Multi-time BJJ world champion Mikey Musumeci has been tearing it up in No-Gi grappling since moving away from the Gi. Not only has he gone undefeated in ONE Championship, but he introduced his own highly-effective leglock: The Mikey lock.
Check out our full explanation of the Mikey lock below and see how this dynamic submission will boost your game.
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How was the Mikey Lock Developed?
As Mikey explained in his breakdown on BJJ Fanatics, he accidentally fell into creating the Mikey lock. In the last few years, Musumeci’s primary focus has been No-Gi.
While working on different heel hook entries, he used a cupping grip on his partner’s heels. Whenever he began securing his partner’s foot this way, they began tapping from this control position.
Musumeci realized he had something with this grip and began developing his leg lock variation. After spending weeks perfecting the technique and working on the details, Mikey was ready to try his move in live-action.
At ONE Fight Night 6, Mikey had a grappling match with Gantumur Bayanduuren. In this grappling match, Musumeci would show the world the Mikey lock.
Unfortunately for Gantumur(who refused to tap), he got his leg entirely wrecked by the submission. He suffered everything from a broken foot, and nearly all of his knee ligaments were torn.
The BJJ world then realized the Mikey lock was legit and something many grapplers wanted to learn.
Important Steps for Executing the Mikey Lock
Of course, from the mind of grappling genius Mikey Musumeci, his Mikey lock is practical and highly technical. However, the steps to locking in the effective submission are simple. Here are your steps for executing the Mikey lock.
X Flex Position
Mikey Musumeci’s favorite leg lock entanglement for doing the Mikey lock is what he calls the “X flex position.” This configuration mixes 50/50 and the inside senkaku/honey hole configuration.
Your inside foot hooks your partner’s legs like a 50/50, while the outside comes over into the senkaku/honey hole.
The reason why Mikey feels this is the best position for attacking this submission is because there’s only one escape route. An opponent could kick your inside elbow and escape, but there’s even a counter to that, which we’ll explain later.
The Grip
The grip used with the Mikey lock is entirely different from any other known leg lock attack. Your bottom hand cups your partner’s heel/ankle with your top hand covering your bottom hand.
You could hit this submission with your top hand cupping first and your bottom hand covering it. However, cupping with the bottom hand first is stronger and more difficult to escape.
Mikey also likes to take his top hand and cross-grab his shoulder to close the space and get a tight grip.
Head Placement
Your head placement is just as important as your grips in this position. The side of your head pinches against your partner’s foot with no space given.
This head positioning holds your partner’s foot in place and prevents them from turning. Without doing this head placement, your partner will likely escape the position altogether.
The Finishing Movement
To the pressure on, your body will make three movements simultaneously. Your bottom elbow raises up as you bring your hips forward and turn outward.
These movements together put pressure on both your partner’s knee and foot. Two attacks for the price of one.
The Mikey Lock Defense Counter
Now, going back to the possible elbow kick defense, let’s see how you can address it. When your partner tries to kick off your grip, the first step is to grab their heel with your top hand.
You’ll then hook your top foot under your partner’s leg and go belly down on the mat. This puts you in the reverse backside position, which is the strongest breaking position in grappling.
Your partner just went from a bad position to an even worse position.
Traditional Heel Hooks vs. The Mikey Lock
Musumeci’s Mikey lock looks very similar to a traditional inside heel hook, but there are some differences. Three of the most significant differences between the two leg lock attacks are:
- The Grip
- 2 Attacks vs. 1
- No Turn-Out
Most traditional heel hooks use a palm-to-palm grip with your partner’s foot trapped in your armpit. In Mike’s submission, you palm the heel with both hands while trapping it with your head.
With the attacks, heel hooks only attack the knee. Musumeci’s submission can attack either the knee, foot, or both simultaneously.
You also cannot turn out of the Mikey lock. Once it’s locked in, you have to tap or get your leg destroyed.
Tips For Locking in the Mikey Lock
The Mikey lock is very effective, but it’s also highly technical and requires the details to be exact. Here are
- Leg Positioning: To get the highest finish rate for this submission, use Mike’s X flex position. Your inside leg holds a 50/50, while your top foot is in the honey hole/inside senkaku position.
- Grip: Remember that your bottom hand cups the heel while your top hand covers it. This grip sets this submission apart from the other leg lock variations.
- Head Placement: Along with your grip, your head placement is key. The side of your head must be attached to your partner’s foot with no space given.
- Finishing Movements: Remember that there are three movements needed to finish this submission. Your bottom elbow raises as your hips come forward, and your body turns outward.
The Wrap Up
The Mikey lock is incredibly effective and has few to no defenses against it. If you fancy yourself a leg locker, you need to start drilling this submission and add it to your repertoire.
However, we here at JJL advise you to be careful when drilling this move. It doesn’t take much pressure to wreck your partner’s leg completely by ripping this nasty leglock.
Watch the full demonstration of the move above to see Mikey show all the essential details.
Bobby is martial artist for almost 20 years with a BJJ black belt under Professor Sergio Miranda. He is also a karate black and former combat sports athlete, who loves all things grappling.