Managing Angle Loss in the Kneebar
When pursuing a kneebar, if the opponent scrambles or the attacking angle is compromised, the practitioner may need to adjust position. If the opponent's knee rotates to face the ceiling, the attacker cups the hamstring with one hand and switches hips to face the opponent, establishing a safe position with the opponent's bottom leg trapped.
Transitioning to Heel Hook from Kneebar
From the adjusted kneebar position, the attacker bends their body backward to keep the opponent's leg bent with the knee pinched. The attacker then reaches back to attack the heel, and when finishing the heel hook, drives their hips toward the opponent's hips rather than rotating away to maximize control and pressure.
Boot on Transition and Pressure Management
If the opponent straightens their leg to escape the heel hook, the attacker wraps their arm under the Achilles tendon and transitions to a boot on position. Maintaining constant inward pressure with the bottom leg toward the opponent's head prevents the opponent from kicking their foot free and securing the foot lock.
Finishing the Boot on Foot Lock
The attacker positions their top foot on the opponent's hip and begins rotating until their shoulders become perpendicular to the mat. The attacker maintains distance control with their elbow on their stomach and looks over their shoulder to feel when the opponent taps, adjusting leg width if the opponent begins to escape.
Toe Hold Transition from Sitting Position
From the sitting leg lock position, the attacker escapes their knee slightly and throws their hips to rotate, maintaining the outside arm lock. The attacker then lays their chest onto the opponent's leg to expose the heel and transitions into a toe hold by sliding their outside arm low on the opponent's toes.
Toe Hold Finish and Calf Slicer Setup
The attacker falls to their side while bringing the opponent's big toe toward their buttock to finish the toe hold. If the opponent escapes, the attacker immediately transitions to a calf slicer by triangling their legs to prevent self-injury while maintaining downward shin pressure as they sit up and throw their hips into the opponent.
Episode 5 | Kneebar Leg Lock Drill #1
Key Takeaways
- •Managing Angle Loss in the Kneebar
- •Transitioning to Heel Hook from Kneebar
- •Boot on Transition and Pressure Management
- •Finishing the Boot on Foot Lock
Bendy Casimir, Taylor "Ninja" McCorriston, and Daniel Almodovar go over different attacks from the kneebar. Link to Robert Drysdale's explanation of the toe hold on Sherdog's technique of the week. http://www.sherdog.com/mma-techniques/Robert-Drysdales-Technique-of-the-Week-Knee-Bar-to-Toe-Hold-54517
Related Techniques
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this video teach about kneebar lock?
This video covers managing angle loss in the kneebar, transitioning to heel hook from kneebar, boot on transition and pressure management. It provides detailed instruction from King Kneebar.
How long does it take to learn kneebar lock?
The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 6-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.
What are the key details for finishing kneebar lock?
From the sitting leg lock position, the attacker escapes their knee slightly and throws their hips to rotate, maintaining the outside arm lock. The attacker then lays their chest onto the opponent's leg to expose the heel and transitions into a toe hold by sliding their outside arm low on the opponent's toes.
