Joint Locks - Self Defense

[Jitsu]

Has anyone applied a joint lock in an actual self defense situation; Which lock, how was it applied and what was the results?

[falcon3624]

I have used wrist locks and standing armbars in self-defense (fight) before. I have also used a few Judo throws in fights.

[Szczepankiewicz]

Falcon ( I keep thinking of Falconetti) at what time in the fight were you able to pull off the wrist locks?

[falcon3624]

Before it got out of hand. The guy went to push me in the upper body and I caught him with a wrist lock.

[falcon3624]

You know there are alot of people that don't even train the wrist lock (I know my BJJ class does not train with wrist locks). I feel as though it is a powerful tool in self-defense though. I mean a wrist lock can be slung on with such speed and power that you can take away your attackers main weapons before they can actually cause you harm.

Then again there are plenty of people that say wrist locks are weak and useless as well. All depends on your training and ability to use it I guess.

[Szczepankiewicz]

Have you ever applied one in 'the middle' of a conflict?

My perspective on Wrist locks is that they are affective in the beginning (prior to the sweat pouring) or at the end (when exhaustion sets in) of a conflict.

[falcon3624]

Like I said that all depends on your ability to use it and how fast you can apply it. The bad thing about a wrist lock is that if the other person realizes what you are doing it is often easy for them to pull out of it. Therefore you have to be pretty quick with the movement of locking it on.

One of the tricks I like to do when rolling is if someone goes for my upper lapel when I am stuck in their guard I grab the wrist on the backside (people normally think you are just going to try and pull them loose). Then I pull the arm inward placing the other hand against the knuckles and then shooting back into a reverse wrist lock. If you apply it fast enough and jam the elbow to the ground it is quick and hard to get out of and most people will tap immediately.

[Szczepankiewicz]

Every joint can be locked. Some more difficult than others.

Thanks for the input. I appreciate it.

SPanky

[Jitsu]

I train in jui jitsu however not brazilian jujitsu we train primarily for up right fighting. We train to apply various and multiple strikes to open up opportunity to utilize and finish a fight with joint locks.

I am relatively a peaceful and alert man so dont find myself in many physical confrontations and the time I have a tap to the face and a hip throw began and ended the fight. But I've been curious of other success or failure in applying lock in non competion situations. Thanks guys for your insight

[kengar]

I have used an arm lock twice to stop a situation before it turned into a fight. I think they work to gain control, but if your butt is on the line then use them for their true intention. Remember, that a joint lock is just a break not fully applied yet.



Ken

[falcon3624]

When I did use joint locks in a bad situation I try to use them for control. Although two times I have been forced to use them as they were meant to be used and complete the move. Both times were wrist locks and I broke the wrist. Needless to say both times the result was devastating. Neither of them wanted to fight anymore.

I don't think that a break should be done except for the most severe of situations though. The first time I was younger and did not realize how easy it was to damage someone and got into an arguement at school and the guy grabbed me by the shirt and tried to shove me against a wall. When I applied the wrist lock I gave it a little too much pressure and I broke it. I felt terribly bad and swore I would never use a break again unless I thought it was life or death.

The last time it happened I stopped in a bad part of town to get a pack of cigs years ago. When I came out this guy asked me for a quarter for the payphone. Like an idiot I gave it to him thinking this would make him leave me alone. To my suprise I turn around and start walking again and I hear him say "hey, give me $10". I laughed and just kept walking. The guy came up behind me and kinda grabbed me and turned me around and when I came around I shoved him back. The guy tried to come up and shove me in return and that's when I got him in a wrist lock and shoved him back to the curb.

I don't know for sure that my life was in danger but at the time I felt it was so I used ExtremeForce. If I had it to do all over again I would have done the same thing, but I never stopped in that part of town again.

[kengar]

I don't think that a break should be done except for the most severe of situations though.

Agreed. Those are the only times I've went into a joint lock (non-training) and they didn't have to go any further.

[Thai Bri]

Control befire submission. This is a golden rule for locks. But control is much harder to establish standing up, as he is much more manouverable.

I have used the odd standing lock, but only BEFORE the guy has really decided to fight. Mid flow? No way, I'm going for his throat.

[falcon3624]

Mid I prefer to trap the arm into a standing armbar or kimura type lock when he swings. Throat is a good choice but I only go for that when it is life or death. I choose to go with skill in a fight and damage when my life may be in danger.

[Thai Bri]

But why fight if your life is not in danger?