10 Elbow Locks Every Martial Artist Must Know.
0
From StandingΒ·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 standing
Range & classification
Category
Strike & defenceLocksClose rangeFighting multiple people
Distance
CloseMiddleLong
Body target
Upper bodyMiddle bodyLower body
Overview
The Z-lock from standing is applied by trapping the opponent's wrist and manipulating it into the zigzag Z-configuration while both fighters are on their feet, combining flexion with radial or ulnar deviation for multi-planar joint stress. [1],[2] The standing position allows the attacker to use body rotation and weight shifts to amplify the compound wrist bend. [1] The technique requires precise hand positioning to create the correct angular segments and is typically initiated from a wrist grab, handshake trap, or clinch-range arm control position. [1],[2]
History & Origin
Standing Z-locks are found in traditional jujutsu, Chinese chin na, and Indonesian silat, all of which feature compound wrist manipulations that attack the joint from multiple angles simultaneously. [1],[2] The technique represents one of the more advanced standing wrist lock applications, requiring precise knowledge of wrist joint anatomy to position the lock correctly. [1] In self-defense contexts, the Z-lock's rapid onset of pain makes it effective for controlling aggressors in standing confrontations. [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
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
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 BJJ community standard katakana transliteration
1OtherJapanese Martial Arts Community Terminology
Japanese BJJ community standard katakana transliteration
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 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 apply it?
According to Straight Circle Martial Arts, you need to stretch your opponent so their elbow comes straight and fully extended. If the elbow is bent, the lock won't work effectively because the arm remains strong and has too much play to tap out.
How should my hips move when applying an elbow lock?
Straight Circle Martial Arts emphasizes that your hip must go in the same direction as your handβif your hand goes forward and pulls one way, your hip should follow that same direction, otherwise the lock won't generate proper pressure.
Should I push or expand when finishing an elbow lock?
You should expand into the lock rather than push, similar to a punching motion where one hand comes up and one comes down. Straight Circle Martial Arts notes this creates extension and proper leverage, whereas pushing doesn't generate enough force.
How do I use my neck and arms together for an elbow lock?
Straight Circle Martial Arts teaches to 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 with your arm alone, which won't have enough mechanical advantage.
How does the From Standing work?
The Z-lock from standing is applied by trapping the opponent's wrist and manipulating it into the zigzag Z-configuration while both fighters are on their feet, combining flexion with radial or ulnar deviation for multi-planar joint stress. The standing position allows the attacker to use body rotation and weight shifts to amplify the compound wrist bend.
Where does the From Standing come from?
Standing Z-locks are found in traditional jujutsu, Chinese chin na, and Indonesian silat, all of which feature compound wrist manipulations that attack the joint from multiple angles simultaneously. The technique represents one of the more advanced standing wrist lock applications, requiring precise knowledge of wrist joint anatomy to position the lock correctly.
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 Z-Lock, Tachi Z Wrist Lock.