The John Danaher DVD on leglocks is finally here! “Leglocks: Enter The System” is the long-anticipated John Danaher Instructional that the grappling community has been drooling for. Now that it is here, we offer an in-depth review of al lit’s content which spreads out for more than 9 hours! If you hoped for a different kind of instructional, this John Danaher DVD certainly delivers!
If you’re interested in buying John Danaher DVD Instructional you can check it HERE
The Yoda of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, the enigmatic John Danaher finally succumbed to peer pressure. Not that he has peers or equals but still. After years of demonstrating just how effective his leg lock system is, Danaher now decided to share. In typical Danaher fashion though, the result is a very untypical product. We already know that the system works, the trick is could anybody really strive to become as proficient with it as the Danaher Death Squad? The answer is yes, thanks to the unique style of this John Danaher DVD instructional.
Mr. Danaher is as original as someone gets, and certainly has a different way of approaching Jiu-Jitsu. He is a problem solver rather than a straight shooter, something which is clear throughout the instructional. The basic idea is to make you think, much as he did with Joe Rogan while at the podcast. If you’re looking for a system to copy, this instructional is not for you. If you’re looking to develop a deadly leg locking game to beat any opponent, this is the product for you. It’s long and full of information. It will take time to watch. It will take even more time to understand and apply it. Once you do, though, you’ll be unstoppable. After all, it is a John Danaher DVD – who would expect less?
John Danaher
The most enigmatic and tantalizing coach of all times, John Danaher is certainly a strange one. The New Zealand-born is eccentric, to say the least, but just as brilliant at the same time. Not much is clear about his past, other than what he shared at the JRE Podcast. Born in New Zealand, he was always interested in sports. His first choice was rugby, which is not the gentlest of sports, especially under Australian rules. Danaher always liked martial arts though, but only had access to striking arts.
The most defining characteristic of John Danaher is by far his mind. He actually migrated to the USA in pursuit of a Ph.D. in philosophy, which he was very close to getting. For a while, he was teaching philosophy at Colombia University. At the same time, Danaher was bouncing at nightclubs for extra cash. It wasn’t long before the fast-spreading sport of BJJ reached him. From there on, he did two things that would completely change both his and the world of Jiu-Jitsu.
First, he started training Jiu-Jitsu with a dedication that few can match. Secondly, he chose the legendary Renzo Gracie as his sensei. The rest is modern Jiu-Jitsu history. Danaher started to teach at purple belt and it was at this time that he started spending 10+ hours a day at the academy as well. John Danaher Instructional
The world learned about his existence via Georges St. Pierre, who claimed John was a grappling genius. Nobody paid much attention though until the Danaher Death Squad started collecting legs. Since then everyone attempted to replicate the system but to little success. Finally, there’s a John Danaher Instructional available where the man himself goes deep into the world of leg locks.
Leg Lock Philosophy
The thing that stands out in THE John Danaher DVD is his philosophy of leg locks. While most people see (or at least saw) them as quick fixes, Danaher sees them as dominant control positions. Even more, he sees them as systems that give birth to subsystems spreading in multiple directions. Once again, Danaher’s problem-solving tendencies come to the surface.
The system is based on total control of an opponent’s lower body extremity by using your whole body against it. Danaher’s understanding of biomechanics resulted in the most efficient leg locking system in grappling. Contrary to the popular “position before submission” Danaher preaches “control that leads to submission”. To elaborate, he doesn’t want to pin the opponent but controls them until he decides to submit. In this scenario, the opponent has room to move only in certain directions. This is where the brilliance of the system lies.
By directing the opponent’s movements into highly restrictive paths, Danaher’s system uses a simple progression of progressively more dominant positions. Danaher likes to use the Japanese term Ashi Garmai for his positions, which translates to “leg entanglement”. The basic philosophy is entering into an Ashi Garami variation and controlling the opponent while guiding them through the hierarchy of positions. Each position is more restrictive than the precious, ending in a no-escape position that offers the highest percentage leg lock there is – the inside heel hook. But, don’t just take my word for it. Get the Leglocks: Enter The System John Danaher DVD and see for yourself. I barely scratched the surface of his leg lock philosophy here. As you’ll see later the John Danaher instructional goes into never-before-seen territories of leg locking. So, good hunting!
