Leg Lock BJJ: The Complete Guide to Heel Hooks, Leg Locks, Ashi Garami & More

I’ve tapped from ankle locks that felt like my foot was being twisted off. I’ve escaped heel hooks at the last second. And yes, I’ve even tried (and failed) a leg lock during live rolling, only to get stacked so hard I saw stars.

So trust me when I say: leg lock BJJ is no joke. But it’s also not something to fear.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything, from basic ankle locks to the sneaky leg lock, so you can understand, defend, and eventually use these techniques safely. Whether you’re a white belt nervous about sparring or a no-gi enthusiast looking to level up, this is your roadmap.

Let’s get into it.

The Leg Lock Revolution in Modern BJJ

Remember when leg locks were seen as “dirty” moves? When tapping to a heel hook meant you’d lost street cred?

Yeah, those days are gone.

At ADCC 2024, over 60% of matches ended with a leg attack. Gordon Ryan, Ffion Davies, and Nick Rodriguez didn’t win with collar chokes; they won with toe holds, kneebars, and inside heel hooks.

And now? Even local tournaments are seeing more feet flying than ever.

So what changed?

Simple: We got better. Not just athletes, we evolved the system. We stopped guessing and started building leg attacks like engineers.

But here’s the thing: You don’t have to be a black belt to benefit from this knowledge. In fact, if you’re not learning leg locks now, you’re already behind.

And don’t worry, I won’t throw you into the deep end without a life jacket. We’ll start slow.

Because mastering leg lock BJJ isn’t about speed. It’s about control. Safety. Smarts.

Understanding the Hierarchy of Leg Locks in BJJ

Leg Lock BJJ

Think of leg locks like video game levels.

You don’t start fighting bosses on Level 1. You learn the controls first.

Same here.

Let’s break down the four main types of leg submissions, ranked from safest to most dangerous.

This way, you know what’s coming and how to respond.

Straight Joint Locks (Beginner-Friendly)

These are your training wheels. Low risk, high reward, and totally legal for beginners.

Straight Ankle Lock (Achilles Lock)

Ever had someone pull your foot back like they’re stretching your calf? That’s an ankle lock.

It hyperextends the joint, the same way a toe touch stretches your hamstrings, but under pressure.

I remember my first time applying for one. My partner tapped instantly. I thought I broke his foot. Turns out? He just forgot to tap early.

Key point: This is the only leg lock IBJJF allows for white belts, in both gi and no-gi.

Start here. Master it. Then move on.

Kneebar

Now picture an armbar, but on the leg.

That’s a kneebar.

You straighten the knee while pulling the foot toward you. The joint resists. Eventually, it gives.

Common setups:

From half guard
After a takedown
Off a sweep

My first successful kneebar happened during a tournament warm-up. I didn’t even mean to do it, I was trying to pass guard, and boom, their leg was trapped.

They tapped fast. No injury. Just surprise.

And that’s the beauty of straight locks: They’re predictable. Easy to feel. Easy to defend.

Rotational Submissions (Intermediate to Advanced)

Now we enter the danger zone.

These aren’t about bending joints. They’re about twisting them apart.

And once you apply them wrong or get caught in one, you’ll never forget the feeling.

Toe Hold

Twist the foot like you’re turning a doorknob. That’s a toe hold.

It attacks the outside of the ankle and puts stress on the knee.

Not quite as scary as a heel hook, but still powerful.

Legal in IBJJF no-gi for blue belts and above.

I once used a toe hold to escape a bad position. Got caught in a butterfly, spun into 50/50, then hit the finish mid-roll. My partner laughed afterward: “I didn’t even see it coming.”

That’s the power of rotational attacks; they sneak up on you.

Heel Hook – The King of Leg Locks

If leg locks had a CEO, it’d be the heel hook.

Why?

Because it works fast. It’s hard to defend. And it targets ligaments, not muscles.

Here’s how it kills:
You grab the heel and rotate it like a car steering wheel. The knee doesn’t want to turn that way. So something has to give.

Inside heel hook = rotate inward
Outside heel hook = rotate outward

Both are brutal.

