Assisting Students: Aoki Lock From 50/50

Eliminating space is crucial when setting up the Aoki Lock from the 50/50 position. Begin by gripping your opponent's leg and distributing your weight effectively to control the space.

1. Pinch your elbows and shoulder blades together to secure the position. Avoid falling backwards by focusing on dipping one elbow towards the opposite knee.
2. Adjust your elbow inward while maintaining the pinch of your shoulder blades. This helps prevent falling backwards and ensures a tight grip.
3. Create rotation by pushing down on the opponent's shin. Avoid extending your arms; instead, keep the shoulder blades pinched tightly.
4. Engage your hips and rotate your elbow towards your knee, lifting the opponent's ankle up. The rotation is centered on the foot rather than the heel, without arching your hips.
5. Frame on the opponent's shin to prevent them from turning their knee back in. This sets up the rotation of your elbow towards your hip, which is essential for the lock.
6. Pinch your elbows together and bring one elbow to the opposite hip. This action will start to turn the opponent's calf, which is necessary for the lock.
7. Ensure your shoulder blades are pinched back as this will help load the opponent's foot underneath and pull their big toe back.
8. Close off all space by concentrating on pinching your shoulder blades and not falling over. The goal is to have the opponent's heel under your hip and their foot in the crook of your arm.

Throughout the technique, the emphasis is on tight control and precise rotation to effectively apply the Aoki Lock.