CQC Lock Flow Drills

Author: Odhinn Kohout

One of the techniques which I use to reinforce our course material with our students and ensure a high level of comprehension are lock-flow drills.

Lock flow drills are simply put a combination of techniques put together into a sequence which your students can practice to order assist in memory retention.

Example:

I begin all my lock flow drills by placing them into some kind of context. (If you do not do this the student is merely learning a series of techniques as opposed to truly comprehending what they are learning. Think of this as short term vs. long term memory storage for cognitive reasoning.)

From a throw or take down you (as the Instructor) will demonstrate 3 (pick any number) tactics to control the Attackers far arm from side control. (The position is irrelevant as you can pick whatever position that you would like to work with your students during class time.)

Lock Flow sequence:

1.       Arm bent in top position (Americana, Kimura/Top wrist-lock)

2.       Arm straight (Armbar)

3.       Arm bent in bottom position (Chicken Wing, Reverse Figure-4, Double wrist lock)

Key Instructional Points:

Your demonstrations must be done slowly and provide technical explanations of how each lock works. Technical does not mean complicated…in fact it is just the opposite.

·         Does the lock need to placed above or below the elbow

·         How far or near does the arm need to be from the Attackers body

·         What nerves are affected by the lock

·         What counters are available to the Attacker

·         Is there a way for the Officer/student to perform the lock using only one hand instead of two in order to access his radio

·         How are the rotational axis of the joints affected by the lock ( this is crucial)

Final Point:

You students are intelligent and adapt quickly, by adding lock flow drills you will stimulate their learning and keep them interested in your curriculum.

Train hard and watch your partner’s back!