The Calf Slicer Submission Explained
What is a Calf Slicer?
The calf slicer is a submission that applies extreme pressure to the opponent’s calf muscle and knee joint. By trapping the opponent’s lower leg and driving force with the shin, the submission compresses the muscle against the femur, causing severe pain. If held too long, the pressure can also damage the ligaments in the knee, making it a dangerous submission when applied with full force.
How Does the Calf Slicer Work?
The key mechanics of the calf slicer involve:
- Forcing the Heel to the Glutes: The opponent’s leg is bent tightly, limiting their movement.
- Wedging the Shin Behind the Calf: The attacker places their shin between the opponent’s calf and hamstring, creating the pressure point.
- Driving Pressure Forward: By squeezing the leg and extending the hips, the muscle is compressed against the bone, causing extreme pain.
Common Setups & Positions
1. Calf Slicer from Half Guard
A half guard entry is one of the most effective ways to transition into a calf slicer.
- Start in top half guard and trap the opponent’s leg.
- Thread your leg through and **wedge your shin behind their calf**.
- Control their hip and extend forward to apply pressure.
2. Calf Slicer from Turtle
When an opponent turtles, you can attack their leg with a calf slicer.
- Hook one of their legs while maintaining back control.
- Drive your shin behind their calf and control their knee.
- Roll forward while applying hip pressure to force the submission.
3. Calf Slicer from Side Control
A side control entry into the calf slicer is a great way to counter opponents who frame against your control.
- Secure side control and trap their near-side leg.
- Thread your leg under their thigh and hook behind their calf.
- Roll into position while controlling their leg and apply pressure.
Why is the Calf Slicer So Painful?
The calf slicer is considered one of the most painful submissions in BJJ because:
- It crushes the calf muscle against the femur, causing deep muscle compression.
- It can hyperextend the knee joint, leading to ligament damage.
- It creates immediate pain, often forcing opponents to tap quickly.
Notable Uses of the Calf Slicer in MMA & BJJ
The calf slicer is a rare submission in MMA and high-level BJJ competition, but it has been used successfully in major fights:
- Charles Oliveira secured a calf slicer submission victory against Eric Wisely in the UFC in 2012.
- Wrestler AJ Styles popularized the move in WWE and NJPW, calling it the "Calf Killer" and "Calf Crusher."
Is the Calf Slicer Legal in Competition?
The legality of the calf slicer depends on the competition ruleset:
- IBJJF (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu): Only legal for **brown belts and black belts**.
- ADCC (Submission Grappling): Legal in all adult divisions.
- UFC & MMA: Completely legal and effective in professional fights.
Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
- Poor Leg Positioning: If your shin isn’t wedged correctly, the opponent can escape before pressure is applied.
- Forcing the Submission: If the opponent is defending, transition to another attack instead of muscling through.
- Not Controlling the Opponent’s Hips: Proper hip control ensures they can’t roll out or relieve pressure.
How to Improve Your Calf Slicer Execution
- Drill with Resistance: Practicing under controlled pressure helps refine technique.
- Control the Opponent's Posture: Prevent them from rolling or escaping before locking in the submission.
- Study High-Level Athletes: Watching how professionals execute the calf slicer in competition improves your setups.
Additionally, there are several instructional videos available that focus specifically on counters and escapes from calf slicers. These videos offer a comprehensive approach to understanding the technique from both offensive and defensive perspectives. By studying these counter techniques, practitioners can learn how to anticipate and neutralize calf slicer attempts, thereby minimizing the risk of falling victim to this submission in a real grappling scenario.
In conclusion, the availability of online videos showcasing calf slicer techniques is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to enhance their BJJ skills. Whether you are a beginner looking to learn the basics or an experienced practitioner aiming to refine your execution, these videos provide a wealth of knowledge and guidance. By studying the techniques demonstrated in these videos and implementing them in your training, you can add a highly effective submission tool to your arsenal and become a more well-rounded and formidable BJJ practitioner.
