Leg Locks
Leg locks are submissions that attack the feet, ankles, and knees: heel hooks, knee bars, straight ankle locks, and toe holds. They sit at the center of modern no-gi grappling and turn the legs into a primary line of attack.
Browse Leg Locks flowcharts in ExploreEntanglements come first
Leg locks are won from control positions, the ashi garami family, single-leg X, and the saddle, not from grabbing a foot. Securing the entanglement and killing the opponent's rotation and hips is what makes the finish high-percentage and safe to drill.
Knowing the rules
Which leg locks are legal depends on the ruleset and belt. The heel hook is the most powerful and the most restricted, so map your game to where you compete. Because every entanglement has a small set of reactions, the leg lock game charts unusually cleanly.
Frequently asked questions
Are leg locks legal in BJJ?
It depends on the ruleset and belt. Straight ankle locks are widely allowed, while heel hooks are restricted under IBJJF gi rules and only legal for brown and black belts in IBJJF no-gi. Many modern no-gi rulesets allow them earlier.
What is the most dangerous leg lock?
The heel hook, because it torques the knee rather than the ankle and can damage the ligaments before you feel pain. That is exactly why it should be drilled slowly with a trusted partner.
Where do leg locks start?
From leg entanglements such as single-leg X, the ashi garami positions, and the saddle (inside sankaku). Getting to and keeping the entanglement is most of the battle.
Map your own Leg Locks game
Turn your notes, videos, and rolls into a visual flowchart of techniques, transitions, and reactions you can study and share. Free to start, no account needed.
Build a flowchart