Ankle Lock
BJJBJJ App TeamΒ·β±οΈ 1 min readΒ·π Mar 31, 2026
β°Contents
Learn the straight ankle lock β the first legal leg lock at white belt. Step-by-step entry, finish mechanics, and common defenses.
Leg Lock
White Belt
The ankle lock (straight ankle lock) is the most fundamental leg lock in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu β and the only one legal at white belt in most rule sets. Mastering it early gives you a submission threat from guard, half guard, and leg entanglements that most beginners ignore.
Contents
Mechanics
1
Foot position β Place the blade of your forearm (ulna bone) across the Achilles tendon β not the ankle bone.
2
Body lock β Cradle their leg against your chest: your near arm threads under their calf, your far hand grips your near bicep.
3
Finish β Extend your hips forward while pulling their heel toward your chest. The rotation creates torque on the ankle joint β not a yank, a controlled extension.
Key Entries
1
From half guard β When they try to pass, underhook their near leg and fall to the ankle lock position.
2
From guard β When they stand to pass, shoot the ankle lock before they establish base.
3
From leg entanglement β Any inside-sankaku (inside heel hook control) can transition to ankle lock as a lower-risk option.
Common Mistakes
1
Wrong bone β Using the soft part of the wrist instead of the blade of the forearm β the finish loses all power.
2
Pulling the foot β Yanking the foot sideways twists the knee instead of finishing the ankle β illegal and ineffective.
3
No hip extension β Arms alone cannot finish the ankle lock. Drive your hips forward simultaneously.
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