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Straight Ankle Lock (Achilles Lock)

Quick Introduction​

⚠️ SAFETY NOTE: While the straight ankle lock is the safest leg lock, it can still cause serious injury. Ankle ligaments and tendons have minimal warning before damage. Always tap early, apply slowly in training, and never "test" your flexibility against this submission.

The straight ankle lock (also called the Achilles lock) is the foundational leg lock in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and the ONLY leg lock legal for white belt competitors under IBJJF rules. It hyperextends the ankle joint by using hip pressure against the Achilles tendon and ankle structure. This technique is essential for all practitioners as it provides the foundation for understanding leg attacks, defenses, and the unique dangers of lower body submissions.

Technique Overview​

Type: Joint lock (ankle hyperextension)

Legal at: WHITE BELT and above (all organizations, gi and no-gi)

Available from: Ashi garami (standard outside position), half guard, open guard, 50/50, standing, guard passing scenarios

Finish: Dorsiflexion (upward flexion) of ankle using hip pressure on Achilles tendon

Leads to: Sweeps if defended, transitions to ashi garami variations, guard system development

Straight Ankle Lock Variations (4 Main Applications)​

🎯 From Ashi Garami (Standard Position)​

Objective

Control opponent's leg while isolating ankle for attack; maintain outside position with maximum control

Main Characteristic

Your legs configure to control their single leg from the outside while your upper body controls their ankle; classic leg lock position

Execution (Step by Step)

  1. Establish ashi garami position (outside leg control)
  2. One of your legs crosses over opponent's hip (shin pressure on hip)
  3. Other leg hooks behind their knee
  4. Grab their foot with same-side arm (if attacking right leg, use right arm)
  5. Bring their foot tight to your armpit
  6. Reach around Achilles with other arm
  7. Connect hands in front of shin (gable grip or figure-4)
  8. Position blade of your forearm (thumb-side) on Achilles tendon
  9. Drop back to your side/back
  10. Pull foot toward armpit while extending hips forward
  11. Arch back slightly to increase pressure
  12. Apply smoothly and slowly - pressure increases rapidly

Critical Details

  • Foot must be in armpit, NOT floating away from body
  • Blade of forearm (radial bone) presses Achilles, not palm
  • Pinch knees together to prevent leg escape
  • Hip extension creates pressure, not pulling with arms
  • Keep opponent's toes pointing toward you (prevents rotation escape)
  • Slow, controlled application - ankle damage happens fast

Tactical Advantage

Highest control position; safest for both parties; most time to feel submission; allows position retention if submission fails; primary teaching position

⚔️ From Half Guard (Quick Entry)​

Objective

Attack ankle while transitioning from bottom half guard; combine with sweeps and guard retention

Main Characteristic

Bottom half guard position converts directly to ankle attack without establishing full ashi garami first

Execution (Step by Step)

  1. Bottom half guard position
  2. Opponent tries to clear your lockdown or pass
  3. Release half guard hooks momentarily
  4. Same-side arm reaches under their trapped leg
  5. Grab their ankle/foot immediately
  6. Bring foot to your armpit
  7. Free leg crosses over their hip
  8. Other leg hooks behind knee (establishing ashi garami)
  9. Connect hands around Achilles
  10. Extend hips to finish

Critical Details

  • Quick transition - don't let them stabilize
  • Maintain upper body connection initially
  • Commit fully - half attempts allow easy escape
  • Can return to half guard if attack fails
  • Natural from deep half variations

Tactical Advantage

Surprise element; natural from guard work; combines offense and sweep; opponent focused on passing, not defense; white belt accessible entry

🌀 From Guard Passing (Opportunistic)​

Objective

Capitalize on opponent's guard retention to attack ankle; use leg lock to facilitate pass

Main Characteristic

While attempting to pass open guard, opponent's defensive leg positioning creates ankle lock opportunity

Execution (Step by Step)

