BJJ Leg Lock System: Complete Guide for No-Gi & Gi
BJJBJJ App Team·⏱️ 3 min read·🔄 Mar 31, 2026
☰Contents
Master the BJJ leg lock system: heel hooks, ankle locks, kneebars, entries, leg lock defense, and how to build a complete leg attack game.
Contents
The Leg Lock Revolution
Leg locks were once considered a specialty technique. Today, they are a complete attacking system that has changed the sport at every level. In no-gi competition, leg lock proficiency is arguably the most important single skill set you can develop. Understanding leg locks — both offensively and defensively — is no longer optional.
ℹ️ Ruleset note: Heel hooks (especially inside heel hooks) are restricted in many gi rulesets (IBJJF: black belt only). In no-gi and ADCC, they're available at all levels. Know your ruleset before training competitive leg locks.
The Leg Lock Hierarchy
| Technique | Target | Danger Level | Ruleset |
|---|---|---|---|
| Straight Ankle Lock | Achilles tendon | ⭐ Low | All levels, all rulesets |
| Kneebar | Knee ligaments | ⭐⭐ Medium | Purple+ (IBJJF gi) |
| Toe Hold | Foot/ankle ligaments | ⭐⭐ Medium | Blue+ (IBJJF gi) |
| Outside Heel Hook | Lateral knee ligaments | ⭐⭐⭐ High | No-gi competitions, Brown+ IBJJF gi |
| Inside Heel Hook | Medial knee ligaments (ACL) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very High | No-gi, Black belt IBJJF gi |
Primary Entry Positions
Ashi Garami (Single Leg X Entry)
The foundation of modern leg locks. Both feet on their hip — one foot on their hip, one behind their knee (or between their legs for inside ashi).
Outside Ashi (Honey Hole / Saddle)
For outside heel hooks and kneebars. Your outside leg is between their legs; inside leg blocks their hip.
50/50 Guard
Both fighters have mutual inside ashi garami. Creates the heel hook exchange that defines modern no-gi grappling.
Finishing Heel Hooks
Inside Heel Hook
- Establish inside ashi garami (both feet on hip).
- Control their ankle with an "oven mitt" grip (palm facing you, heel in your armpit).
- Pinch knees, rotate your body — the heel turns, the knee twists.
- Tap comes quickly — do NOT crank. Rotate slowly and stop immediately at tap.
⚠️ Safety critical: Heel hooks attack ligaments, not muscles. The damage can occur BEFORE the pain — your partner may not feel the injury until it's done. Always apply slowly and release at the first sign of a tap or verbal signal.
Straight Ankle Lock
- Ashi garami entry. Figure-4 on their ankle.
- Your wrist bone (radius) directly on their Achilles tendon.
- Arch your back (lean back) — not rotate. Lean = Achilles pressure.
Leg Lock Defense
- Heel hook defense: Keep your heel protected — toes pointing AWAY from their body (never toward). This protects the knee alignment.
- If caught in ankle lock: Bring their heel to your hip — this neutralizes the angle. Then roll toward the outside.
- "Don't knee-bar yourself": When escaping ashi garami, never straighten your knee into a kneebar position while stepping over.
- The "step over" escape: From outside ashi, step your free leg over their top leg — this breaks the position.
Building Your Leg Lock Game
- Start with straight ankle locks — learn the mechanics of leg entanglement safely.
- Add toe holds when your ankle lock entries are solid.
- Develop ashi garami as your primary entry position — it's the hub of the system.
- Finally, add heel hooks — only after your entries and safety understanding are solid.
FAQ
Are leg locks dangerous to train?
Leg locks are safe to train when practiced correctly — slowly, with a partner who understands the positions, and with an immediate release on the tap. Heel hooks specifically require extra care because the damage can occur before significant pain. Always train heel hooks in a controlled environment with a trusted partner.
Should I learn leg locks as a white belt?
Straight ankle locks are appropriate for all levels and should be part of white belt training. Heel hooks require a solid understanding of leg lock positions and safety protocols — most coaches recommend waiting until blue belt or higher, and only training them under direct supervision initially.
How do I defend against someone with a strong leg lock game?
Footwork and position awareness are the primary defenses. Avoid stepping inside their guard carelessly (common leg lock entry). Develop 'leg lock awareness' — know where your feet are at all times. When caught in a position, don't panic and don't crank your own knee trying to escape.