What “Leg Locks” Mean in Practical Training
Leg locks are lower-body submissions applied only after you establish control over the opponent’s hip line and knee line. In practice, this usually means you first secure an ashi garami-style entanglement, off-balance them, deny their ability to freely rotate, and only then attack the foot or heel.
Core positions you’ll see most often include straight ashi (single-leg X), outside ashi, cross ashi, 50/50, inside sankaku (sometimes called inside ashi), and backside 50/50. From each, you can attack finishes like the straight ankle lock, toe hold, kneebar, and various heel hooks, along with transitions between entanglements to chase the break.
Practically, leg locks are not a magic button. They are a structured system of entries, control, off-balancing (kazushi), and finishing mechanics. Train them as a position, not just a move.
Leg Locks Videos on BJJ University (Top 20 Videos, Top 10 Courses)
All Access Pass by Craig Jones
$3399.00 • BJJ Fanatics
The video is an advertisement for the Craig Jones All Access Pass on BJJ Fanatics. It features the expertise of Craig Jones, a renowned competitor and coach recognized for his innovative approach to various techniques such as leg locks, guard work, front headlocks, wrestling integration, and submission hunting. With this pass, you can access Craig's entire BJJ Fanatics library, thereby studying the comprehensive evolution of his game while saving money. Note that future Craig Jones releases will need to be purchased separately.
Down Under Leg Locks Bundle by Craig Jones
$667.00 • BJJ Fanatics
Craig Jones offers a comprehensive course on the art of leg locks in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, specifically targeting lower body attacks. His approach is systematic and scientific, advantageous to anyone seeking to master their leg lock skills regardless of their level of experience. The instruction covers the false reap system, knee bars, saddle and more, with insight on the basics, mechanics, set-ups, and finishes. Over 10 hours of footage are ready for anyone desiring to boost their confidence in lower body attacks.
Down Right Sloppy Jiu Jitsu Bundle by Eoghan O'Flanagan
$427.00 • BJJ Fanatics
This video features BJJ instructor Eoghan O'Flanagan teaching his signature heel hook technique from the half butterfly position. The instructional bundle contains four videos, in which O'Flanagan covers a variety of moves such as countering outside passers and lower body attacks, plus guards that are often overlooked. Many fans appreciate his clear and competent teaching style, as well as the effectiveness of his modern BJJ techniques.
The Pillars of Defense: Leg Locks to Guard Passing by Gordon Ryan
$349.00 • BJJ Fanatics
In the video, Gordon Ryan demonstrates how to defend against leg locks and transition into a guard pass effectively. He provides valuable insights into different leg entanglements including irimi ashi, outside ashi, and cross ashi. He also shares tactics for handling tricky inversions using v-grips, tight waists, and body locks. Real-life rolling footage is analyzed to showcase practical applications of these techniques.
Pillars of Defense: Leg Locks to Back Takes by Gordon Ryan
$349.00 • BJJ Fanatics
Gordon Ryan teaches us about leglock defense and capitalizing on opportunities for high-percentage backtakes. He covers effective escapes from key positions including Irimi Ashi and 50/50 and provides counters that swiftly transition from defense into dominant back control. He explores preventative measures for leg lock defense from various entanglements and develops a systematic approach to limit your opponent’s options. Gordon also presents ways to respond to evasive maneuvers from Irimi Ashi with rolls, half rolls, and hip drop backtakes.
Legendary Leglocks: Catch Wrestling & Luta Livre Style by Joel Bane
$199.00 • BJJ Fanatics
In this instructional video, Joel Bane educates viewers on the most effective and efficient leg lock techniques. Bane focuses on catch wrestling and Luta Livre style in particular. As part of his 'Legendary Leglocks' series, Bane explains how to control, isolate and finish an opponent with these leg lock techniques. He insists on the importance of no wasted motion or unnecessary complexity, emphasizing only what works best in BJJ, MMA, and general grappling.
Heel Hook The World: The Complete Beginners Guide by Heath Pedigo and Jacob Couch
$197.00 • BJJ Fanatics
This video is a complete beginner's guide to executing a heel hook, a technique within the leg lock game, provided by BJJ experts Heath Pedigo and Jacob Couch. After watching this video, viewers should have a deeper understanding of leg entanglements, gain insights into maintaining tight grips with both upper and lower body controls, and learn how to obtain finishing grips. The video also features troubleshooting advice to manage common issues students may encounter when executing these techniques. The heel hook is taught from multiple positions and situations, making the content applicable to a variety of practice environments.
