I finally got the chance to sit down and spend some time going through Daniel Faggella’s latest project called “Leg Lock Mastery”and I am seriously quite impressed with this young mans teaching ability and mat prowess! You have most likely seen Dann compete as he is becoming well known for his dynamic entries and fast leg attacks:
Now you can actually tap into the source himself with a program solely dedicated to leg attacks from all angles: ankle locks / calf slicers / heel hooks / toe holds / knee bars etc. The program involves getting a new PDF and program weekly where the teaching clips are about the length of a class, 30 minutes or so. Professionally edited and taught, the video and audio production are clear and high quality without distracting noises and people in the background (common issue with programs like these).
Daniel takes the student through a progressive learning model building upon the previous technique taught, and taking divergent side paths where appropriate to discuss certain strategies or variations for those of different body types / abilities. And that speaks to the experience of this young man in conveying information. Often times a teacher is guilty of seeing the world only through there own eyes, but an experienced coach will offer variations for those not flexible enough / not agile enough etc. Daniel also offers options depending on rule sets you are fighting in. For example heel hooks are game in NAGA events, but in IBJJF they are illegal across the board! Daniel offers different types of attacks from the same controls that are not interdependent on the rule sets.
Daniel also offers a “Leg Lock Drilling Guide” which gives the student a template to work on the setups (arguably the most important aspect of leg attacks)! All this for $7.95 a month is a steal in my opinion! Daniel is putting in tons of work and honestly the material is solid. He is real honest giving props to where he picked stuff up at which I find refreshing, and he teaches with a sense of humor which I always appreciate.
The clips he sent me to review all covered Tanquinho’s insatiable appetite for heel hooks! Dann got the chance to do some training with the man himself and brought the techniques back to his students and subsequently that is part of the clips he shares on “Leg Lock Mastery.” The camera and audio were great, with the cameraman floating and repositioning when needed. I am not sure if it is Dann’s awesome editing, or his super conscientious students but never did anyone walk in between the camera and the teacher! This is rude enough live in class, but when someone is filming it is enough to make you want to go ape shit nuts on someone as inevitably they cut across when the teacher is showing the most important detail! Not here!
The only criticism I have, and mind you I have not seen the ENTIRE program, is that I would like to see Daniel incorporate more drills and coaching models into these instructionals. Great for students, but the next step in breaking down HOW to drill these techniques would be invaluable to coaches across the board. I think this platform is a great launching point and knowing Daniel he will take this constructive criticism and offer something next week! That is one of the things I like about Dann… he is constantly improving and bettering himself. Admirable in a teacher!
Daniel and I have spoken quite a bit about the importance of leg attacks and escapes from leg attacks. Too many BJJ schools ignore these aspects of grappling to their demise as they advance in rank and get exposed to leg attacks. If you need inspiration then look no further then World Champ Buchecha and his incessant leg attack mindset! Whether you are a seasoned veteran or brand new to the leg lock game I think Daniel has something to offer your game. With a nickname like “Micro” you have to believe you will be getting all those minute details!
Click here to be redirected to Dann’s page and order up your program today!
Tape Early, Tap Often,
Jake
Reviewers caveat: I was payed by Dann to advertise for his program on my blog, but the review is solely independent of said promotion and as unbiased as humanly possible. Simple fact is if I don’t like it, I will not accept money for it regardless!