Remi [Leg Lock].
The Remi, or the Leg Lock is something that is pretty easy in mechanics, but very painful to actually execute. If you have weak ankles/knees or a low tolerance to pain, I would not attempt this trick. It’s a pretty solid hold, believe me, but I could easily see how this could lead to injury if you or your bones aren’t your best. The Remi itself is when you are able to just lock yourself into place with your upper body upright, as if you’re sitting Indian Style on the pole. The Remi Lay-back, is when you lean all the way back. The Remi Bridge, which in my opinion is the hardest variation is when you lay-back and bridge (please see my post about the Bridge, Half-moon if you don’t know what a bridge is). The accompanying video is of the Remi-Drop ( at least, the beginning stages of it . . It’s a video back from September of 2011 ) which is easy once you figure out how it unfolds.
In order to execute the Remi, determine which leg you normally climb with. For demonstration purposes, I’m going to reference my climb where I start with my right foot on the pole. If you start with your left foot on the pole, reverse my instructions as you see fit. I would also recommend a ankle guard and the ability to support your own body weight with just your arms, as you will be suspended in air for a little as you get your foot positioning in place.
To start, I would recommend climbing a good one or two times up the pole. From there, I would get a good enough grip that will allow you to push away from the pole to move your legs around. A good Split Grip or even a regular pole-climb grip will work if you can maneuver your legs underneath you. A good way to visualize it is to pretend you are about to climb the pole again with your lead foot (for me it’s my right) and STOP.
Your lead foot should be hooked behind the pole with your knee wrapped around the side. Think of when you’re starting off from the floor, you’re going to hook with your lead foot before lifting your remaining foot to go in front of the pole (See above photo with the circle and arrow).
Once you have that hook with your foot, push your hooked leg forward so your knee is past the pole. There should be a small hole with your knee pit and the pole. From there, you’re going to thread your free foot through that hole, and JUST your foot. You want to be able to flex your threaded foot and have it hook solidly on your knee pit on the lead leg. That’s when you know you have it in the right place.
After you have threaded your foot through, begin to lower your weight slowly into the lock. You are not going to feel secure until you have put your body weight into the hold. Remember to keep holding on with your hands until you feel your weight lock you on the pole - lift up with your hands if you feel like you are slipping. Once you are able to “sit” into the lock and let go of your hands, that is the Remi!
If you want to take it to the next level, try the Remi Lay-back. Follow the above instructions first. Once you have securely lowered into the Remi, slowly start to lean back. This is where the pain will start. For some, it’s going to the ankle, for others it’s going to be in the calf, and for some it’s going to be in the knee. For me it feels like my calf is being ripped off my leg. If it’s too extreme for you, sit up and abort! But honestly, if you can grit and bear it till you’re all the way down, it gets easier. Once you have lowered, try and arch your back.
If you’re successful at the Remi Lay-back, the next step is the Remi Bridge. Follow the instructions for the Remi, then Remi Lay-back. Once you are fully back, reach above your head (towards the ground) and grip onto the pole with both your hands. The closer to your head you can grip, the more you will be able to leverage with. Once you have your grip, push away from the pole with your arms and engage ALL the muscles in your leg. Unlike the Crescent Moon/Bridge from the Cross Ankle Release, you are not able to really push down with your legs. You will need to engage the muscles to ensure a tight lock before pushing away with your arms because once you start to push with your arms, it lifts your body up and takes away that lock you have from your own body weight.
For all of the Remi Variations remember to point your toes and arch your back for the last two!
The Remi Drop will be explained in another post.
Key points :
Be able to support your body weight with your hands - or you will have a hard time getting into this position.
Ensure a good grip - just in case you have to abort due to pain.
Start with the easiest variation and move from there - You need to learn to walk before you can run.
Engage those muscles - You’ll need to be able to ensure the lock as well as “sit up” from the lay back position.
Use a spotter - Just in case the pain is too much and you can’t get back up on your own.
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