Craig Jones Leg Lock System

Craig Jones Leg Lock System is a advanced difficulty Attack System system. Integrates 6 components.

System ID: System Type: Attack System Difficulty Level: Advanced

What is Craig Jones Leg Lock System?

The Craig Jones Leg Lock System represents a modern, competition-tested approach to lower body submissions that prioritizes high-percentage control positions and systematic finishing mechanics. Unlike traditional leg lock systems that rely on explosive entries and raw athleticism, this framework emphasizes positional control, opponent management, and creating genuine submission threats from stable configurations. The system integrates seamlessly with contemporary guard passing and top game strategies, allowing practitioners to transition fluidly between leg attacks and traditional positional advancement. Jones’s methodology centers on the saddle position (inside sankaku) as the primary control platform, with systematic pathways to enter, maintain, and finish from this dominant configuration. The approach emphasizes controlling the opponent’s ability to clear their trapped leg while simultaneously attacking both the near and far leg, creating dilemmas that force defensive errors. This dual-threat framework prevents common escape sequences and maintains offensive pressure throughout the engagement.

Core Principles

• Control before submission - establish dominant leg entanglement positions before attempting finishes
• Dual-threat attacks - simultaneously threaten multiple legs to create defensive dilemmas
• Hip-to-hip connection - maintain constant hip pressure to prevent opponent’s defensive adjustments
• Outside leg control - prioritize controlling the far leg to limit mobility and escape options
• Systematic progression - follow established entry sequences rather than opportunistic scrambles
• Cross-ashi dominance - use cross ashi-garami as transitional gateway to saddle position
• Submission timing - recognize optimal finishing windows based on opponent’s defensive reactions

Key Components

Saddle Position Entry System (Establish primary control platform for finishing sequences) Systematic pathways to achieve inside sankaku leg configuration from various guard positions, utilizing both direct entries from seated guard and transitional sequences from cross ashi-garami. Emphasizes controlling opponent’s far leg while securing deep inside position on near leg, creating immediate submission threats while preventing common defensive hip escape movements.

Cross Ashi-Garami Control (Versatile control position for transitions and direct attacks) Intermediate control position serving as both standalone finishing platform and transitional gateway to saddle. Features outside leg trapped across opponent’s centerline with practitioner’s inside leg hooking behind opponent’s knee, creating systematic pathway to rotate underneath for saddle entry while maintaining constant submission pressure.

Outside Heel Hook Mechanics (High-percentage finishing technique from dominant positions) Primary finishing mechanism emphasizing proper hip positioning, knee line control, and rotational mechanics that target the opponent’s lateral knee structures. Focuses on finishing from saddle configuration with detailed attention to hand positioning, body angle, and pressure application that maximizes mechanical advantage while minimizing opponent’s defensive options through systematic control protocols.

50-50 Management Protocol (Navigate and dominate symmetrical leg entanglements) Defensive and offensive frameworks for navigating the symmetrical 50-50 guard position, emphasizing techniques to break symmetry and establish dominant configurations. Includes specific protocols for transitioning from defensive 50-50 to cross ashi-garami, methods for preventing opponent’s saddle entries, and systematic approaches to creating submission opportunities from seemingly neutral configurations.

Single Leg X Integration (Bridge sweeping positions with submission attack entries) Seamless connection between single leg x-guard platform and leg lock attack system, utilizing elevation and off-balancing mechanics from SLX to create favorable entry angles for cross ashi-garami and saddle positions. Emphasizes transitional timing when opponent attempts to defend sweeps, converting their defensive posture into submission exposure through systematic positional advancement.

K-Guard Entry Sequences (Purpose-built guard position for leg attack initiation) Specialized seated guard position optimized for leg lock entries, featuring cross-grip control on opponent’s trapped ankle combined with same-side leg hooking opponent’s knee. Creates powerful entry mechanics for both cross ashi-garami and direct saddle entries through systematic kicking and rotation sequences that off-balance opponent while securing deep leg entanglement positions.

