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Intermediatemir lock
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About This Technique
The Technique: Mir Lock
Japanese Name: N/A
Position: The Mir Lock can predominantly be applied from the Top Half Guard or Side Control positions.
What is the Mir Lock?
The Mir Lock is a powerful shoulder lock named after the renowned Mixed Martial Artist, Frank Mir. It targets the opponent's shoulder joint, forcing them to tap due to intense torque, or risk potential injury.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Position: Top Half Guard
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Establish Control:
- While in top half guard, secure a strong base by placing your knee across your opponent's hips and controlling their upper body with an underhook on one side.
- Use your free hand to control their wrist on the same side as your underhook.
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Isolate the Arm:
- Pin the opponent's wrist to the mat using your free hand. Keep your weight heavy on them to prevent escapes.
- Transition the underhooking arm around your opponent's elbow.
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Slide Over to Side Control:
- Slide your knee across their hips and transition into side control, maintaining pressure to prevent any scrambles.
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Set Up the Lock:
- Trap the opponent's arm against your head with their elbow flexed tightly.
- Position your body perpendicular to your opponent's torso, ensuring their trapped wrist is at their shoulder level.
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Apply the Submission:
- Use both hands to lock and crank the opponent's elbow upwards while maintaining pressure.
- Adjust your body to destabilize your opponent further, applying the lock smoothly but firmly.
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Finish the Submission:
- Gradually increase the pressure upward against the shoulder joint until you achieve the tap.
- Always apply submissions cautiously to prevent injury.
Transition from Side Control:
- Direct Application: If starting in side control, immediately secure the opponent's nearest arm, isolating it for a quick Mir Lock setup.
- Key Mechanics: Pivot by the opponent's side, using shoulder pressure to restrict their movement while leveraging their arm into submission.
Tips for Success:
- Maintain Pressure: Your weight should consistently press downwards, ensuring the opponent has reduced mobility.
- Angle Optimization: By positioning yourself perpendicular to the opponent, the mechanical advantage of the lock is heightened.
- Gradual Application: Submissions in training should be applied with caution, allowing your partner ample time to tap.
Safety and Practice:
- As with all joint locks, the Mir Lock should be practiced under knowledgeable supervision with partners who understand its mechanics, emphasizing safety to avoid shoulder injuries.
Master the technique in a controlled environment first, focusing on form and control while remaining cognizant of your training partner’s limits.
How to Execute
Mir Lock from Half Guard
Setup
- •
Initial Position Details:
- •Start in the Half Guard position with your opponent on top.
- •You should be lying on your side with your bottom leg hooked around your opponent's leg.
- •Your top leg should be used to keep distance and control your opponent's hip.
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Grips and Controls Needed:
- •Underhook your opponent's far arm with your top arm.
- •Control your opponent's near arm with your bottom arm, keeping it tight to your chest.
- •Ensure your head is positioned close to your opponent's chest to prevent them from cross-facing you.
Steps
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Secure the Underhook:
- •Use your top arm to secure a deep underhook on your opponent's far arm, keeping your elbow tight to your body.
- •
Control the Near Arm:
- •With your bottom arm, grip your opponent’s wrist or sleeve of their near arm and pull it towards your chest, preventing them from posting or basing out.
- •
Create an Angle:
- •Shrimp your hips out slightly, creating an angle where you are more on your side rather than flat on your back.
- •Use your top leg to maintain distance and control, keeping it active on their hip.
- •
Isolate the Arm:
- •With your underhooking arm, reach over and catch your opponent’s wrist of the arm you are controlling.
- •Use your leg and body movement to help isolate their arm, ensuring it stays tight to your body.
- •
Trap the Wrist:
- •Once the arm is isolated, slide your bottom arm under their arm, catching their wrist in the crook of your elbow.
- •Your arms should form a figure-four grip around their arm.
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Apply the Lock:
- •To finish the mir lock, pull their wrist towards your chest and simultaneously push their elbow upwards with your wrist.
- •Use your hips and legs to adjust the angle and apply pressure, ensuring their shoulder is locked.
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Finish the Submission:
- •Maintain constant pressure and ensure your grips are tight.
- •Adjust your position if necessary to increase leverage and force your opponent to tap.
Key Points
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Important Details to Remember:
- •Keep your underhook deep and tight to prevent your opponent from escaping or countering.
- •Maintain control of your opponent’s wrist to prevent them from posting out and regaining posture.
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Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- •Avoid flattening out on your back, as this reduces your control and leverage.
- •Do not allow your opponent to free their arm; keep it tight and controlled.
- •Ensure your grips are secure before attempting to apply the lock to prevent slipping and losing the position.
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