The John Danaher Instructional – What To Expect
So here we are at last. The meat and potatoes of the first-ever John Danaher DVD. Trust me when I tell you it is an odd one. Of course, I mean it as the utmost possible compliment. In the build-up to the release, Danaher himself stated that it is going to be an unusual and a bit longer instructional. He did not lie. This mind-blowing set is spread across 8 DVDs! There are more than 9 hours of material on this John Danaher instructional! Trust me, you’re going to need time to just go through all the material once, let alone grasp what he’s talking about.
Now, Danaher is as well-spoken and eloquent as anyone. He explains everything calmly and methodically, pointing out the crucial details of every move. And, his moves have details and lots of them. This is probably the most detail-oriented DVD set I’ve ever had the pleasure of watching! It is futile to even mention systematization as Danaher is most likely the godfather of it. Every DVD carries a specific topic, organized in a very logical manner. Just like the leg lock system, the DVDs build one upon the other, culminating in high-control, high-percentage scenarios.
Included in the DVD is a graphic chart, outlining the system in its entirety. He covers essential skills, the 3 Ashi Garami subsystems. Furthermore, he dwells on other common problems each of these subsystems faces regularly. Finally, there are 10 key principles of leg locking.
Jonh Danaher DVD Detailed Review
Let’s now go deep into the John Danaher DVD we’ve all been waiting for. As mentioned, there are 8 total DVDs. Each DVD covers a specific subject of the leg locking system. One thing to note is that this is a John Danaher instructional, which means you simply HAVE to watch it in order. DO not just skip to the final few DVDs looking for a shortcut to the “honey hole”. Be patient and go through all the material carefully. It is going to take you 9+ hours, but if you truly want to be a top-level leg locker, there’s no other way.
Furthermore, make sure you understand the system chart. It is a very valuable tool and not just there for the sake of it. It is a guide to the complete leg locking system, and you need to make sure you identify its content in the appropriate DVDs. This is the only way to understand the system so that when you use it, it works for you specifically. Not everything is going to work for everyone, but no one is going to be left empty-handed, I can promise you that.
DVD 1- Introduction To The System
This is perhaps the most important John Danaher DVD in the whole set. You must not skip past the introduction as much as you might want to. There is a lot of talk on mechanics and key principles of lever and fulcrum. without this, nothing in the other volumes of this John Danaher instructional is going to make sense. Also a huge part of JIu-Jitsu in general, not just leg locks is the principle of Kuzushi. As a former Judoka, I am familiar with the concept of it, which is essentially off-balancing an opponent. Danaher, however, explains it from a BJJ leg locking specific aspect, and it is revolutionizing, to say the least. Prepare to develop unstoppable sweeps in addition to fierce leg locks. John Danaher Instructional
As the DVD progresses, Danaher focuses on the families of Ashi Garami. There is 3 total, and he deconstructs each so that you know what he talks about later on. Other crucial subjects he covers are gripping. We all know how dominant Eddie Cummings is in the grip fighting department. In No-Gi BJJ, in particular, this is of the utmost importance when you’re looking for leg locks. Danaher shares his basic theory of gripping, followed by practical examples and the purpose of grips. Understand the grips well, because otherwise, you’ll struggle to finish a leg lock.
DVD 2 – Inside Control
The first essential skill of Danaher’s system is getting inside control. To clarify, this means having both your legs on the inside of the opponent’s legs. This is the precursor to every leg lock in the system and you need to really have it down. Grips once again come into play, since this is how you set up inside control. The pummeling strategies to get your feet on the inside are groundbreaking. Forget what you thought you knew, this is the system that you actually need.
