How hard is it to break a leg with a leglock? | John Danaher and Lex Fridman | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Breaking a leg in Jiu-Jitsu requires skill and resistance from the opponent, but it is possible under certain conditions.

Key Insights

• 💪 The straight foot lock is a technique the speaker has a strong preference for in Jiu-Jitsu.
• 🦿 Breaking a leg in Jiu-Jitsu depends on various factors, including the opponent's resistance and skill level.
• ⏰ The anterior tibialis tendon is the specific tendon at risk in an Achilles lock, not the Achilles tendon itself.

Transcript

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Questions & Answers

Q: What is the specific tendon that is likely to be damaged in an Achilles lock?

The anterior tibialis tendon, specifically the minor one that runs on the outside of the front of the ankle, is the tendon most susceptible to damage in an Achilles lock. Contrary to popular belief, the Achilles tendon itself does not rupture from pressure.

Q: Can a shin bone break from an Achilles lock?

While it is rare, there have been cases where a shin bone has broken from an Achilles lock. However, this usually occurs in scenarios with a significant size and strength disparity, as well as potential complicating factors beyond the technique itself.

Q: How difficult is it to break a leg in Jiu-Jitsu?

Breaking a leg in Jiu-Jitsu varies depending on the opponent's resistance and skill level. If the opponent does not know how to defend themselves, such as in the case of an inside heel hook, it can be absurdly easy to break a leg. However, with skilled and resistant opponents, it becomes significantly more difficult, and in some cases, the opponent may choose to let their knees snap and continue fighting.

Q: What is the speaker's opinion on someone choosing to let their knee break in a Jiu-Jitsu match?

The speaker admires the mental toughness displayed by individuals who make the choice to let their knee break in order to continue fighting. While he personally does not advocate for this choice, he acknowledges the bravery it requires.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The speaker discusses his love for the straight foot lock in Jiu-Jitsu and recalls a competition where a competitor's leg did not break despite his best efforts.

• He wonders about the potential damage and what is supposed to break when applying this technique.

• In general, breaking a leg in Jiu-Jitsu depends on the opponent's skill level and resistance, with an inside heel hook being extremely effective if the opponent doesn't defend themselves.