Lower Limb

Family

下肢(Kashi)

Traditional

Translation: lower limb

Overview

Lower limb nerve locks target the nerve pathways of the legs — primarily the peroneal nerve (running along the outside of the knee), the sciatic nerve (posterior thigh), and the tibial nerve (behind the knee and calf). [1],[2] The most common application is peroneal nerve compression: pressing a shin, knee, or forearm into the lateral side of the opponent's leg just below the knee, where the common peroneal nerve passes superficially over the fibular head. This generates sharp, electric pain that can force a positional change or submission. [3] Lower limb nerve locks are primarily used as positional tools rather than primary submissions — for example, using peroneal pressure to open up guard passes or force defensive reactions that create openings for more decisive attacks. [4]

Also known as
Lower Body Nerve Lock[1]Leg Nerve Compression[2]

History & Origin

Lower limb nerve attacks are documented in classical Japanese jujutsu under kyusho-jutsu (vital point techniques) and in Chinese martial arts Chin Na systems that map nerve pathways throughout the body. [1],[2] In koryu jujutsu, attacking nerve points on the legs was practiced as part of ground combat (ne-waza) and standing grappling curricula. [2] In modern grappling, lower limb nerve pressure is commonly applied during guard passing — using the knee or shin to compress the peroneal nerve as a way to weaken the guard player's leg hooks. [3],[4]

Effectiveness

Lower limb submissions (heel hooks, kneebars, ankle locks, toe holds) attack the knee, ankle, and foot joints, providing powerful finishing options from leg entanglement positions. [1]

Lineage

Lower limb attacks were developed primarily in catch wrestling and sambo, with the modern leg lock renaissance driven by John Danaher's systematic approach. [1]

Competition Record

Leg locks are the dominant submission category at ADCC and modern no-gi events. [1]

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Biomechanical Mechanism

Primary ActionCompression of the calf muscle against the shin bone — traps soft tissue between the attacker's shin and the defender's thigh
Joints InvolvedKnee (hyperflexion), gastrocnemius and soleus muscles (compression)
Force VectorWedge-like pressure — the attacker's shin acts as a fulcrum compressing the calf while controlling the foot
Pain MechanismCrushing compression of the calf muscle fibres generates intense pain and threatens muscle or tendon damage

Position & Entry

From top half guardThread the shin behind opponent's knee, triangle the legs to trap the calf, extend to compress
From truck positionControl from the truck, thread the leg across the calf and lock the compression
From ashi garamiDuring leg entanglement, reposition the shin across the calf and apply the slicer

Variants

Standard calf slicershin across the calf with triangle leg lock compressing the muscle
Truck calf slicerapplied from truck position after a back-take attempt
Standing calf slicertrapping the calf during a scramble or guard exchange

Videos

5 Ways to Submit From Mount (Lower Belts Should Learn)

0
Lower Limb·BIG OSS Jiu-Jitsu Channel

IF YOU HAVEA HARD TIME SUBMIT FROM MOUNT THIS VODEO IS FOR YOU On This Video today i show 5 ways to apply a submissions

1 video

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Ratings

Danger Rating

Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to

4
Moderate4/10

Lower limb nerve compression targets the peroneal or tibial nerve for pain compliance

Difficulty

Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably

Advanced
Competition Legality

Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets

Illegal
IBJJF — Pain compliance without structural submission mec...
IBJJF Rules Book v6.0, June 2024PDF
IJF — Not a recognized submission category
IJF Sport and Organisation Rules 2025, Article 27PDF
FIAS Sport Sambo — Prohibited
FIAS International Sambo Competition RulesPDF
Legal
Unified MMA — Legal
Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025PDF
FIAS Combat Sambo — Legal
FIAS Combat Sambo RulesPDF

Training Notes

Lower limb nerve locks target the peroneal nerve (lateral shin), the saphenous nerve (inner thigh), and the sciatic nerve (posterior thigh) — creating pain compliance from leg control positions (Dillman, Pressure Point Fighting, 2002)
The peroneal nerve runs along the lateral aspect of the shin just below the knee — pressure here causes intense radiating pain down the leg
In grappling, the shin-across-thigh position (as in knee-on-belly or leg entanglements) naturally pressures lower limb nerves — this enhances positional control
The common peroneal nerve is vulnerable in leg lock positions: pressure from the shin during ashi garami creates additional discomfort that complements the joint lock threat
Lower limb nerve pressure is used to break the opponent's defensive structures: pain in the leg reduces their ability to maintain guard frames and hip escapes
Knee-on-belly pressure naturally targets the nerves of the lower abdomen and hip flexor — the positional technique becomes a nerve compression simultaneously
In self-defence, stomps and strikes to the peroneal nerve (dead leg) temporarily disable the opponent's mobility — a practical application of nerve lock principles

