Legendary Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu champion Marcelo Garcia, known for his strategic mastery and humility, has been candid about his aversion to leg locks. As he prepares for his highly anticipated return to competition against Masakazu Imanari at ONE Championship on January 24th, Garcia shared insights into his mindset regarding the polarizing submission technique.
A Calculated Approach to Risk
Garcia’s views on leg locks stem from his philosophy of minimizing risk during matches. Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show, he highlighted the unique danger leg locks pose, describing them as a 50-50 gamble that doesn’t align with his strategic preferences.
“I don’t like to exchange foot ankle lock attacks,” Garcia explained. “I feel like it’s almost like a 50% chance. I feel like it’s one of the only moves that when you attack someone, the person can attack you back with the same move, different than guillotine, different than like a rear naked choke.”
Unlike submissions targeting the upper body, leg locks create openings for immediate counters. This dynamic puts both practitioners at risk simultaneously—something Garcia seeks to avoid.
“When you attack somebody with the guillotine or rear naked choke, you have to do just with defend yourself. You cannot really attack back,” he continued. “So it is a part of the game that I don’t like to risk. I want to have like the odds on my favor.”
Avoiding Imanari’s Game
Rather than preparing to counter Imanari’s renowned leg lock expertise directly, Garcia aims to sidestep such exchanges entirely. He focuses on maintaining control by dictating the terms of engagement.
“My whole point is like, I’m just not getting into his game,” Garcia said. “I believe I have a good defense…I want to go where I have most of the chance, where it’s like on my game, on my attack.”
This deliberate approach reflects Garcia’s broader philosophy of staying within areas where his strengths shine, rather than engaging in unpredictable battles.
A Champion’s Perspective on the Sport
Garcia’s return comes after a 13-year hiatus, during which he has evolved as both a competitor and a mentor. Beyond technical nuances, his insights extend into larger discussions about the direction of BJJ, performance ethics, and the sport’s growth.
On PED Use: “Why Gamble With Your Life?”
Garcia is a vocal critic of PEDs, citing their health risks and moral implications. His personal battle with cancer and the loss of his mother to the disease underline his plea for clean competition.
“If ster*ds have any chance to mess with your health, just don’t do it,” Garcia said. “You don’t need that to be a champion.”
On BJJ’s Olympic Potential
When asked about BJJ’s potential inclusion in the Olympics, Garcia expressed measured optimism while suggesting the sport’s growth may surpass the need for Olympic validation.
“Maybe jiu-jitsu doesn’t need to go to the Olympics,” he suggested. “It’s going to be such a professional sport, like MMA.”
On His Children’s Journey in BJJ
Interestingly, Garcia’s children, aged 9 and 11, have only recently begun training. Their introduction to the sport coincides with his competitive return, offering them a unique opportunity to witness their father’s legacy in action.
“I feel like they’re going to be happy to see their dad go compete,” he shared. “Now they understand what I’m doing.”
Controversies and Reconciliation
Garcia also touched on his fractured relationship with former student Dillon Danis, describing unresolved tensions and his hope for eventual reconciliation.
“I like to help people around me, but sometimes if they don’t want to be around me, I cannot just reach too far,” Garcia said.
Proving Himself Once Again
At 42, Marcelo Garcia remains a symbol of technique and integrity in jiu-jitsu. His return against Imanari at ONE Championship not only showcases his enduring skill but also reinforces his commitment to clean, strategic competition. Whether or not leg locks feature in the match, one thing is certain: Garcia’s approach will be a masterclass in calculated combat.