A very important part of this John Danaher DVD is the concept of negating your opponent’s game. Danaher explains how to restrict and impair the opponent’s movement when looking for inside control. Also extremely important for leg locking is the concept of distance and connection. You need to connect in the correct way first, and then properly control distance. Without both these aspects, most leg locks won’t work. Actually, this is why everyone out of the Death Squad often fails when attempting them.
The final part of this volume is what I enjoyed the most. The so-called gravity drills are all about weight distribution. Actually, they’re all about how to escape the pressure of your opponent. There are four main avenues of action to negate the weight and pressure of your opponent, thus gaining access to an Ashi Garami variation.
DVD 3 – Straight Ashi Garami
The first of the Ashi Garami families is the straight Ashi Garami. Of course, it all starts with a long and very detailed explanation of the position. The Straight Ashi Garami is the position most people generally associate with leg locks. Once you see Danaher’s take on it, you’ll know why most people are wrong. After the positional details, it’s time for the basic entries into the position. I say basic because all the “special” ways to enter are covered later on.
Danaher begins with how to break an opponent at the hip. This means the way in which you control the hip in order to get into the position. The following are three distinct ways of obtaining the Straight Ashi Garami. There is a single, double leg, and an X guard variation. Suffice to say, every avenue of action is covered.
Once in control, however, you need to finish. Capping things off are details on heel exposure for the heel hook submission. Throughout most of the John Danaher Instructional, a common theme is heel hooks because he deems them to be the highest percentage of leg submission in the sport. Starting at this DVD, Danaher covers how to get, properly grip and finish the heel hook submission, regardless of the opponent’s resistance.
DVD 4 – Breaking Mechanics
If you thought that things go straight into the next family of Ashi Garami you’re wrong. Danaher has lots to say on a very important subject before moving on with the system. That subject is submissions. Now, the John Danaher DVD is not your usual submission instructional. In the fourth volume, Danaher covers all the aspects of how to break someone’s leg.
Danaher has a very interesting theory of what he calls breaking mechanics. It is the way in which the forces you apply can result in a break of the opponent’s limb. A very crucial component of the system, that you have to spend a lot of time on is the concept of tension. Danaher likes to create tension throughout the whole limb, in order to facilitate the break. This is arguably the most important part of his leg locking system.
Grips once again play a huge role in setting everything up. John goes over every combination of grips along with all the pros and cons. That way, you’ll learn exactly which grips to use in a given situation. More important,y you’ll discover which grips NOT to use. Besides the grips, legs also play a crucial role in breaking someone’s leg. This part was very important for me, as leg positioning was never clear from precious instructionals. But this is a John Danaher instructional, so no more confusion!
For a strong finish, one of the major problems that the straight Ashi Garami faces, the shared spiral is decoded. Learn this and no opponent is ever going to escape from your Ashi Grami with ease again!
DVD 5 – Cross Ashi Garami
Time to move on through the hierarchy of leg locking positions. The fifth John Danaher DVD is all about the Cross Ashi Garami. To make things clearer this includes the famed “honey hole” position. Do not expect a jump straight into an inside heel hook though. The first topic is where we left off in the precious volume – Straight Aashi Garami. Danaher primarily connects the two positions before moving on with the Cross variation.
This is the one DVD where you’re going to spend the majority of your time, trust me. It is long and filled with information to the brink. As a simple guide, understand the primary and secondary leg principles. It is the foundation to build on. Once the position is clear, John moves on to a common problem – the turnout. It is the instinctive way for people to attempt and escape the position. Well, Danaher puts a stop to all their attempts, as witnessed plenty of times in EBI.
Then look to clearly make a distinction between the two strategies outlined in the DVD. The first is how to attack without releasing the secondary leg. This utilizes the double trouble principle for maximal control while looking to submit. Needless to say, Danaher goes in-depth to explain literally everything. The second strategy requires you to release the secondary leg and then attack. Again, everything is systematized to the T and covered in great detail.
