Become As Efficient As Possible Using This One Arm Foot Lock With Marcus Buchecha Almeida

By Fanatics Authors, April 18, 2021

Being successful in Jiu Jitsu has a lot to do with efficiency. This means using efficient technique, conserving your energy, and finding unique and creative ways to finish submissions more easily. When you begin to mix excellent technique with efficiency, this is when your skill level will really take off.

Foot locks are typically taught to be finished using two arms. It offers more control of the foot and leg, and the grips usually make it stronger. There is absolutely nothing wrong with finishing a foot lock like this, but wouldn’t it make life easier if you could finish it with one arm and using your other arm for something else?

It’s techniques like this that make Jiu Jitsu more efficient. Not to be mistaken, this isn’t necessarily the case of every submission, some you definitely need two arms to finish (check also Arm Lock Attacks by Dinu Bucalet). However, finding a variation that works with a change like this is definitely something you want in your arsenal.

In this video, Marcus “Buchecha” Almeida shows a variation of a foot lock from 50/50 in the Gi with the use of just one arm, check it out below!

The Technique

This technique is done in the Gi, and starts in the 50/50 position. Things can transpire quickly in the 50/50 position because of its neutrality. You and your partner are in the exact same position with the same options for attacks. Some people feel differently about the advantages and disadvantages between the top and bottom positions in 50/50, but for this technique neither partner is going to come to the top.

The first step in this technique is to close the distance between you and your partner’s hips, coming in close so they are touching. Using the heel of the foot that is in 50/50, you can pull yourself in close. Once you are close enough, you can go down to your back. As you go back it is likely that your opponent is going to start to try and come up to the top. It is important that when he does this you do not let him establish any good grips such as a collar grip.

To prevent your partner from coming up and establishing good grips, put you inside foot on his hip so you can push him backwards. At this point, you should also have a grip on your partner's pants near his ankle. As you use your foot in your opponent's hip to push him, this is a good time to make a small adjustment and hide your opponent's foot with your elbow.You should be able to do this quickly and discreetly from here, and you are now beginning to set up the foot lock.

You want your elbow to be right against your partner’s pinky toe, on the edge of their foot. Keeping the ankle grip to ensure everything is tight, start sitting up and begin to use your elbow to push their foot forward. As you begin to sit up, use your other hand as a base. Using that base to help, push forward and turn your head to look the other way. Turning your head effectively turns your body which puts more pressure on the ankle. As you do this simultaneously with pushing the ankle with your elbow, you will get the tap.

As you know, you can’t just pull your leg out of 50/50. That aspect coupled with the grip on the ankle; their leg is secured and not going anywhere. The rest is really simple finishing mechanics, as long as you can get your elbow properly placed on their foot then you should have no problem finishing this.

Attacks form 50/50 can start to get pretty complex, especially at higher levels. Some people don’t particularly like this position in the Gi because they feel like they get stuck there forever. This technique will play into your favor based on both of these things. One, they may be expecting or thinking about some complex leg lock and not even notice your elbow. Second, they may be in a rush to get out of the position which will free up that foot quicker for you. Definitely take some time and drill this to get a feel for it. Become comfortable at quickly finding the proper placement of your elbow on the foot, and you will be finishing this submission all the time!

About Marcus “Buchecha” Almeida”

Marcus Almeida is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt under Rodrigo Cavaca. Marcus has won IBJJF and ADCC Championships numerous times, and has consistently proved his spot at the highest of levels. His current professional record is 128-13-1, and he continues to improve and test himself on the world stage.

Marcus is also currently in the midst of transitioning into the MMA world. After talking about the idea for a few years, he signed with ONE Championsting in July 2020. He has been training at the American Kickboxing Academy and is expected to compete in the heavyweight division. Marcus’s skill and capabilities are one of a kind and the world is eager to see the success he brings in his MMA career.

About The Instructional

Marcus has devoted this instructional to IBJJF legal leg locks and lower body submissions. Included you will find techniques such as lasso sweep counter to knee bar, toe hold from half guard, X guard to calf slice, Buchecha’s signature knee bar, and so much more.

When it comes to high level professional accomplishments, Buchecha is at the top of the list. He has continued to dominate the stage for years and shows absolutely no signs of slowing down. If you want to win, learn from a winner. Perfect your knowledge of competition legal lower body submissions with this one of a kind series, check out his instructional here!

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