Old School Black Belt’s Unpopular Opinion: Leg Locks Are Cheap

Malachy Friedman, a BJJ Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under the legendary Master Ricardo Liborio of the Carlson Gracie lineage, shares his perspective on leg locks in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. With over 20 years of experience in multiple fight disciplines, including MMA, BJJ, Boxing, Muay Thai, and Wrestling, Professor Friedman offers a seasoned viewpoint on the controversial technique.

In a recent clip from The Everyday Perspective Podcast channel, Friedman discusses his views on leg locks. Reflecting on his training background, he notes that while heel hooks and ankle locks were part of his repertoire, he never considered them to be true submissions.

“When I was training and where I came from, we had heel hooks and ankle locks, but even if I got a heel hook or ankle lock, in my head it was because I couldn’t get something better,” says Friedman. He emphasizes that catching an opponent with a leg lock didn’t feel like a solid victory compared to securing a neck or an arm. “Taking a leg always felt kind of like the cheap way out to get something quick.”

Friedman’s opinion highlights a traditionalist view within the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community, where leg locks are often seen as less honorable compared to upper body submissions. Despite the evolving techniques and increasing popularity of leg locks in modern BJJ competitions, Friedman’s stance underscores the ongoing debate about the legitimacy and value of different submission techniques in the sport.

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