Common Mistakes

!Targeting nerve locks on the lower limb without positional control — the opponent will simply retract the leg if they're not controlled
!Applying random pressure — nerve locks require precise targeting; pressing generally on the leg is ineffective
!Using nerve pressure as a substitute for proper leg lock mechanics — the nerve lock enhances the joint lock, it doesn't replace it
!Expecting the nerve lock to finish the match — lower limb nerve pressure usually enhances position rather than creating a submission
!Applying too much weight — knee-on-belly nerve pressure should be controlled; excessive weight can cause rib fractures, not just nerve pain
!Not knowing the exact nerve locations — study the anatomy; the peroneal nerve is on the lateral shin, not the front or back
!Ignoring the difference between nerve pressure and bone pressure — pressing on the shin bone hurts but isn't a nerve lock; target the nerve pathway specifically

Related Techniques

Counter Techniques

Setup Chain

1Establish Positionachieve the controlling position needed for this submission
2Create the Threatbegin the submission setup to force a defensive reaction
3Secure the Holdlock the submission grip with proper body mechanics
4Finishapply increasing pressure until the opponent taps or the joint/choke takes effect

Sources & References

Primary Source

Koryu Jujutsu — nerve compression techniques

1BookKoryu Jujutsu — nerve compression techniques

Japanese terminology sourced from Koryu Jujutsu — nerve compression techniques

2Oral TraditionKoryu Jujutsu (Classical Japanese Jujutsu)

Classical schools: Tenjin Shin'yo-ryu, Takenouchi-ryu, etc.

Standard Japanese martial arts terminology (kanji/hiragana)

4OtherJapanese Martial Arts Standard Terminology (武道用語)

Established Japanese martial arts naming convention — native Japanese term (和語/漢語)

5CitationKoryu Jujutsu — nerve compression techniques

Japanese terminology sourced from Koryu Jujutsu — nerve compression techniques

Community

Athletics

Requires

shin pressure, leg triangling ability

Favours

bony, angular shins for sharper compression

Key muscles

quadriceps, hamstrings, calf muscles (for leg triangle lock)

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the key to finishing an arm triangle choke from mount?

According to BIG OSS Jiu-Jitsu, the key is to walk in a straight line and wipe your opponent's arm to the side, then replace your arm with your head. Keep your head pressed against their head to maintain the arm in place, and squeeze at about 80% pressure continuously rather than squeezing and releasing repeatedly.

How do I prevent my opponent from escaping mount using a bridge?

BIG OSS Jiu-Jitsu explains that you need to have a solid base and keep the opponent's elbow far away from their body to reduce their bridge power. If they do bridge, maintain an active hook with your lower body and block before they can escape to the side.

What's the proper way to transition to the arm triangle to avoid getting bucked off?

BIG OSS Jiu-Jitsu emphasizes that the transition is the most critical moment—when you go to mount, your opponent will try to bridge. You must block and base out properly, maintaining your lower body hook so you don't lose position during the transition.

How does the Lower Limb work?

Lower limb nerve locks target the nerve pathways of the legs — primarily the peroneal nerve (running along the outside of the knee), the sciatic nerve (posterior thigh), and the tibial nerve (behind the knee and calf). The most common application is peroneal nerve compression: pressing a shin, knee, or forearm into the lateral side of the opponent's leg just below the knee, where the common peroneal nerve passes superficially over the fibular head.

Where does the Lower Limb come from?

Lower limb nerve attacks are documented in classical Japanese jujutsu under kyusho-jutsu (vital point techniques) and in Chinese martial arts Chin Na systems that map nerve pathways throughout the body. In koryu jujutsu, attacking nerve points on the legs was practiced as part of ground combat (ne-waza) and standing grappling curricula.

Is the Lower Limb legal in competition?

IBJJF: banned — Pain compliance without structural submission mechanism is prohibited; IJF: banned — Not a recognized submission category; ADCC: legal — Legal; Unified MMA: legal — Legal; FIAS Sport Sambo: banned — Prohibited; FIAS Combat Sambo: legal — Legal

How dangerous is the Lower Limb?

Danger rating 4/10. Lower limb nerve compression targets the peroneal or tibial nerve for pain compliance

How do I set up the Lower Limb?

The standard setup chain: Establish Position → Create the Threat → Secure the Hold → Finish.

How do I defend against the Lower Limb?

Standard counters include: Early Recognition — identify the submission attempt early and begin defence immediately / Posture and Base — maintain strong posture and base to prevent submission setups / Grip Fight — deny the attacker their preferred gripping configuration.

What are the variants of the Lower Limb?

Common variants: Standard calf slicer (shin across the calf with triangle leg lock compressing t…); Truck calf slicer (applied from truck position after a back-take attempt); Standing calf slicer (trapping the calf during a scramble or guard exchange).

How effective is the Lower Limb in competition?

Leg locks are the dominant submission category at ADCC and modern no-gi events.

What are common mistakes when doing the Lower Limb?

Top errors to watch for: Targeting nerve locks on the lower limb without positional control — the opponent will simply retract the leg if they… / Applying random pressure — nerve locks require precise targeting; pressing generally on the leg is ineffective / Using nerve pressure as a substitute for proper leg lock mechanics — the nerve lock enhances the joint lock, it doesn… / Expecting the nerve lock to finish the match — lower limb nerve pressure usually enhances position rather than creati….

What are other names for the Lower Limb?

The Lower Limb is also known as Kashi, Lower Body Nerve Lock, Leg Nerve Compression.