Wristlocks are legal in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) under certain circumstances. The rules regarding wristlocks vary depending on the age, belt rank, and experience level of the practitioners involved.
According to the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) rulebook, wristlocks are explicitly prohibited for kids, adolescents, and white belt adult competitors. This rule is in place to prioritize the safety and well-being of novice practitioners who may not have developed the technical skills or understanding of proper joint manipulation yet.
However, for adult practitioners at the blue belt level and above, wristlocks are allowed and considered a legitimate submission technique. As a practitioner progresses through the ranks and gains more experience and knowledge of BJJ, they are expected to have a better understanding of joint manipulation and control, making wristlocks a viable option.
It is important to note that while wristlocks are legal, they should still be applied with care and control to avoid unnecessary injury. As with any submission technique, proper technique, sensitivity, and respect for your training partner’s well-being should always be prioritized.
In my personal experience, I have found wristlocks to be effective and versatile submissions in BJJ. As a blue belt and beyond, I have had the opportunity to explore and apply wristlocks in rolling and competition settings. They can be particularly useful when an opponent leaves their wrists vulnerable or when attempting to control and immobilize their arms.
However, it is crucial to approach wristlocks responsibly and within the context of a controlled training environment. As a blue belt, I remember being excited to learn wristlocks and would sometimes get caught up in the excitement of executing them. However, I quickly realized the importance of applying them with control and respect to avoid causing unnecessary harm to my training partners.
To summarize, wristlocks are legal in BJJ for adult practitioners at the blue belt level and above. However, they are prohibited for kids, adolescents, and white belt adults to prioritize safety and ensure a solid foundation of technique and understanding. As with any submission technique, wristlocks should be applied responsibly and with respect for the well-being of your training partners.