Wristlock

A wristlock is a joint-manipulation technique targeting the wrist and, in some cases, the distal radioulnar joint by applying rotational or bending force to the opponent’s hand. The technique is executed by gripping the hand and twisting or flexing it beyond its natural range of motion. Wristlocks are widely employed across traditional martial arts and modern grappling systems for self-defence, pain compliance and submission. They appear prominently in disciplines such as chin na, aikido, hapkido and jujutsu, and are also integrated into Brazilian jiu-jitsu and catch wrestling. Although prohibited in competitive sambo and judo, they remain part of judo’s self-defence kata. Police and military agencies frequently teach wristlocks because they offer a controllable escalation of force. While generally safe when practised cooperatively, sudden or forceful application can cause ligament damage, dislocation or fractures.

Usage, Safety and Competitive Context

Wristlocks can be applied from standing clinches, grappling exchanges or transitions on the ground. Owing to their simplicity, they are often among the first joint locks taught in self-defence curricula. Nevertheless, mixed martial arts competitors rarely employ them because gloves and wrist wraps restrict wrist movement, and attempts to secure a wristlock expose the attacker to counter-strikes. In controlled training environments, wristlocks are practised slowly to avoid injury and to encourage technical precision.

Rotational Wristlocks

Rotational wristlocks involve forced supination or pronation of the opponent’s hand. As the wrist itself allows little rotation, the technique leverages the radioulnar joint of the forearm. When the radius and ulna reach their rotational limits, torque transfers to the wrist, creating the lock. Instinctively, many opponents attempt to roll or throw themselves in the direction of the pressure to escape.

Supinating Wristlock

Often referred to in budo as kote gaeshi, the supinating wristlock is one of the most recognisable forms. It rotates the hand outward so the thumb points away from the body. When applied correctly, torque is distributed through the forearm and shoulder rather than the wrist alone. Straightening the arm does not relieve the lock, and a fully applied technique can potentially damage the wrist, elbow or shoulder. To prevent injury, practitioners commonly roll over their own arm during training. This method is widely used in stand-up grappling to force an opponent to fall backward.

Pronating Wristlock

The pronating wristlock, or kote mawashi, mirrors the supinating version but rotates the wrist inward. Effective application depends on the degree of elbow extension: a straightened arm facilitates rotation of the humerus and risks transferring the lock to the shoulder. Once maximal internal rotation is achieved, pressure can be increased by pushing the opponent’s arm posteriorly, often compelling a controlled descent to the ground.

Hyperflexing Wristlock

Known as tekubi gatame or the “gooseneck”, this lock forces the hand toward the inside of the forearm. It is frequently combined with rotational techniques to increase leverage. Hyperflexing wristlocks are popular for pain-compliance scenarios because pressure can be increased gradually while maintaining control. They also appear as submission holds in grappling arts and are characteristic of Chen-style tai chi joint-manipulation sequences.

Hyperextending Wristlock

Hyperextending wristlocks bend the wrist in the opposite direction so the knuckles travel toward the forearm. Because this position is structurally weaker, it is often paired with a fingerlock to enhance control and create a full submission or restraint.

Adductive Wristlock

The adductive wristlock, sometimes called a Z-lock or goose neck, forces the wrist into ulnar deviation. This technique requires twisting the opponent’s arm so the palm faces laterally before driving the hand downward. It is commonly taught in self-defence contexts, particularly against grabs, and may cause the opponent to drop to the ground to reduce pressure. In aikido, this movement appears as part of nikyō in its ura form.

Technical Characteristics and Applications

All variations of wristlocks function by compromising the structural alignment of the forearm bones and the small articulations of the wrist. Because these joints have limited tolerance for rotational or bending stress, small movements can generate significant pain or mechanical leverage. Wristlocks serve multiple tactical purposes:

• Control: They allow a defender to redirect or neutralise an aggressor with minimal force.
• Submission: When applied decisively, they compel compliance in grappling.
• Transition: A wristlock can be used to off-balance an opponent, initiating throws or takedowns.
• Escapes: They often arise in counters to grabs or clinches.