Implementation Sequence

1. Foundational Control Development: Master basic leg entanglement positions starting with outside ashi-garami and cross ashi-garami configurations. Develop sensitivity to opponent’s leg position, hip alignment, and weight distribution. Practice maintaining hip-to-hip connection while opponent attempts basic escape sequences. Key points:

• Establish comfort holding leg entanglement positions for extended periods
• Develop proper grip configurations on opponent’s trapped leg
• Learn to maintain connection during opponent’s hip escape attempts
• Build awareness of when opponent creates submission exposure

2. Entry System Mastery: Develop systematic entry pathways from seated guard, single leg x-guard, and top position into cross ashi-garami. Focus on controlling opponent’s far leg first, then securing inside position on near leg. Practice entry sequences both from static positions and dynamic scrambles. Key points:

• Master k-guard to cross ashi-garami transition
• Develop single leg x-guard to cross ashi entry timing
• Learn to recognize entry opportunities during passing sequences
• Practice entries against progressive resistance levels

3. Saddle Transition Protocols: Systematically develop rotation mechanics to transition from cross ashi-garami to saddle position. Focus on maintaining outside leg control while inverting underneath opponent’s trapped leg. Master hip positioning and leg configuration adjustments required for optimal saddle control. Key points:

• Control opponent’s far leg throughout rotation sequence
• Maintain hip pressure during transitional phases
• Develop spatial awareness during inversion movements
• Learn to troubleshoot common defensive frames and grips

4. Finishing Mechanics Refinement: Develop precise outside heel hook finishing mechanics from saddle position. Focus on proper hand placement, hip positioning relative to opponent’s knee line, and rotational mechanics. Practice recognizing optimal finishing windows based on opponent’s defensive reactions and position quality. Key points:

• Master heel grip configurations for maximum control
• Develop sensitivity to opponent’s defensive knee positioning
• Learn proper hip angle for optimal leverage application
• Practice finishing transitions when opponent attempts escapes

5. Dilemma Creation Framework: Integrate dual-threat attack sequences that force opponent to choose between defending near leg heel hook or far leg straight ankle lock. Develop systematic protocols for switching between submission targets based on opponent’s defensive priorities. Master backside 50-50 transitions when opponent successfully defends primary attacks. Key points:

• Recognize which leg opponent prioritizes defending
• Develop seamless transitions between heel hook and ankle lock attacks
• Master backside 50-50 control as secondary finishing platform
• Learn to maintain offensive pressure throughout defensive sequences

6. 50-50 Management Integration: Develop defensive protocols for opponent’s saddle entry attempts from 50-50 position. Master techniques to break symmetry and establish cross ashi-garami dominance. Integrate offensive frameworks for attacking from 50-50 when opponent refuses to engage. Key points:

• Learn to prevent opponent’s rotation to saddle position
• Master asymmetrical grip configurations to break 50-50 stalemates
• Develop direct submission attacks from 50-50 when opponent is passive
• Practice transitional timing to cross ashi when opponent creates space

7. Competition Application Strategies: Integrate leg lock system with broader competition strategy, including strategic retreats to leg attacks when passing sequences stall, utilizing leg attack threats to create guard passing opportunities, and managing rule set variations for IBJJF vs submission-only formats. Key points:

• Develop strategic timing for transitioning from passing to leg attacks
• Learn to use leg lock threats to force opponent into vulnerable positions
• Master rule set adjustments for different competition formats
• Practice maintaining positional advantage while pursuing submissions

What Challenges Will You Face?

