Understanding the 50/50 and the Aoki Lock in BJJ

The 50/50 position in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu presents a unique challenge where both practitioners have equal chances of submission. This post explores the dynamics of the 50/50 position, the risks involved, and techniques such as the Aoki Lock and the Woj Lock, emphasizing the importance of knowledge, speed, and safety in practice.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art that emphasizes ground fighting and submission grappling. Among the various positions and techniques, the 50/50 position stands out due to its unique characteristics and risks. In this post, we will delve into the intricacies of the 50/50 position, the Aoki Lock, and the Woj Lock, highlighting the importance of strategy, knowledge, and safety in practice.

The 50/50 Position: An Overview

The 50/50 position is a scenario in BJJ where both practitioners have an equal chance of submission, hence the name. As Marcelo Garcia noted, all leg locks carry a 50% chance of success or failure. This position is particularly risky because both competitors can attack each other simultaneously, unlike other submissions such as guillotines or rear-naked chokes, where one person is primarily on the offensive.

The Dynamics of 50/50

In the 50/50 position, both grapplers are essentially scissoring each other’s legs, creating a stalemate where neither has a clear advantage. This can lead to a chaotic exchange of leg locks, where one attempt can easily result in a counter-attack. The key to navigating this position lies in speed and knowledge of submissions and defenses.

Techniques from the 50/50 Position

Inside Heel Hook

The primary goal in the 50/50 position is often to secure an inside heel hook. This submission is particularly dangerous because it can be executed quickly and can cause significant injury if not properly defended. To perform an inside heel hook:

1. Position your toes in your opponent’s armpit.
2. Apply pressure on their hips while isolating their heel.
3. Rotate your body to create leverage and apply the submission.

Transitioning to 80/20 Position

The 80/20 position is a more advantageous scenario where one practitioner has a better chance of securing a submission. To transition from 50/50 to 80/20:

1. Drop your knee to the floor while turning your hips.
2. Pinch your opponent’s knee to maintain control.
3. This position reduces the threat of counter-attacks and increases your chances of successfully applying a heel hook.

The Aoki Lock

The Aoki Lock is a secondary submission that can be executed from the 50/50 position. To perform the Aoki Lock:

1. Push your opponent’s knee to create space.
2. Use an ankle lock grip to bring their heel close to your body.
3. Apply a rear-naked choke grip and twist to finish the submission.

This technique can catch opponents off guard, especially if they are not expecting a submission that resembles an ankle lock but functions like a heel hook.

The Woj Lock

Another innovative technique emerging from the 50/50 position is the Woj Lock, popularized by Chris Wojcik. This submission appears similar to an ankle lock but operates under the mechanics of a heel hook. To execute the Woj Lock:

1. Push your opponent’s knee while maintaining an ankle lock grip.
2. Lift their foot to your body and apply a rear-naked choke grip.
3. Twist to finish the submission.

Safety and Communication in Practice

Practicing techniques from the 50/50 position requires a high level of trust and communication between training partners. Given the potential for injury, it is crucial to practice with someone who understands the risks involved. Always be aware of your partner’s signals and ensure that both parties are comfortable with the intensity of the practice.

The Importance of Tapping

In BJJ, tapping out is a critical aspect of safety. It is essential to recognize when a submission is being applied and to tap before reaching the point of injury. Practitioners should never hold onto a submission if their partner is not responding appropriately, as this can lead to serious injuries.

The 50/50 position in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu presents both opportunities and challenges. Understanding the dynamics of this position, along with techniques like the Aoki Lock and Woj Lock, can enhance a practitioner’s skill set. However, safety and communication should always be prioritized to ensure a positive training experience. As with any martial art, knowledge and respect for your training partner are key to success in BJJ.