DVD 6 – Reverse Ashi Garami
This is the one area of Ashi Garami I am really lacking at. Luckily, the John Danaher Instructional on leg locks is finally here. The Reverse Ashi Garami is the final of the 3 families or subsystems of the Danaher Leg lock system. The Reverse Ashi Garami is a very specific position that you might not think is effective if you’re a beginner in leg locks. INvest in it though, because once you understand them more, you’re going to use them regularly.
The Reverse Ashi Garamistrays into different submission territory to begin with. For example, the main submissions of choice are the kneebar and figure four toe hold. WOrry not, however, as the obligatory heel hook still plays a major role. As you can see, submission options from this position are numerous and spread in many directions.
What really really matters in this particular volume is the transitions between the three subsystems. I love that Danaher has named dilemma theories. He sets things up in a way that the opponent face s dilemma. They’re either going to allow you to work one Ashi Garami position or another. There’s no way out and no third choice. The two dilemmas approach create very successful Ashi Garami chain attacks that flow into each other. It is the cherry of the John Danaher instructional without a doubt!
DVD 7 – Entries Into Ashi Garmi I
finishing this impressive John Danaher DVD are two volumes focused solely on the numerous ways to obtain one of the 3Ashii Garami positions. Ranging from the front headlock to deep half guard, you’re literally going to see every entry possible. Keep in mind that John Danaher favors entries from the bottom, so most guards are featured in this volume. John Danaher Instructional
Although this DVD seems more “traditional” than the others, there’s still a lot of philosophy to it. For once, there’s the holy trinity of elements that are absolutely crucial for creating elevation. Only when you elevate your opponent (remember the Kuzushi principle?) can you think about hunting leg locks. The usual method of the shin to shin entries is a big part of this volume as well, offering up new alternatives to an old entry system.
DVD 8 – Entries Into Ashi Garmi II
I guess this is the volume where Danaher got the license to go full mad scientist on us. Rolling heel hooks from the deep half guard? Check! Reverse De La Riva Entries into Ashi Garami? Check! Whatever position you might consider for a leg lock entry, you’re going to have an explanation for it here. But why stop there?
The complete John Danaher DVD instructional gets a rap with the subject of entry fails. Another issue that is a big one for most people enthusiastic about leg locks. You often see people doing everything they can against members of the Danaher Death squad. What you rarely see is a member of the Squad losing position, despite unsuccessful entry attempts. This is the last piece of the leg lock puzzle and Danaher explains it masterfully to finish with a bang. A true masterpiece of an instructional, pick up your copy of the Leglocks: Enter The System John Danaher DVD today!
If you’re interested in buying John Danaher DVD Instructional you can check it HERE
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Sequence Jumps – These are a bit more complex. They’re multiple jumps performed in a sequence that minimizes time on the ground. Jumping over multiple boxes or hurdles is a good example. The focus here is on the stretch-shortening cycle and maximal explosiveness.
These are explosive transitions from an eccentric (negative) to a concentric (positive or going up) state. As far as jumps are concerned, these are the ultimate way to train plyometrics. You start standing tall, rapidly drop into a squat position, and then jump as high as you can.
Box jumps work best for learning correct landing mechanics and reducing joint stress. These jumps should only be single jumps. Maximize hip extension and stick each and every landing. Don’t be one of those dudes trying to look for a 50-inch box jump. YOu’ll need lots of practice before even attempting that makes any real sense.
These are the classic vertical plyometric drill. You can train jump squats with body weight or add external weight. In both cases, you’ll build explosive power. From simple to complex, squat jumps are extremely versatile and easy to use in a program. Moreover, they’re perfect for grappling plyometric training. All variations become more challenging by adding resistance.
Broad jumps are king when it comes to developing explosive horizontal power. They help in developing faster sprints and longer jumps. They also help grapplers reach a more powerful deadlift. Focus on jumping both up and out on broad jumps to reduce shear stress on the knees. This is the ultimate plyometric drill for BJJ.