And both require extreme responsibility.

I’ve trained with guys who treat heel hooks like handshake drills. Slow. Respectful. Communication first.

That’s how you stay safe.

Tap early. Drill clean. Never crank.

Core Control Positions: The Foundation of All Leg Locks

Want to skip ahead and try a leg lock?

Stop.

You can’t build a house without a foundation.

In BJJ, that foundation is positional control.

No matter which leg lock you want to hit, you need one thing first: ashi garami.

Let’s talk about it.

What Is Ashi Garami?

“Ashi garami” means “leg entanglement” in Japanese.

But don’t let the name fool you.

This isn’t just wrapping your legs around someone’s leg.

It’s about controlling their hip.

Because if you control the hip, you control the whole body.

Think of it like holding the handle of a garden hose. If you twist the handle, the spray goes wherever you want.

Same with the leg.

Control the top (hip), and the bottom (foot) follows.

Master this, and submissions become easy.

Fail here, and you’ll just flail and fail.

Key Leg Entanglement Positions

There are three main positions that lead to leg locks.

Learn them. Drill them. Love them.

Standard Ashi Garami (Single Leg X)

You’re sitting, one leg wrapped around their thigh, your shin pressing against their hip.

Your other leg blocks theirs from escaping.

This is your starting point.

Use it to set up:

Straight ankle locks
Kneebars
Transitions into saddle

I drilled this for weeks before I ever tried a heel hook. My coach said, “If you can’t control the leg, you shouldn’t be attacking it.”

Wise words.

The Saddle (Inside Sankaku / Honeyhole / 411)

This is the gold standard for inside attacks.

You’re straddling their leg like a horse, both your knees squeezing their thigh, your feet hooked behind their knee.

Total control.

From here, you can hit:

Inside heel hooks
leg lock variations
Calf slicers

I remember finally hitting this position after months of failure. I looked at my coach and grinned. He nodded: “Now you’re cooking.”

Drill this. Live in it. Own it.

50/50 Guard

You both have each other’s legs trapped.

Symmetrical. Balanced. Dangerous.

Because while you’re trying to attack, they’re trying to attack you.

Great for toe holds and chain wrestling.

But risky, if you lose control, you’re the one getting submitted.

I once got caught in a 50/50 and tapped to a kneebar in two seconds flat.

Lesson learned: Always protect your own leg.

Deep Dive: What Is the leg Lock in BJJ?

Alright. Time to answer the big question:

What is a leg lock in BJJ?

Let’s cut through the confusion.

Definition and Origins

“leg” stands for bent leg.

It’s not a submission itself, it’s a positioning concept.

When the opponent’s knee is bent at 90 degrees, and you trap it, that’s a leg setup.

From there, you can attack:

Heel hooks
Kneebars
Or a hybrid compression-twist move known as the leg lock submission

First popularized by John Danaher and the Danaher Death Squad, it became famous in ADCC trials around 2015.

Gordon Ryan used it to shut down larger opponents who thought they were safe from leg attacks.

Spoiler: They weren’t.

Why the Name “leg Lock”?

It’s a mashup.

Bent leg + leg lock = leg lock.

Simple.

But don’t let the name fool you.

This isn’t just a cute nickname.

It represents a new category of attack, one that blends compression, rotation, and timing.

Kind of like a Swiss Army knife of leg attacks.

Common Misconceptions

Let’s clear the air.

❌ “It’s just a bent heel hook.”
Nope. A heel hook twists the ankle. A leg lock often bypasses the ankle entirely, focusing on knee compression.

❌ “It’s always illegal.”
Depends on the rules. IBJJF bans it. ADCC allows it.

❌ “Only black belts should try it.”
You can learn it at any level, as long as you train safely.

Knowledge isn’t dangerous. Recklessness is.

Anatomy & Mechanics: How the leg Lock Works

Time to geek out, for a minute.

Don’t worry. I’ll keep it simple.

Biomechanics of the leg Lock

Imagine your knee is a door hinge.

Most leg locks try to force the door open or closed.