• Opponent Successfully Clears Trapped Leg During Entry: Maintain grip on opponent’s ankle throughout entry sequence and immediately transition to single leg x-guard or k-guard recovery positions. Focus on controlling far leg first before committing to deep inside position. Practice rapid re-entries when opponent creates temporary space.
• Losing Hip Connection During Saddle Transition: Prioritize hip-to-hip pressure over speed during rotation to saddle. Use outside leg as active hook behind opponent’s knee to prevent separation. Develop core strength specific to maintaining connection during inversion. Practice transition sequence in slow motion to identify separation points.
• Opponent Defends Heel Hook with Strong Knee Line Extension: Immediately switch attack to far leg straight ankle lock or transition to backside 50-50 position. Use opponent’s defensive extension as entry opportunity for alternative submission paths. Develop sensitivity to recognize when heel hook is no longer viable and seamlessly transition to backup attacks.
• Stalling in Symmetrical 50-50 Position: Implement systematic grip fighting to establish asymmetrical control, specifically targeting opponent’s far ankle while preventing their grips. Use active hip movement to create angles for cross ashi-garami transition. Practice specific 50-50 breaking sequences that exploit opponent’s defensive reactions.
• Opponent Prevents Rotation to Saddle from Cross Ashi-Garami: Develop direct finishing mechanics from cross ashi-garami position including both heel hook and kneebar attacks. Use opponent’s defensive frames as leverage points for alternative rotation angles. Master systematic grip breaking sequences that remove opponent’s primary defensive controls before attempting saddle transition.
• Lack of Positional Awareness During Dynamic Scrambles: Implement extensive positional sparring focusing exclusively on leg entanglement situations. Develop conceptual understanding of positional hierarchy within leg lock positions. Practice slow-motion drilling of scramble scenarios to build cognitive maps of transitional sequences and recovery options.

How to Measure Your Progress

Entry Success Rate: Percentage of guard pulls or bottom position engagements that successfully result in cross ashi-garami or saddle position establishment within first thirty seconds of engagement Proficiency indicators:

• Beginner: Successfully enters cross ashi-garami 30-40% of attempts against cooperative partners
• Intermediate: Achieves cross ashi-garami or saddle 50-65% against resisting opponents of similar skill
• Advanced: Consistently enters dominant leg entanglement positions 70%+ against varied competition-level resistance

Position Maintenance Duration: Ability to maintain saddle or cross ashi-garami control positions against opponent’s systematic escape attempts, measured in time before position is lost or submission achieved Proficiency indicators:

• Beginner: Maintains cross ashi-garami for 15-30 seconds against basic hip escape attempts
• Intermediate: Controls saddle position for 45+ seconds while pursuing submission against technical escapers
• Advanced: Sustains dominant leg entanglement positions indefinitely, forcing opponent errors or achieving submissions

Submission Conversion Rate: Percentage of saddle position establishments that result in successful submission finishes, indicating finishing mechanics efficiency and attack timing recognition Proficiency indicators:

• Beginner: Achieves 20-30% submission rate from established saddle positions in training
• Intermediate: Converts 40-55% of saddle positions to submissions against resisting opponents
• Advanced: Finishes 60%+ from saddle while seamlessly transitioning to backup positions when primary attack defended

50-50 Dominance Ratio: Success rate in breaking symmetry and establishing dominant position when entering or defending 50-50 guard configurations, critical metric for high-level competition application Proficiency indicators:

• Beginner: Breaks 50-50 symmetry 30-40% of time, often requiring extended engagement periods
• Intermediate: Systematically achieves cross ashi-garami from 50-50 in 50-65% of situations within two minutes
• Advanced: Dominates 50-50 exchanges 70%+ through superior grip fighting and transitional timing

Defensive Leg Lock Awareness: Ability to recognize and neutralize opponent’s leg lock attack attempts, preventing dangerous positions while maintaining offensive pressure in leg entanglement exchanges Proficiency indicators:

• Beginner: Recognizes saddle entry attempts and implements basic knee line defense 40-50% of time
• Intermediate: Prevents opponent’s dominant position establishment 60-70% while creating counter-attack opportunities
• Advanced: Systematically dominates leg lock exchanges, rarely exposed to dangerous configurations

How to Train This System Effectively

Drilling Approach

The Craig Jones Leg Lock System requires structured drilling progression starting with static position maintenance, advancing to transitional sequences, and culminating in live situational sparring. Begin each training session with five minutes of static saddle position holds, focusing on maintaining hip connection and proper leg configuration while partner attempts basic escapes. Progress to systematic entry sequences from k-guard and single leg x-guard, performing ten repetitions each side with progressive resistance. Dedicate specific sessions to isolated components such as cross ashi to saddle transitions, 50-50 symmetry breaking, and finishing mechanics refinement. Implement positional sparring rounds where both partners start in leg entanglement positions, resetting when dominant position is lost rather than continuing to scramble. This focused approach builds positional literacy and systematic movement patterns without the chaos of full sparring. Incorporate timed submission attempts from established positions to develop finishing urgency and recognize optimal attack windows. Video review of training sessions proves invaluable for identifying technical errors in body positioning, transition timing, and defensive awareness.