  1. Attempting to pass opponent's open guard
  2. They post foot on your hip or create space
  3. Control their ankle with two hands
  4. Step over/around to outside position
  5. Sit to hip facing them
  6. Establish ashi garami leg configuration
  7. Secure foot to armpit
  8. Complete ankle lock setup
  9. Apply pressure for finish

Critical Details

  • Recognize opportunity during pass attempts
  • Quick commitment required
  • Maintains offensive pressure
  • Can return to passing if submission fails
  • Common in no-gi and competition

Tactical Advantage

Keeps opponent defensive; prevents guard recovery; alternative to positional passing; scores no points but threatens finish; useful when passing is difficult

🔒 From Standing (Defensive/Counter)​

Objective

Counter opponent's guard when standing; defend sweeps while threatening submission

Main Characteristic

Standing over opponent's open guard while controlling single leg for ankle attack

Execution (Step by Step)

  1. Standing in opponent's open guard
  2. They attempt to off-balance or sweep
  3. Grab their extended leg (ankle/foot)
  4. Control foot to your side/armpit
  5. Pinch leg between your legs/arms
  6. Sit to ground while maintaining control
  7. Establish ashi garami as you sit
  8. Complete ankle lock configuration
  9. Apply pressure

Critical Details

  • Control ankle before sitting down
  • Keep foot pinned to your body
  • Land in proper ashi garami position
  • Useful against aggressive open guard players
  • Transitions well to passing if defended

Tactical Advantage

Counters sweep attempts; provides safe guard passing alternative; applicable to self-defense scenarios; teaches standing leg lock awareness

Important Observations (General Rules)​

Core Principles​

  1. 🎯 Foot to armpit connection - Break this, lose the submission; this is the primary control
  2. 💪 Hip pressure, not arm strength - Extend hips forward for pressure; pulling with arms alone is weak and incorrect
  3. ⏱️ TAP EARLY - Ankles have minimal warning before injury; always tap at first discomfort
  4. 🔄 Blade of forearm on Achilles - Thumb-side of forearm creates proper pressure point
  5. 🎮 Position selection - Choose based on situation:
    • Ashi garami → Most control, highest percentage, best for beginners
    • Half guard → Quick transition, combines with sweeps
    • Guard passing → Opportunistic during scrambles
    • Standing → Counter to open guard

Connection to Theories​

Applying core principles:

  • Leverage: Your entire body (hips/legs/core) vs opponent's single ankle joint
  • Isolation: Legs separate their limb from body; armpit pins foot; prevents defense
  • Control Points: Ashi garami legs + armpit control + forearm pressure = three-point control system
  • Table Theory: Leg configuration creates stable platform for attack
  • Molecular Theory: Leg control, foot position, forearm pressure must work as unified system
  • Weight Distribution: Hip pressure distributes force efficiently to ankle joint

Common Mistakes​

⚠️ Foot away from armpit - Weakest mistake; allows rotation escape; eliminates control

⚠️ Using palm instead of forearm - Less pressure; incorrect pressure point; easier to defend

⚠️ Pulling with arms only - Weak finish; tires arms; incorrect mechanics

⚠️ Knees separated - Leg escapes through gap; lose ashi garami control

⚠️ Fast, cranking pressure - Injury risk; poor training partner behavior; damages trust

⚠️ Not dropping to side - Trying to finish while sitting upright is weak

⚠️ Allowing toe rotation - If their toes point away, they can relieve pressure and escape

⚠️ Loose hip connection - Not extending hips eliminates primary pressure source

🥋 Entry Details​

Ashi Garami Establishment​

From Open Guard Bottom:

  1. Opponent standing or kneeling in your open guard
  2. Post on hands/elbows
  3. One leg crosses over their hip (outside position)
  4. Other leg hooks behind their knee
  5. Pull them slightly off-balance
  6. Grab their foot and establish ankle lock

From Guard Passing Top:

