Should BJJ White Belts learn Leg Locks in BJJ?
This is a question I received from one of the viewers recently. And it’s a great question because it’s one that comes up a lot.
Oftentimes there is a myth in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu that practicing leg locks will lead to lots of injuries. I even thought this way myself for a long time.
I remember back when I was a BJJ White Belt myself. It was 2003-2004 and the general idea of leg locks in Brazilian Jiujitsu was one of cheating.
Sometimes kneebars, and straight ankle locks were ok. But most leg locks and heel hooks especially were all labeled cheating.
At this point though, leg locks are such a common and viable weapon that if you do not teach and learn them. You’re setting yourself up for failure.
Likewise, as a coach I’ve found that injuries related to leg locks actually drop when my students became more aware of leg locks.
So to bring this all together. I believe BJJ White Belts should definitely learn leg locks.
Thanks for the question Maverick!
-Chewy
