10 Elbow Locks Every Martial Artist Must Know.
0
From ClinchΒ·Straight Circle Martial ArtsΒ·Added by Admin
Learn 10 must know elbow locks. Please check out my newest channel. The Karate Man. https://www.youtube.com/@TheKarateβ¦
Translation: from clinch
Range & classification
Category
Strike & defenceLocksClose rangeFighting multiple people
Distance
CloseMiddleLong
Body target
Upper bodyMiddle bodyLower body
Overview
The Z-lock from clinch is applied during a standing clinch by trapping the opponent's wrist and bending it into a Z-shaped configuration where the forearm, wrist, and hand form angular zigzag segments. [1],[2] The Z-shape is created by applying both flexion and radial or ulnar deviation simultaneously, stressing the wrist ligaments from multiple angles at once. [1] The clinch provides the body-to-body contact needed to trap the arm and apply the compound wrist manipulation before the opponent can retract. [1],[2]
History & Origin
The Z-lock is found in traditional jujutsu and chin na systems that emphasize compound wrist manipulations attacking multiple planes of motion simultaneously. [1],[2] The name refers to the zigzag shape of the wrist when the lock is properly applied. [1] In modern grappling, the Z-lock from clinch is a specialized technique used by practitioners with training in traditional wrist manipulation arts who integrate these methods into their standing game. [1],[2]
Country of originΒ· shown in random order
- BrazilBJJ, Submission Grappling, MMA
- JapanBJJ, Judo, Submission Grappling
- USASubmission Grappling, MMA
- RussiaSambo
- ChinaChin Na
Effectiveness
Clinch submissions exploit the close-range tie-up to attack with standing guillotines, arm-in chokes, and neck cranks. [1]
Lineage
Clinch submissions derive from judo standing submissions and catch wrestling. [1]
Competition Record
Standing guillotine chokes from the clinch are among the most common submissions in MMA competition. [1]
Images
No images yet for this technique.
Sign in to suggest an image.
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
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
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
βPain compliance from the clinch uses collar ties, overhooks, and body position to create pressure on nerve clusters and sensitive areas while standing (Couture, Wrestling for Fighting, 2007)
βThe collar tie with downward pressure creates pain through the cervical spine β the opponent's neck bears the weight of the attacker's arm and body
βClinch-based pain compliance includes forearm across the trachea, chin strap pressure, and knuckle pressure to the jaw β all used to manipulate head position
βStanding pain compliance sets up takedowns: the opponent's reaction to pain creates movement that the attacker exploits for throws and trips
βThe underhook with shoulder pressure drives the point of the shoulder into the opponent's neck or jaw β creating discomfort that opens underhook advantages
βClinch pressure techniques are particularly effective in MMA where they accumulate damage over time β making the opponent want to disengage
βPain compliance from clinch requires good base β if you lean into the pain technique without proper stance, the opponent can off-balance you
Common Mistakes
!Using pain compliance from clinch without a takedown or transition plan β the pain should create openings for the next technique
!Leaning your weight into the opponent without maintaining base β you become vulnerable to counter-throws and trips
!Applying trachea pressure in training β throat strikes and pressure are dangerous and should only be simulated lightly in practice
!Using clinch pain compliance as stalling β referees may break the clinch if no technique follows the control
!Focusing on pain instead of position β the pain compliance should enhance the clinch position, not distract from maintaining proper tie-ups
!Not having a follow-up β every pain compliance action should lead to a takedown, submission, or positional improvement
!Applying the same pressure repeatedly β the opponent adapts; vary the pain stimulus to maintain its effectiveness
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 BJJ community standard katakana transliteration
1OtherJapanese Martial Arts Community Terminology
Japanese BJJ community standard katakana transliteration
2OtherJapanese Combat Sports Katakana Convention
Standard katakana transliteration of Western martial arts terminology (ε€ζ₯θͺ) β used in Japanese MMA, boxing, and BJJ communities
3CitationJapanese BJJ community standard katakana transliteration
Japanese terminology sourced from Japanese BJJ community standard katakana transliteration
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 isn't my elbow lock working when I try to apply it?
According to Straight Circle Martial Arts, you need to stretch your opponent so their elbow comes completely straight. If the elbow is bent, the lock won't be effectiveβall the joints must be fully extended to make them weak.
How do I make sure my hip movement matches my arm movement on elbow locks?
Straight Circle Martial Arts emphasizes that your hip must go in the same direction as your hand. If your hand goes forward while your hip goes a different direction, it won't generate proper pressure.
What's the correct way to apply pressure when finishing an elbow lock with the tendon?
Straight Circle Martial Arts teaches that you should envision the finish like a punching motionβexpanding into the lock rather than just pushing. One hand comes up while the other comes down, and you may apply pressure in two directions (down and then to the side) rather than a simple push.
How do I use my body as a lever when controlling someone in a clinch elbow lock?
Straight Circle Martial Arts explains that you should use your neck as one point of support and your arm as a second point of support to lever your opponent down, rather than just pulling. This leverage approach is more effective than relying on arm strength alone.
How does the From Clinch work?
The Z-lock from clinch is applied during a standing clinch by trapping the opponent's wrist and bending it into a Z-shaped configuration where the forearm, wrist, and hand form angular zigzag segments. The Z-shape is created by applying both flexion and radial or ulnar deviation simultaneously, stressing the wrist ligaments from multiple angles at once.
Where does the From Clinch come from?
The Z-lock is found in traditional jujutsu and chin na systems that emphasize compound wrist manipulations attacking multiple planes of motion simultaneously. The name refers to the zigzag shape of the wrist when the lock is properly applied.
Is the From Clinch 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 Clinch?
Danger rating 5/10. Wrist lock variant targeting carpal and radioulnar joints through forced deviation or torsion
How do I set up the From Clinch?
The standard setup chain: Establish Position β Create the Threat β Secure the Hold β Finish.
How do I defend against the From Clinch?
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 Clinch?
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 Clinch in competition?
Standing guillotine chokes from the clinch are among the most common submissions in MMA competition.
What are common mistakes when doing the From Clinch?
Top errors to watch for: Using pain compliance from clinch without a takedown or transition plan β the pain should create openings for the nexβ¦ / Leaning your weight into the opponent without maintaining base β you become vulnerable to counter-throws and trips / Applying trachea pressure in training β throat strikes and pressure are dangerous and should only be simulated lightlβ¦ / Using clinch pain compliance as stalling β referees may break the clinch if no technique follows the control.
What are other names for the From Clinch?
The From Clinch is also known as Kurinchi kara, Clinch Z-Lock, Standing Z Wrist Lock.