The Saddle by Lachlan Giles
$197.00 • BJJ Fanatics
In this video, Lachlan Giles, a renowned expert in the field of Jiu-Jitsu, presents an instructional masterclass on the Saddle position. He dives into techniques like heel hooks, cloverleaf, Aoki locks, and straight ankle attacks. Giles discusses advanced principles and methods to control your opponent and apply successful submissions. He also demonstrates each concept in live training and discusses troubleshooting methods for defensive reactions such as hiding the heel and roll outs.
Forging The Guard: Mastering The Foundations of Ashi Garami by Giancarlo Bodoni
$197.00 • BJJ Fanatics
This video is an instructional guide by ADCC Champion, Giancaro Bodoni, focusing on mastering the foundations of Ashi Garami. He provides a step-by-step approach on mastering the basics, controlling the positions, maintaining control over the opponent, and implementing attacks including sweeps and submissions. Notably known for his guard game during competitions, Bodoni shares techniques and concepts that have made him a successful guard player. He attributes his expertise to training under 6x Black Belt World Champion, Lucas Lepri, and renowned instructor, John Danaher.
Leg Lock Entries by Helena Crevar
$197.00 • BJJ Fanatics
The video is an instructional guide demonstrating different leg lock entry techniques in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, taught by Helena Crevar. As a pupil of John Danaher, Helena uses her knowledge to provide a detailed, step-by-step explanation on how to effectively implement leg lock entries. The techniques are suitable for both beginners and seasoned practitioners. They are intended to help viewers improve their leg lock game from a basic level to a more advanced, efficient level.
Why BJJ Leg Locks Matter
Leg locks change the geometry of a match. When you threaten the legs, opponents must adjust stance, passing routes, and grips, which opens sweeps and back takes. A reliable leg attack forces defensive reactions you can predict: hiding the heel, turning the knee line, or conceding top to clear the entanglement.
Modern grappling emphasizes leg entanglements because they create strong control with relatively little space. If you dominate the knee line and deny rotation, your opponent’s options shrink rapidly. That efficiency translates to more submissions and scrambles that favor you.
They also matter for defense and longevity. Understanding entries and breaking mechanics teaches you when to tap, how to clear the knee line, and how to stay safe while training no gi leg locks or gi-legal foot locks.
Leg Locks Ankle Lock (3 Videos, 3 Courses)
Dynamic Ankle Locks by Jason Rau
$79.00 • BJJ Fanatics
In this video, Jason Rau introduces viewers to the power of ankle locks in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He explains the importance of understanding lower body attacks, beginning with the most accessible position, the ankle lock. The video provides step-by-step instructions for performing precise techniques, transitions, and counters relating to ankle locks. Additionally, viewers are guided to create an arsenal of lower body attacks to enhance their skills. This particular submission is deemed by Rau as one of the most effective in BJJ.
Ankle Lock Solutions and Practice Designs (Gi) by Jorge Valladares
$79.00 • BJJ Fanatics
The video is an instructional guide by Jorge Valladares, focusing on the gi-specific ankle lock technique. Valladares talks about the mechanics, strategies, and systematization of the ankle lock, aiming to provide the viewers a comprehensive understanding and mastery of the technique. The video doesn't just display the moves, but discusses the science behind why it works and how to evolve the technique personally. Practice frameworks and drills are also included to master timing, control, and build confidence for live rolls and competitions.
Ice Cold Ankle Locks by Quentin Leahy
$39.50 • BJJ Fanatics
This video tutorial features Quentin Leahy, a black belt under Travis Stevens, teaching how to execute the "Ice Cold Ankle Locks." Quentin discusses the method of performing ankle locks safely and effectively while abiding by the rules of IBJJF. He also presents a variety of entries into ankle locks from various situations like double guard pull, shin to shin, and butterfly guard. The instructor provides tips for countering common defense strategies, ensuring your finish is strong and secure.
Key Concepts, Common Mistakes, and Decision Points
Control before submission: secure the hip line, clamp the knees, and block rotation. If the opponent can freely turn, your finish percentage drops. Think wedges: your hips, thighs, and feet should act as stops along their escape path.
Dominate the knee line: your legs should be positioned so their knee is past your hips and trapped. If they pull the knee line free, expect them to posture, step out, or counter with passes. Reset the knee line before re-attacking.
Break mechanics over arm strength: for straight ankle locks and heel hooks, focus on correct pressure direction, fulcrums, and body alignment. Your ribs, forearms, and hip extension do the work—your arms guide, not muscle the finish.
