Waxwingslain's Log: Wrist locks

Simple wrist locks

Wrist locks are an interesting technique in BJJ. Most people don't seem to use them much possibly because they are seen as cheap or liable to cause injury. Another reason they are overlooked might be that people feel they are not the "fight-ending" technique that, for example, a kimura is.

On the other hand (get it? please yourselves), they are extremely painful, they take away the use of one of your opponent's hands and might be easier to explain in court than an armbar. In addition, wrist locks are worth practicing even if all you learn is how to avoid them.

Spazzing out and wrenching your partner's wrists is a good way to make your partner angry, however, when done smoothly wrist locks can be valid techniques. I suggest you mention to your partner that you want to carefully incorporate wrist locks into your roll beforehand if you do not usually practice them.

Basics
To effect a wrist lock, you will need to immobilise the arm at the elbow before bending the wrist either forwards or backwards by pushing on the hand.
To defend a wrist lock, you will need to nullify one of these control points. In other words, either free your elbow or protect your hand.

The simplest way to defend a wrist lock is to bring the other hand over and grab the hand that is being attacked. Accordingly, we need to be alert and avoid situations where one arm is isolated and vulnerable. Without the support of your other hand you are simply going to have to squirm your elbow or hand out of the lock as fast as possible.

Now lets look at some of the positions where we can apply wrist locks. This is by no means an exclusive list!

Side
Control the elbow with both arms with a hugging grip as you use your chest to bend the far wrist inwards. This one won't always be there but the opportunity sometimes arises for it.

Wrap O's lapel around the outside of his arm, trapping his elbow against his body. Secure the lapel with your head side arm. Grab his wrist with your leg side arm and push it inwards for the tap.

Spider web position (sitting out for a juji-gatame/armbar)
O is folding his arm towards his body to escape the armlock, grab his wrist with both hands and pull it in towards you.

Guard
Praying Mantis
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5wfIT6rz8KQ

A sneaky wristlock can be employed when O stiffarms you back onto the ground. Grab behind his elbow with both hands and sit up, curling inwards and away from his other hand as much as possible. his wrist will be bent back against your chest and he will be forced to tap.

When O has your back
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPxltLz0ueU

Omoplata
A wrist lock is an easy way to finish an opponent from the omoplata position. The arm is isolated and held in position by your legs. Simply bend the wrist.

Triangle
You can't really see what's happening here but the wrist lock can be performed on the trapped arm by bending it inwards (the elbow is locked in place by your legs). If he tries to defend with his other arm try switching to a kimura on that arm.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXsAGM9Iyak

Switch between the armbar, wrist lock and kimura from the triangle until you get the tap.

Mount
Here's an odd one that shows what you can do if you're creative.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUvvOI7bXuM

Random
It's difficult to see clearly but this vid might give you some ideas. The uke screams horribly throughout which is annoying but there are some legit techniques in there.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UoghCk_8FE