When to Use a Joint Lock in Self-defense

Joint immobilization techniques are those movements that cause hyperextension of one or more joints. Joint immobilization techniques tie up the opponent’s limbs and create such pain that he becomes unable to respond. Pain is created by pressing or twisting the joint in a direction in which it does not naturally move. For example pressing the finger backward or twisting the elbow.

Joint immobilization is useful in close to medium range combat and in ground combat for locking up or pinning an aggressor. The key to applying a joint locking technique successfully is to keep intensifying the pressure on the
hyperextended joint or transforming the technique into a more effective one by moving continuously. This allows you to control the opponent’s movements and avoid giving him an opening for an escape or reverse.