Progression Path

Foundation Phase (Focus: Develop comfort maintaining outside ashi and cross ashi-garami positions. Master basic entry sequences from seated guard. Build hip mobility and core strength for leg entanglement control.) - Months 1-2: 3-4 sessions per week Technical Development Phase (Focus: Refine saddle position transitions from cross ashi-garami. Develop systematic finishing mechanics for outside heel hook. Integrate single leg x-guard entries into existing game.) - Months 3-5: 4-5 sessions per week Dilemma Creation Phase (Focus: Implement dual-threat attack sequences between heel hooks and ankle locks. Master backside 50-50 transitions as backup position. Develop 50-50 dominance protocols through systematic grip fighting.) - Months 6-8: 5-6 sessions per week with competition sparring Integration Phase (Focus: Seamlessly integrate leg lock system with passing game and top position strategies. Develop strategic decision-making for when to pursue legs vs positional advancement. Refine competition-specific applications for various rule sets.) - Months 9-12: Competition preparation with specialized training camps Mastery Phase (Focus: Innovate personal variations based on body type and athletic attributes. Develop coaching ability to identify and correct common technical errors. Compete successfully at high level with leg lock system as primary offensive framework.) - Year 2+: Ongoing refinement and coaching development

Common Mistakes

• Pursuing submission finishes before establishing stable control positions, resulting in opponent escapes and loss of positional advantage
• Neglecting outside leg control during saddle transitions, allowing opponent to clear trapped leg and escape entanglement
• Over-relying on explosive entries rather than systematic positioning, creating inconsistent success rates and energy inefficiency
• Failing to develop defensive leg lock awareness, becoming vulnerable when opponents implement similar systems
• Rushing through foundational drilling phases to reach advanced techniques, resulting in poor position maintenance and low submission rates
• Ignoring 50-50 management protocols, leading to stalled positions and referee standup situations in competition
• Attempting to apply system without adequate hip mobility and core strength, resulting in loss of connection during critical transitions

Which Positions, Transitions, and Principles Connect to This System?

• Saddle (Position) - Primary control platform for system’s finishing sequences and highest-percentage submission position
• Cross Ashi-Garami (Position) - Transitional gateway position serving as entry point to saddle and standalone finishing platform
• 50-50 Guard (Position) - Symmetrical position requiring systematic protocols to establish dominance and prevent stalemates
• Outside Ashi-Garami (Position) - Foundational leg entanglement position for developing control mechanics and entry sequences
• Inside Ashi-Garami (Position) - Alternative terminology for saddle position, fundamental control configuration for heel hook attacks
• Backside 50-50 (Position) - Secondary control position accessed when opponent defends primary saddle attacks effectively
• Single Leg X-Guard (Position) - Elevation platform that creates favorable entry angles for cross ashi-garami transitions
• K-Guard (Position) - Specialized seated guard optimized for direct entries into leg entanglement positions
• Outside Heel Hook (Submission) - Primary finishing mechanism from saddle position utilizing rotational knee attack mechanics
• Inside Heel Hook (Submission) - Alternative heel hook variation targeting inside knee structures from modified saddle configurations
• Straight Ankle Lock (Submission) - Secondary attack on far leg used to create submission dilemmas and force defensive errors
• Kneebar from 50-50 (Submission) - Direct attack option when saddle transition is defended, maintaining offensive pressure from symmetrical position
• Toe Hold from 50-50 (Submission) - Alternative submission attack from 50-50 and backside configurations when heel hook defended
• Saddle Entry from Top (Transition) - Entry sequence accessing saddle position from top game and passing positions
• Inside Ashi Entry (Transition) - Direct entry pathway to saddle position from seated guard and k-guard configurations
• Outside Ashi Entry (Transition) - Foundational entry technique establishing outside leg control before advancing to cross ashi
• X-Guard to Ashi Transition (Transition) - Systematic conversion from sweeping position to submission attack when opponent defends elevation
• Ashi Garami Escape (Transition) - Essential defensive sequences for neutralizing opponent’s leg attack attempts
• Saddle Defense (Transition) - Critical defensive protocols for escaping opponent’s saddle position control
• 50-50 Entry from Standing (Transition) - Entry method for accessing 50-50 position from standing exchanges and guard pulls
• Leg Entanglement (Principle) - Fundamental concept governing leg position control and submission mechanics throughout system
• Dilemma Creation (Principle) - Core strategic principle of forcing opponent to choose between defending multiple simultaneous threats
• System Building (Principle) - Conceptual framework for organizing interconnected techniques into cohesive offensive system
• Control Maintenance (Principle) - Essential principle for sustaining dominant positions before attempting submission finishes
• Submission Chains (Principle) - Concept of linking multiple submission attempts to prevent opponent’s defensive success
• Danaher Leg Lock System (System) - Foundational systematic approach to leg locks that Craig Jones methodology builds upon and modernizes
• Lachlan Giles Leg Lock Defense Framework (System) - Complementary defensive system essential for understanding and countering opponent’s leg attack attempts
• B-Team Dilemma System (System) - Related submission system emphasizing dual-threat attack creation and systematic position advancement

