The reference system for modern leg locks that teaches you control first, then finishes.
The Bottom Line
You will learn a full leg lock language, control goals, and finishing mechanics. You will not get quick tips or flashy shortcuts. You will build a durable system that scales.
⚡️ Quick facts
Best for: Serious system learners
Skip if: You want quick tips
Tech focus: Inside Heel Hook, Ashi Garami, 50/50
Biggest takeaway: Control before breaks
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What You'll Learn
Danaher lays out a full lower-body submission framework from the ground up. You get position names, control goals, entries, counters, and finishing mechanics tied together as one system.
Expect heavy detail and lots of conceptual guidance. It is dense, but it has set the baseline for modern leg lock study since release.
Primary Techniques You'll Drill
- Inside Heel Hook
- Outside Heel Hook
- Ashi Garami
- Cross Ashi
- 50/50
- Leg Entanglements
- Toe Hold
- Kneebar
- Straight Ankle Lock
Format & Level
- Instructional style: System Based, Conceptual
- Skill level: All Levels
- Format: No-Gi
- Volumes: 8
Should You Buy It?
Buy it now. I improved faster once I used Danaher’s naming and goals to annotate my rolls and reviews.
Why John Danaher?
John Danaher is a Renzo Gracie black belt and widely regarded as one of the most influential coaches in no-gi history.
Community feedback
Here’s a summary of common feedback from platforms like Reddit’s r/bjj.
😍 Why People Love It
- Encyclopedic treatment that explains why positions work, not just steps.
- Huge jump in control and finishing consistency after studying carefully.
- Effective communicator on mechanics even if long-winded.
- Defines a shared language for leg positions that helps across gyms.
🤔 Common Criticisms
- Production quality feels dated and basic.
- Very long; not concise for quick study.
- Light coverage of 50/50 and newer backside details versus later material.
Free Preview Lesson
Smart Alternatives
- Systematically Attacking The Legs – Advanced perspective and modern refinements from Danaher’s top student. (Price: $349.00)
- Breaking Legs And Breaking Hearts – Concise heel hook mechanics with faster payoff. (Price: $197.00)
- Leg Lock Anthology: 50/50 – Deep focus on 50/50 which Danaher’s set touches lightly. (Price: $149.00, 8 vols)
Sources & References
Video Breakdowns
Official listing: View Leg Locks: Enter The System on BJJ Fanatics
Additional References
Your next step
You have the breakdown, community feedback, and my final thoughts. Now it’s your move.