The leg lock? It tries to twist the entire frame.

It attacks:

The tibiofibular joint (side of the lower leg)
The LCL (lateral collateral ligament)
The peroneal nerve (can cause numbness)

All at once.

That’s why it feels… weird.

Not sharp pain. More like deep pressure. Like someone slowly cranking a vise.

And by the time you feel it? It might be too late.

Why It’s Considered Insidious

Most submissions scream at you.

Armbar? Shoulder burns. Triangle? Vision fades.

But the leg lock? It whispers.

You don’t feel it until the lock is nearly finished.

That’s why people call it a stealth attack.

And that’s why you must tap early, even if it doesn’t hurt yet.

Trust the position. Not the pain.

leg Lock vs. Heel Hook: What’s the Difference?

Let’s compare them side by side.


Target	Ankle → knee ligaments	Knee joint + fibula
Force	Rotation	Rotation + compression
Speed	Fast	Slower build-up
Defense	Hard (pain comes fast)	Harder (delayed feedback)
Leg Shape	Straight/slight bend	Bent (“leg”)

Bottom line:
Heel hook = sledgehammer
leg lock = scalpel

Both effective. Both dangerous.

Step-by-Step: Executing the leg Lock (No-Gi Focus)

Okay. You’ve waited long enough.

Let’s walk through how to apply a leg lock, step by step.

And remember: This is for no-gi only. Gi fabric changes everything.

Prerequisites

Before you even think about finishing:

✅ Master ashi garami
✅ Be comfortable in the saddle
✅ Know how to grip fight
✅ Train with someone you trust

No shortcuts.

I tried skipping this phase once. Ended up with a bruised hip and a lecture from my coach.

Not worth it.

Entry Pathways

You can enter from several spots.

From Deep Half Guard

Get an underhook on their far leg
Trap their near leg with your shin
Elevate your hips to isolate one leg
Slide into saddle or half-saddle

This one took me forever to learn. But now? It’s my go-to.

Finishing the Lock

Once you’re in:

Press your chest into their thigh to control the hip
Trap their lower leg between your shins
Rotate your torso, slowly, like wringing out a towel
Apply steady pressure. No jerking.
Watch for the tap

And when they tap?

Release immediately.

Respect the technique. Respect your partner.

Defending Against the leg Lock

Here’s a truth most people won’t tell you:

You don’t need to attack every technique to master BJJ.

Sometimes, survival is victory.

And when it comes to the leg lock, defense isn’t optional, it’s essential.

So let’s talk about how to stay safe when someone tries to twist your knee into next week.

Early Recognition: Spot It Before It Sets In

The best defense starts before the submission is even locked.

Ask yourself:

Has my opponent trapped my bent leg?
Are they rotating their hips toward me?
Do I feel pressure building on the outside of my knee?

If yes, you’re in trouble.

The leg lock builds slowly. That’s its power.

Unlike a fast heel hook that screams “TAP NOW,” the leg lock creeps up like a ninja.

By the time you feel real pain, the joint may already be compromised.

So don’t wait for pain.

React to position.

Defensive Principles Every Grappler Must Know

Hide the Heel

This is rule #1 in leg lock defense.

If your heel is exposed, pointed toward your opponent’s core, you’re vulnerable.

Keep your foot flexed and pointed away, like you’re wearing a boot they can’t grab.

We call this the “boot position.”

It may not stop all attacks, but it buys you time.

Maintain Frames

Use your forearm or shin to block access to your knee.

Even an inch of space can prevent full control.

I once escaped a near-finished leg by jamming my forearm between our legs. Not pretty, but it worked.

Frames save lives.

Turn Into the Attack

Sounds counterintuitive, right?

But if you turn into your opponent, collapse the space, you reduce the torque on your knee.

Think of it like hugging someone trying to push you over. You lean in, and suddenly they can’t shove you.

Same principle.

Posture Up

Don’t let them flatten you out.

Stay tall. Keep your chest up.

If you’re flat on your back, you’re powerless.

But if you sit up, you can stack, shrimp, or roll through.

