Toe Hold
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The toe hold is a figure-four grip on the foot that twists the foot and ankle. It needs less control than most leg locks, so it shows up wherever a foot is left exposed: in 50/50, while passing, after sweeps, and when an ankle lock or heel hook is defended.
The grip
Grab the top of their foot with the hand on the toe side, near the little toes, then thread your other arm under their Achilles and grab your own wrist. Keep their foot tight to your chest. The finish comes from turning the foot with your whole upper body while their knee stays pinned, not from pulling with the arms.
Where toe holds come from
Common spots are 50/50 and the saddle when the heel is hidden, the top of half guard and the knee shield when the foot is close to your hip, after a sweep that leaves you on top of their leg, and the back when their foot crosses in front. Because the grip works on a bent leg, it is the usual answer when an opponent defends a straight ankle lock by bending the knee.
Inward and outward pressure
The usual toe hold turns the foot inward. Turning it outward puts twisting force on the knee, which is why IBJJF groups it with heel hooks and knee reaping. Know which one you are training before you compete.
Defending the toe hold
Keep your foot flexed and close to your own body, straighten the leg slightly to take the bend out of the lock, and turn with the pressure only if your knee is free. Grabbing their wrist to stop the figure-four from tightening buys time to pull the foot out.
Rules
Under IBJJF rules the toe hold is legal for brown and black belts in gi and no-gi. A toe hold with outward pressure on the foot is legal only for adult brown and black belts in no-gi. Grappling Industries allows toe holds from blue belt.
Check any leg lock by belt and ruleset →Frequently asked questions
Is the toe hold legal in BJJ?
Under IBJJF rules, from brown belt in gi and no-gi. Toe holds with outward pressure are legal only for adult brown and black belts in no-gi. Grappling Industries allows toe holds from blue belt.
What grip is used for a toe hold?
A figure-four: one hand on the top of the foot near the little toes, the other arm under the Achilles grabbing your own wrist. Keep the foot tight to your chest.
Where does the toe hold come from?
50/50, the saddle, top half guard while passing, after sweeps, and the back. It is a common follow-up when an opponent bends the knee to defend a straight ankle lock.
Is a toe hold the same as a kimura on the foot?
The grip is the same figure-four, which is why it is sometimes called a foot kimura. It attacks the foot and ankle instead of the shoulder.
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