Off-balance first: a small tilt, reap, or hip shift that puts them on their hands significantly increases finishing odds. If you can’t break posture or off-balance, transition or come up for top.
Layered threats: pair leg entries with back takes, sweeps, and passes. For example, from K-guard you can chase inside heel hook, switch to backside 50/50, or come up if they turn the knee.
Common mistakes include attacking without wedges, crossing your feet loosely around the hip, exposing your own heel in 50/50, ignoring hand fighting on the secondary leg, and finishing against the wrong line (e.g., pulling straight back on a heel rather than creating rotational force). Decision points center on when to commit to a finish versus transitioning: if rotation is available to your opponent, improve wedges or switch entanglements; if the knee line is lost, come up to score or re-enter.
Leg Locks K Guard (4 Videos)
What to Study First
Start with safety and rules. Know the difference between IBJJF legal leg locks in gi and no-gi at your belt level. White and blue belts typically focus on straight ankle locks and toe holds depending on the ruleset, while heel hooks are commonly restricted in gi and lower-belt divisions. Build habits that protect partners: tap early, control gradually, and never crank.
Learn core positions and entries one by one. Begin with straight ashi (single-leg X) and outside ashi because they teach grips, off-balancing, and knee-line control. Add 50/50 to understand symmetrical positions and how to protect your own feet. Progress to inside sankaku and backside 50/50 as your control improves.
Develop a baseline finishing system. For many, the bjj straight ankle lock is the first high-percentage submission. Study proper grip placement on the achilles, elbow and rib positioning, and hip extension. Then add inside and outside heel hooks for no gi leg locks if your ruleset and academy allow, followed by kneebar and toe hold mechanics.
Build re-entries and counters. Drill coming up from failed leg attacks to sweep or pass. Practice common counters like back-step exits and leg pummeling, then learn to intercept them with cross ashi or backside transitions.
Round out with defense. Study how to hide your heel, clear the knee line, decouple wedges, and use hand fighting. Good defense makes your offense sharper and keeps training partners safe.
Leg Locks Leg Entanglement (12 Videos, 4 Courses)
Down Under Leg Locks Bundle by Craig Jones
$667.00 • BJJ Fanatics
Craig Jones offers a comprehensive course on the art of leg locks in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, specifically targeting lower body attacks. His approach is systematic and scientific, advantageous to anyone seeking to master their leg lock skills regardless of their level of experience. The instruction covers the false reap system, knee bars, saddle and more, with insight on the basics, mechanics, set-ups, and finishes. Over 10 hours of footage are ready for anyone desiring to boost their confidence in lower body attacks.
The Pillars of Defense: Leg Locks to Guard Passing by Gordon Ryan
$349.00 • BJJ Fanatics
In the video, Gordon Ryan demonstrates how to defend against leg locks and transition into a guard pass effectively. He provides valuable insights into different leg entanglements including irimi ashi, outside ashi, and cross ashi. He also shares tactics for handling tricky inversions using v-grips, tight waists, and body locks. Real-life rolling footage is analyzed to showcase practical applications of these techniques.
Pillars of Defense: Leg Locks to Back Takes by Gordon Ryan
$349.00 • BJJ Fanatics
Gordon Ryan teaches us about leglock defense and capitalizing on opportunities for high-percentage backtakes. He covers effective escapes from key positions including Irimi Ashi and 50/50 and provides counters that swiftly transition from defense into dominant back control. He explores preventative measures for leg lock defense from various entanglements and develops a systematic approach to limit your opponent’s options. Gordon also presents ways to respond to evasive maneuvers from Irimi Ashi with rolls, half rolls, and hip drop backtakes.
Heel Hook The World: The Complete Beginners Guide by Heath Pedigo and Jacob Couch
$197.00 • BJJ Fanatics
This video is a complete beginner's guide to executing a heel hook, a technique within the leg lock game, provided by BJJ experts Heath Pedigo and Jacob Couch. After watching this video, viewers should have a deeper understanding of leg entanglements, gain insights into maintaining tight grips with both upper and lower body controls, and learn how to obtain finishing grips. The video also features troubleshooting advice to manage common issues students may encounter when executing these techniques. The heel hook is taught from multiple positions and situations, making the content applicable to a variety of practice environments.
Connecting Techniques and Systems
Popular pathways include seated guard to single-leg X, K-guard to inside sankaku, false reap to backside 50/50, and 50/50 to wrestle-up sweeps. From each, decide if you can off-balance to a finish or should transition to top. These chains also blend well with passing: knee-cut to false reap, or shin-to-shin to outside ashi as the opponent steps.