Control your posture. Control your fate.

Rules & Legality: Is the leg Lock Allowed?

Let’s settle this once and for all.

Is the leg lock BJJ legal?

Spoiler: It depends.

And no, your coach giving a thumbs-up during sparring doesn’t count as official rules.

Let’s break down what the major organizations say.

By Federation: Where the leg Lock Stands


IBJJF	❌ Not allowed	No heel hooks or reaping below black belt. leg considered high-risk rotational attack
ADCC	✅ Legal	Open leg lock rules. leg locks are common and encouraged at elite level
NAGA / Grappling Industries	⚠️ Varies	Usually allows heel hooks in advanced/no-gi divisions
UAEJJF (AJP Tour)	❌ Restricted	Follows IBJJF-style restrictions

Bottom line?

If you compete under IBJJF rules, forget about using a leg lock in live matches.

But in no-gi open rulesets, it’s fair game, and increasingly common.

Gray Areas & Referee Judgment

Here’s where it gets fuzzy.

Some referees allow certain leg-like pressures if there’s no direct heel rotation.

Others shut it down instantly.

Why? Because the leg lock lives in a gray zone between:

A control position (legal)
And a rotational submission (often illegal)

So even if you think it’s legal, ask your referee first.

Better safe than disqualified.

Safety, Training & Injury Prevention

Let me say this loud and clear:

Leg locks don’t have to be dangerous.

I’ve trained them weekly for years, and I still have both knees intact.

How?

Because I follow three golden rules:

Never crank
Always communicate
Tap early, tap often

Now let’s expand on how to train smart.

Safe Practice Guidelines

✅ Only drill with trusted partners
No ego. No testing toughness. This isn’t the place.

✅ Start at 50% intensity
Focus on positioning, not finishing.

✅ Say “rolling” not “sparring”
Shift your mindset from “winning” to “learning.”

✅ Avoid gi training for leg entries
Cloth increases friction. One wrong move, and someone’s ligament pays the price.

Train no-gi for leg attacks. Save the gi for collar chokes.

Gear That Helps

You don’t need much. But these help:

Knee sleeves: Provide warmth and mild support (not protection, but comfort)
Rash guard: Reduces grip friction, makes escapes smoother
Good mat surface: Never roll leg locks on thin mats over concrete

I wear knee sleeves every time I drill leg attacks. Not because I’m injured, but because I want to stay that way.

Warm-Ups & Mobility Drills

Your body needs prep work.

Spend 5–10 minutes before drilling:

Leg swings (front/back, side-to-side)
Hip circles (standing and seated)
Pigeon pose → ankle rotations
Calf raises and tibialis activation

I skipped warm-ups once. Tapped from a light toe hold due to tightness.

Lesson learned: Mobility prevents injury.

Recovery Tips for Long-Term Health

After intense leg work:

Foam roll quads, hamstrings, IT band
Stretch calves and hip flexors
Take rest days, especially after tournaments

BJJ is a marathon, not a sprint.

Protect your joints now so you can roll at 50.

The Controversy: Why the leg Lock Sparks Debate

Not everyone loves the leg lock.

Some coaches call it “unsportsmanlike.” Others say it’s “too risky for kids.”

So why the hate?

Let’s break it down.

Injury Risk: Real or Overblown?

Yes, the leg lock stresses multiple joints at once.

And yes, damage can happen before pain kicks in.

But so can ACL tears from bad squats.

Risk exists everywhere.

The solution isn’t banning techniques, it’s better education.

Teach safety. Drill slow. Tap early.

Problem solved.

Ethics & Ego in Training

I’ve seen guys hunt leg locks like trophies.

They don’t care about control. They want taps.

That’s how injuries happen.

But I’ve also seen instructors teach leg entries with zero force, just positioning and communication.

Big difference.

Technique isn’t the problem.

Mindset is.

Traditionalists vs. Modernists

Old-school BJJ was collar-and-sleeve, positional dominance, slow climbs.

New school? Fast, dynamic, leg-heavy.

Neither is wrong.

