LEG LOCK ANTHOLOGY: 50/50
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- No-Gi
- Intermediate
- Submissions
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Video Techniques
The calf slicer, also known as the calf cutter or calf crusher, is one of the most painful submissions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and mixed martial arts (MMA). It works by compressing the calf muscle between the attacker’s shin and the opponent’s own leg, creating intense pressure that can force a quick tap-out. This submission is commonly applied from *half guard, turtle, and side control, but it requires precision and proper setup. While legal at higher belt levels in BJJ competitions, it is often banned for lower belts due to the potential risk of ligament damage. In this section, you’ll find step-by-step breakdowns, variations, and expert video demonstrations to master the calf slicer submission.
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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.
The key mechanics of the calf slicer involve:
A half guard entry is one of the most effective ways to transition into a calf slicer.
When an opponent turtles, you can attack their leg with a calf slicer.
A side control entry into the calf slicer is a great way to counter opponents who frame against your control.
The calf slicer is considered one of the most painful submissions in BJJ because:
The calf slicer is a rare submission in MMA and high-level BJJ competition, but it has been used successfully in major fights:
The legality of the calf slicer depends on the competition ruleset:
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.
A calf slicer is a submission that compresses the opponent’s calf muscle against their femur, causing intense pain and potential knee ligament damage.
The calf slicer is legal at brown and black belt levels in IBJJF tournaments, legal in ADCC, and allowed in MMA, including the UFC.
The calf slicer is painful because it crushes the calf muscle while hyperextending the knee, creating severe discomfort and possible injury.
Yes, Charles Oliveira won a UFC fight via calf slicer submission against Eric Wisely in 2012.
Common setups include attacking from half guard, turtle, or side control, using your shin to wedge behind the opponent’s calf before applying pressure.