Locked in - Z-Lock

 

Look here for an explanation of this chart.

Technique

The Z-lock is not just a submission, but actually a position with 3 strong submissions available. It starts with a reap, but unlike the typical heelhook or toehold from that position, you focus on the non-reaped leg and control it. This gives you almost complete control over your opponent. By controlling both legs the opponent mobility is impeded and they have little chance to escape. 

There are 3 submissions available from the Z-lock position. 

• The Z-lock, the most common option where you bend the foot of their reaped leg up to their shoulder. This can either damage the knee or their hip. This is easy to do with a single hand, so you don't need complicated hand fighting to get into position. 
• The sideways kneebar, which can be done without using your hands by squeezing your knees together when they straighten their leg. This will apply pressure to the inside of their knee. 
  
  
• The Aoki lock can also be done on the non-reaped leg. This is a great attack that can even be done 1-handed if they control your other arm. It also is extremely low risk. 

Once locked in it is extremely hard to get out of. It can also be finished with more control than a heelhook. However there is a danger of injuring someone as you enter the position. This is still a relatively new position and I'm exciting to see new developments coming in the future.

Examples

This last clip shows the defense to the Z-lock. Junny has the initial reap and goes for the secondary leg to secure the Z-lock. Mikey attacks his other leg, which does 2 things. It serves as a distraction and also stops junny from locking in the position. Mikey then uses this to slowly remove his leg from the reap and then counter attacks with his own ankle lock. 

Entries 

There are a number of ways to enter it as you've seen above. Let's talk about a few of them. 

Basic reap entry. From SLX/Ashi garami reap their leg and as soon as your leg is inside theirs, grab the other leg. This is an easy entry that anyone can do, however it can sometimes be difficult to get that other leg. 

Inversion reap entry. Get directly under them from a position such as SLX, X-guard, Butterfly ashi, etc. Control both of their legs with your hands and kick them forward. Make sure their hips are floating above you and both of their hands are on the floor. Now roll up like you are inverting and bring one of your legs around the front and I between their legs. Once your leg is inside just roll on your side down to the ground and you should be in position, but don't forget to stomp on your reaping foot once you are right-side up again. This IMO is the best and most secure entry from the bottom, but is can be difficult to get to. 

Double trouble entry. Get to the saddle position and then control the secondary leg. Usually you will want to go for the heelhook, but don't be hasty. If you see them ready to defend the heelhook,control the secondary leg and lay down flat on the ground. Take your other arm and swim it between their legs and then sit up in between their legs. You are now in Z-lock position. I think this is the best entry and it creates a delima between the inside heelhook and the Z-lock. Unfortunately it requires you to get to double trouble, which can be challenging. 

Top reap entry. Instead of me explaining it just watch Junny Ocasio. 

Strengths

The greatest strength of z-lock is how devastating the finish is. This submission can attack the knee or the hip and it is almost impossible to escape once locked in. One often overlooked advantage is that you have longer to tap than with a heelhook, although they do similar amounts of damage. This can make things a bit safer as you don't need to put the pressure on quickly to get the tap. The amount of control also gives you time to think through which attack to use without being worried they will escape any second. 

From the Z-lock position you have 3 very strong submissions and 2 of them only require 1 hand. The other can be done without using your hands at all, which means defending it by just hand fighting is nearly impossible. 

On top of all of that, as of right now there aren't many good defenses against it. This might change in time, but as of 2023, once you get into this position it is pretty much game over. 

Weaknesses

One problem with this position is that is can be difficult to get into. You need control over both legs, which against good people can be hard. Some other positions you can sometimes find yourself in after a scramble or just by chance, but that likely won't happen with the Z-lock.


Another problem is that this technique can injure people who are ignorant of the position. Many people try to resist the reap and end up injuring themselves. Although this is a great move against athletic people that tend to spaz out, there is a high chance they injure themselves when placed in it.

Why you should add it to your game

The Z-lock has is something that has replaced the outside heelhook for me. The normal reaping toe hold or outside heelhook is fairly easy to defend and you can even be countered from there. The Z-lock is a much easier to finish move and you don't need hurry because of the threat of escape. 

It is also a great move to use when you have double trouble from the saddle position. Going for the inside heelhook requires you to relinquish control and against a good leg locker there is a good chance they will use that chance to escape. Moving to the Z-lock gives them little to no defensive options, while affording you multiple finishes.