Small joint manipulation

: "For the medical procedure, see Joint manipulation"

Small joint manipulation refers to twisting, pulling or bending fingers or toes to cause joint locks in the various joints in those appendages. Joint locks on fingers and toes are respectively referred to as finger locks and toe locks.

Explanation

The leverage needed for such joint manipulation is comparatively small, since grabbing a finger or two with one or both hands creates a distinct advantage, and means that a weaker person can possibly control a stronger one. Grabbing only one finger may lead to the opponent being able to pull it free, while grabbing three or more reduces the leverage advantage considerably, and hence it is sometimes advised to grab two fingers for maximum effect.

Small joint manipulation is an illegal technique in most combat sports that feature joint locking such as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, Mixed Martial Arts and Sambo, since unlike standard joint locks, there is less of an opportunity to "tap out" or submit before the small joint breaks. It is however sometimes taught as a self-defense and pain compliance technique, for instance in Chin Na, Aikido, Kenpo, Jujutsu, and especially in 'Small Circle JuJitsu'. It is also an important part of koppo-techniques, e.g. in ninjutsu.

ee also

* Armlock
* Leglock
* Spinal lock
* Wristlock

References

* Modern Kempo Martial arts. [http://www.modernkempo.com/prod04.htm Small Circle Jujitsu] . "www.modernkempo.com". URL last accessed March 6 2006.
* Yoshin Ryu Ju-jitsu [http://www.angelfire.com/nj4/thesync/yoshinryujujitsuinstruction.html Yoshin Ryu Ju-jitsu Instruction] . "www.angelfire.com". URL last accessed March 6 2006.
* Zine.infinitemma.com. [http://zine.infinitemma.com/index.php?page=MMA_Terms MMA Terms] . "zine.infinitemma.com". URL last accessed March 6 2006.