven
The Jiujitsu outside wrist lock also known as Omote Gyaku is a high percentage self defense technique from standing posiβ¦
Translation: from standing
Range & classification
Category
Strike & defenceLocksClose rangeFighting multiple people
Distance
CloseMiddleLong
Body target
Upper bodyMiddle bodyLower body
Overview
The two-on-one wrist lock from standing uses both hands to control and bend the opponent's wrist into flexion while both fighters are on their feet. [1],[2] One hand grips the back of the opponent's hand while the other controls the forearm, and the attacker applies flexion by pushing the hand toward the inner forearm with coordinated two-handed force. [1] The standing position allows the attacker to add body weight and rotational torque to the wrist bend by stepping and turning. [1],[2]
History & Origin
Standing two-on-one wrist locks are foundational techniques in aikido (nikkyo and sankyo variants), hapkido, and classical jujutsu, where they serve as primary standing control and submission methods. [1],[2] The two-on-one principle ensures that the attacker's grip strength always exceeds the defender's single-wrist resistance. [1] This standing application is one of the most widely taught self-defense wrist lock techniques across martial arts worldwide. [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]
Images
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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
Best Wrist Locks from Standing by Pete the Greek Letsos
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From StandingΒ·Bernardo Faria BJJ Fanatics
Best Wrist Locks from Standing by Pete the Greek - Click Here To Check Out Pete Letsos' Instructional Videos - https://bβ¦
2 videos
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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 wrestling/BJJ standard terminology
1OtherJapanese Martial Arts Community Terminology
Japanese wrestling/BJJ standard terminology
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 wrestling/BJJ standard terminology
Japanese terminology sourced from Japanese wrestling/BJJ standard terminology
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
Why don't I see wrist locks from standing in professional competitions?
Wrist locks are very effective but extremely dangerous, which is why many tournaments ban them. Team Third Heaven notes they work exceptionally well in self-defense against an unsuspecting opponent, but the injury risk means they're rarely seen in professional MMA competition.
How do I finish a wrist lock after taking my opponent to the ground?
Once you have the wrist lock established and are on the ground, slide your knee over to your opponent's bicep and continue rotating the wrist to complete the submission.
What's a common mistake when defending against a wrist lock from standing?
According to Pete the Greek Letsos, stepping from the inside when your opponent tries to push you exposes you to naked chokesβinstead, step to the outside and use a chop motion to defend.
Why is it harder to finish a wrist lock from standing versus on the ground?
The ground stabilizes and immobilizes your opponent, giving you a base so they can't move, whereas from standing your opponent retains mobility and can more easily escape.
How does the From Standing work?
The two-on-one wrist lock from standing uses both hands to control and bend the opponent's wrist into flexion while both fighters are on their feet. One hand grips the back of the opponent's hand while the other controls the forearm, and the attacker applies flexion by pushing the hand toward the inner forearm with coordinated two-handed force.
Where does the From Standing come from?
Standing two-on-one wrist locks are foundational techniques in aikido (nikkyo and sankyo variants), hapkido, and classical jujutsu, where they serve as primary standing control and submission methods. The two-on-one principle ensures that the attacker's grip strength always exceeds the defender's single-wrist resistance.
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 Two-on-One Wrist Lock, Tachi Double Wrist Lock.