Expert Insights

• John Danaher: The systematic framework underlying Craig Jones’s leg lock approach demonstrates sophisticated understanding of positional hierarchy within lower body entanglements. The emphasis on saddle position as primary control platform reflects proper recognition that submission success derives from dominant positional control rather than opportunistic attacks. The dual-threat methodology of simultaneously attacking near and far legs represents advanced application of dilemma creation principles - forcing opponent into impossible defensive choices where protecting one leg necessarily exposes the other. Jones’s integration of 50-50 management protocols addresses the primary strategic weakness in many leg lock systems: symmetrical stalemates that result in referee intervention. The systematic progression from cross ashi-garami to saddle position mirrors the positional advancement principles found in traditional top game systems, creating legitimate pathway to superior control before attempting finishes. This represents mature evolution of leg lock methodology from chaotic scrambling to systematic position-based submission hunting that parallels upper body attack frameworks in strategic sophistication and technical reliability.
• Gordon Ryan: Craig Jones’s leg lock system proved itself at highest levels of competition when systematic approaches to lower body attacks were still developing. The focus on saddle position as non-negotiable control requirement separates this system from earlier opportunistic leg lock approaches that relied on explosive timing and athletic advantages. In competition, the ability to maintain saddle position for extended periods while pursuing submission creates psychological pressure that forces opponent errors - they know the finish is inevitable without perfect defensive execution. The 50-50 management protocols are essential for modern no-gi competition where referees quickly standup stalled positions. Jones’s systematic grip fighting sequences to break 50-50 symmetry provide competitive advantage in situations where many athletes simply stall hoping for restart. The integration with single leg x-guard creates seamless offensive system where sweep threats and submission attacks complement each other, preventing opponent from establishing defensive specialization. Against elite competition, the dual-threat framework of attacking both legs prevents common defensive strategy of simply protecting heel hook side - opponents must defend entire lower body simultaneously, creating openings for systematic finishers.
• Eddie Bravo: Craig Jones brought competition-tested innovation to leg lock game that bridged gap between pure grappling systems and MMA-applicable techniques. The k-guard entry sequences represent creative adaptation of seated guard concepts specifically optimized for leg attack initiation rather than traditional sweep mechanics. His approach to 50-50 position management introduced systematic solutions to what many considered hopeless stalemate position - using active hip movement and asymmetrical grip configurations to create submission opportunities from supposedly neutral situations. The integration of backside 50-50 as backup position when primary saddle attacks defended demonstrates sophisticated positional awareness and systematic backup planning that prevents opponent from simply defending their way to safety. Jones’s emphasis on maintaining offensive pressure throughout leg entanglement exchanges reflects modern competition reality where passivity results in penalties and standups. The system’s compatibility with no-gi environments while maintaining technical sophistication proves that systematic approaches work across rule sets when properly adapted. His contribution to modern leg lock evolution involves making these positions accessible to broader practitioner base through systematic teaching methodology rather than treating them as specialized techniques requiring unique athletic attributes.