But refusing to learn leg locks today is like refusing to learn the triangle choke in 1995.

You’ll get left behind.

Future of the leg Lock in BJJ

Where is this going?

Let’s predict the future.

Will IBJJF Ever Allow It?

Unlikely, for now.

IBJJF protects beginners. And for good reason.

But watch closely: As more kids grow up training leg attacks safely, rules will evolve.

Maybe not tomorrow. But by 2030? Possibly.

Rise in No-Gi & MMA

The leg lock thrives where rules are open.

ADCC, Fury Pro, Pit Submission Series, all feature it.

And in MMA? Fighters study Danaher’s system daily.

This isn’t a trend.

It’s the new normal.

New Hybrid Attacks on the Horizon

The leg lock is just the start.

Expect more blends:

Compression + rotation
Nerve pressure + joint lock
Dynamic transitions between leg attacks

BJJ keeps evolving.

And those who adapt will survive.

Your Roadmap to Learning Leg Locks Safely

Okay. You’re ready.

But where do you start?

Follow this 6-step plan, the same path I took.

Step 1: Learn Straight Ankle Lock First

Master the basics.

Hit it from standard ashi garami. Make it automatic.

Once you can apply it smoothly, you’re ready for more.

Step 2: Drill Ashi Garami & Saddle Daily

Spend 10 minutes per session just entering and holding these positions.

No submissions. Just control.

Build muscle memory.

Step 3: Practice Defenses as Much as Attacks

For every minute you spend attacking, spend one defending.

Balance is key.

And trust me, your partners will thank you.

Step 4: Train with Trusted Partners Only

No wild rolling. No ego.

Find 2–3 people you trust. Drill with them weekly.

Safety starts with who you roll with.

Step 5: Adopt a “Catch and Release” Mindset

Apply the lock. Feel the pressure. Then let go.

No cranking. No “seeing how far it goes.”

Submit to the competition. Drill clean in class.

Step 6: Study the Masters

Watch videos of:

Gordon Ryan
Garry Tonon
Ffion Davies
John Danaher’s instructionals

Free resources:

Chewjitsu YouTube
FloGrappling match archives
BJJ Fanatics courses

Knowledge is power.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Let’s answer the big ones.

Q: Is the leg lock legal in IBJJF tournaments?
A: No. It’s considered a high-risk rotational attack and is banned for all belts except black belts in specific no-gi divisions, and even then, it’s often disallowed.

Q: Can white belts train leg locks?
A: Yes, but only in a controlled, educational setting. Focus on understanding the position, not finishing the submission.

Q: What’s the difference between a leg lock and a heel hook?
A: A heel hook rotates the heel to attack the knee ligaments directly. A leg lock uses a bent-knee setup with combined compression and twist, often harder to detect early.

Q: Is the leg lock dangerous?
A: It can be, if applied recklessly. But so is driving a car. Train with control, tap early, and respect the technique, and risk drops dramatically.

Q: Can you do a leg lock in gi BJJ?
A: Technically yes, but not recommended. Fabric increases friction and reduces control, raising injury risk.

Q: What belt level should attempt leg locks?
A: Blue belt and above in no-gi settings. Requires maturity, discipline, and solid fundamentals.

Q: Are leg locks effective in MMA?
A: Absolutely. Fighters like Charles Oliveira and Kamaru Usman use them to end fights. The leg concept appears in knee twists and leg traps.

Conclusion

Look, I get it.

Leg locks can be scary.

I tapped from my first heel hook feeling embarrassed. Like I’d failed.

But now? I see it differently.

Getting tapped isn’t a weakness.

It’s feedback.

And the leg lock BJJ system, like all advanced techniques, isn’t about hurting people.

It’s about understanding movement, leverage, and control.

Whether you ever use it or not, knowing it exists makes you a better grappler.

So here’s my challenge:

👉 Drill one leg position this week.
👉 Practice one defense.
👉 Talk to your partner about safety.

Small steps lead to big progress.

And remember: You don’t have to be the most aggressive grappler on the mat.

Just the smartest.

Now go roll, safely