If you’re exploring instructionals, compare conceptual frameworks and details across coaches. For example, you’ll encounter approaches that emphasize wedges and knee-line control, or systems that prioritize 50/50 mastery. Use curated clips to notice commonalities: tight knee clamps, heel exposure through rotation control, and secondary leg management.
Leg Locks Leg Entanglement 50 50 (6 Videos, 4 Courses)
Leg Lock Defense: Survive And Escape by Giancarlo Bodoni
$98.50 • BJJ Fanatics
In this video, ADCC Champion Giancarlo Bodoni provides an 8-part masterclass on defending, escaping, and countering leg locks. He offers lessons on early and late defenses against common and difficult leg lock attacks, including heel hooks. Highlights include understanding lines of defense, hiding your heel, escaping entanglements, and turning your own attacks while maintaining safety. Bodoni also explains how to escape from other common attacks such as kneebars, toe holds, and Achilles locks.
The Comprido Foot Lock by Rodrigo "Comprido" Medeiros
$97.00 • BJJ Fanatics
This video is an instructional BJJ video by Rodrigo "Comprido" Medeiros teaching the "Comprido Foot Lock" technique from the 50/50 position. This submission technique includes the ankle lock and toe hold. Besides teaching the technique for submission, the video also provides insights into entries and defenses for leg locks. The instructor emphasizes incorporating this technique into one's overall game for game improvement.
Leg Lock Counters by Ethan Crelinsten
$97.00 • BJJ Fanatics
The video features instructor Ethan Crelinsten teaching techniques for countering leg locks from the 50/50 position. He emphasizes using various guards for advantage and focusing intensely on standard, outside, and cross ashi. Ethan provides insight on how to counter inversions before they become a threat, and how to transition into high-level positions such as backside 50/50 and reverse figure four. The goal is to shut down the opponent's attack with superior offense.
Leg Tangle 50/50 by Jeff Glover
$97.00 • BJJ Fanatics
Jeff Glover, a notable black belt, delivers a tutorial on "Leg Tangle 50/50", his unique variation of the 50/50 guard. He offers a foundation for the leg lock game inclusive of progression drills for smooth entries and attacks. Glover also teaches complementary attacks from 50/50, such as knee-on-belly transitions, wrestling strategies against opponents, and back takes. A key focus is on unconventional entries into 50/50 from closed guard, deep half guard, and guard passing that are often overlooked by competitors.
Using BJJ University to Study Leg Locks
BJJ University is a free, curated learning hub for Brazilian jiu jitsu leg locks. Use the navigation menu to browse organized videos, clips, breakdowns, and instructional resources by instructor, technique, position, category, and training topic. You can quickly sample different teaching styles, compare systems, and build a personal study plan without getting lost in endless searches.
On our Leg Locks pages you’ll find entries, control drills, and finishes from straight ankle locks to advanced heel hook mechanics, plus defenses and escapes. Explore sequences from single-leg X, 50/50, K-guard, and false reap, as well as modern passing-to-leg-entry chains. As you watch, note how experts combine off-balancing, wedges, and knee-line control before applying breaking pressure.
Bookmark BJJ University and share it with teammates or friends who want high-quality free BJJ learning resources. Return often to track new additions, revisit fundamentals, and keep your leg lock game current.
FAQs
Which leg locks are typically legal in IBJJF rules?
Rules evolve, but generally the straight ankle lock is widely legal at lower belts, toe holds and kneebars become available at higher belts, and heel hooks are restricted in gi and often limited in no-gi depending on belt and event. Always check the latest rules for your division.
What is the safest way to train heel hooks?
Control first, apply pressure slowly, and communicate with your partner. Focus on wedges and denying rotation rather than sudden torque. Partners should tap early and avoid wild spinning escapes.
What’s the difference between an ankle lock and a heel hook?
An ankle lock (straight foot lock) primarily creates pressure through the achilles and ankle joint with linear force. A heel hook attacks the knee via rotational force by controlling the heel, so it demands stricter safety protocols.
How do I stop getting heel hooked in 50/50?
Protect your own heel by hiding it, dominate inside position with your legs, control the secondary leg, and clear the knee line before standing or transitioning. If your heel is exposed, prioritize defense over counter-attacking.
What should I learn first for leg locks?
Start with positional control in straight ashi and outside ashi, then master the straight ankle lock. Add 50/50 awareness and basic defenses. Progress to inside sankaku and backside 50/50, and only then layer in advanced finishes as allowed by your ruleset.