🔩🔄 What is “torque” and how do I use it?

Let’s talk about how torque tightens your Jiu-Jitsu.

Wikipedia defines torque as: “the rotational correspondent of a linear force.”

To explain it more simply: When you push or pull something, any “twisting” part of that force is the torque. When you open or close a door, the torque is the rotating force on the door hinge.

Most “linear” moves in Jiu-Jitsu — where you extend a limb straight out — can be made more effective by adding some rotational torque.

Has your coach ever taught you to tighten an armbar by “putting their hand in your pocket?” This is adding a bit of rotational torque to an otherwise linear move.

Adding torque helps because rotating your opponent’s limb takes it out of its natural athletic position. When you twist someone’s arm, they can’t as easily use their strong bicep muscles to defend.

Torque only works if you’re holding the lever at a perpendicular angle, which is why Kimuras require you to get their arm into that 90-degree “ratchet” position. The longer the lever, the greater the torque.

Much of the recent evolution in ankle locks — such as Aoki and Woj locks — comes from adding rotational torque to a traditionally linear ankle lock.

This leads to an important Jiu-Jitsu lesson: if you can add torque, you probably should. When you get their limb extended, adding some twist tightens the move.