For twister side control, you need to remember one cardinal rule. The butt must never touch the floor! Breaking this rule is going to nullify the effectiveness of the position. The goal is to have your ribs high up the opponent’s chest while facing toward their legs. The key to control is keeping their arms above their shoulders (like in mount). To do this, you need on elbow pushing on the far side triceps while your butt pushes off on the opposite side arm.
The twister side control offers up one of the most unbelievable arm locks in the game. Eddie Bravo calls it the Baby Arm Submission. When you’re in perfect Twister side, the opponent often times tries to push on your back. Good positioning makes this futile so one of their arms often ends up between your legs. That right there is a gift for you. Control the wrist with your free arm and use your bottom leg as a wedge. Simply pull up on their wrist and sneak your calf under the opponent’s forearm. From there triangle your legs and simply push down extending the arm.
From the same situation, but with the opponent’s arm looking to frame on your head you have a different choke. Their arm on your head means an opening for an arm triangle. use the opponent’s turning motion to set the choke up. Finishing is going to require you to hop to the opposite side.
If you’re looking to play a more traditional game, or simply like attacking from the back or mount, both are very easily attainable from Twister side control. The mount is as easy as swinging a leg over. From perfect Twister side control, use your arm on the knee to open up space for your leg. Use your top leg to tip-toe over and switch into mount. Look to keep their arms above shoulder level so you can go for armbars straight away.
Hip Control. You can’t allow your opponent to have control over their hips. This might end up with you on the wrong end of an overhead sweep. Once you get the underhook it’s time to kill the hips. Just move sideways so that one of the opponent’s legs ends up directly beneath you. This is going to block all hip mobility and pin your opponent for the guars pass.
Pressure. This is where things get weird. You’ll need to switch your hips and let your hip fall on the opponent’s bottom leg. Switching the hips is essential for a good base. Once in position, you might feel like you actually have no base, but this is not the case. It is very hard for your opponent to do anything once their hips are blocked. A common occurrence is an opponent pushing your head. However, if you have correct weight distribution, the pressure is going to make this highly unlikely. It’ll take practice to keep constant pressure and maintain your base in this position.
Ankle Grip. To completely take away any movement from your opponent, you’ll need to break yet another passing principle. You’ll need to reach back with your free arm and grip their ankle. This is going to provide you with added control as well as a way to break the guard. Make sure you grip tight though because a flexible opponent can still get a triangle if they release their leg.
Guard Pass. Finally, once the guard opens you’ll still have ankle control. The goal is to get straight to side control by using your hooks to pin your opponent’s legs. Another hip switch will do the trick. Often times, though, you’ll end up in 
Here’s a really cool trick for stubborn opponents. If your partner doesn’t allow you to uncross their feet don’t to worry. As you switch your hips, make sure your partner’s ankles are between your legs. Now simply step over with your top leg and triangle your legs. Your just a hip push away from finishing with a very nasty ankle lock. Actually depending on which of the opponent’s legs is on top, you’ll either get an ankle lock or a heel hook. Both are legal though, and very effective!
When you start training BJJ, a good rule of thumb is to train at least 2 days per week. During the first six months, you can get away with training at such a low frequency. Actually, training like this is only going to do you good. You’ll learn the names of positions, which positions are dominant and where you’re in trouble, and build some basic grappling coordination. During this period there is only a small portion of techniques that actually stays with you. For absolute beginners, the lessons learned in class are rarely applicable live.
To begin with, there’s a very solid strategy of adding the extra training day. When new grapplers need to gauge potential benefits from an additional day of training, they should do it slowly. Try adding in the 3rd day per week every now and then. This can take up to 6 months and can really help you assess your results. If the gains from an extra day are marginal, and life hits you hard, step back. Maybe now isn’t the best time. If you feel greater improvements, though, feel free to start adding in a 3rd day more regularly.