  1. Attempting to pass open guard
  2. Opponent creates space with leg
  3. Grab their ankle immediately
  4. Circle to outside position
  5. Sit to hip facing them
  6. Establish leg configuration
  7. Secure foot and finish

Half Guard Transition​

From Bottom Half Guard:

  1. Half guard bottom position
  2. Deep half guard variation or lockdown
  3. Opponent commits weight to pass
  4. Release guard momentarily
  5. Dive under their leg for ankle
  6. Pull foot to armpit
  7. Establish ashi garami legs
  8. Complete submission

Key timing: When they commit weight forward or try to clear lockdown

50/50 Entry​

From Mirrored Position:

  1. Both grapplers in 50/50 configuration
  2. Both have similar leg positions
  3. Focus on securing their foot first
  4. Bring to your armpit faster than they do
  5. Establish proper forearm position
  6. Race for position and finish

Note: 50/50 is advanced for white belts; focus on ashi garami first

🎓 Training Progressions​

Solo Drills​

  1. Ashi Garami Entry Motion (10 reps each side)

    • Practice establishing leg configuration without partner
    • Focus on leg positioning and weight distribution
    • Build muscle memory for position
    • No pressure application

  2. Forearm Position Practice (5 minutes)

    • Use partner's leg or dummy
    • Practice correct forearm placement
    • Blade of forearm (radial bone) on Achilles
    • Feel correct pressure point without applying pressure

  3. Hip Extension Movement (10 reps)

    • From back position, practice hip bridge/extension
    • Understand pressure generation mechanics
    • Build awareness of pressure source
    • Critical for proper finishing mechanics

Partner Drills​

Level 1: Position Establishment (Cooperative)

  • Partner allows you to establish ashi garami
  • Practice securing foot to armpit
  • Practice forearm placement
  • 10 reps each side
  • Focus: Proper structure and control
  • NO submission pressure

Level 2: Controlled Submission (25%)

  • Partner gives position
  • Apply ankle lock very slowly
  • Partner taps at first sensation
  • You release immediately
  • Verbal check-in after each rep
  • Focus: Feeling correct pressure, communication

Level 3: Entry Drilling (50%)

  • Partner gives resistance to entry
  • You establish position and control
  • Light submission pressure only
  • 3-minute rounds
  • Focus: Entry timing and position security

Level 4: Positional Sparring (75%)

  • Start from open guard or half guard
  • Hunt for ankle lock positions
  • Partner escapes and defends
  • Apply submissions with control
  • Focus: Live application with safety
  • ALWAYS tap early on both sides

Safety-First Drilling​

Drill 1: Tap Recognition

  1. Partner establishes ankle lock position
  2. Applies very slow pressure
  3. You tap at first sensation of discomfort
  4. Partner releases instantly
  5. Discuss: "Was that early enough?" "Did I release fast enough?"
  6. 10 reps each side

Drill 2: Entry Without Finish

  1. Practice entering ashi garami
  2. Establish full control position
  3. Secure foot to armpit
  4. Do NOT apply submission pressure
  5. Partner practices escape from control
  6. 5-minute rounds

Drill 3: Flow Rolling with Ankle Locks

  1. Light rolling (50% speed/intensity)
  2. Hunt for ankle lock positions
  3. If position established, acknowledge and reset
  4. Build recognition without injury risk
  5. Occasional very light finish (partner taps early)

🔧 Troubleshooting Guide​

Problem: Opponent Pulls Foot Out​

Solutions:

  1. Pinch foot tighter to armpit immediately
  2. Check that both knees are pinched together
  3. Secure foot BEFORE attempting finish
  4. Use figure-4 grip for maximum security
  5. Drop to your side faster (gravity helps)

Prevention: Never try to finish without secure foot control

Problem: Not Enough Pressure When Extending​

Solutions:

  1. Ensure blade of forearm (not palm) is on Achilles
  2. Verify foot is tight to armpit, not floating
  3. Extend hips forward more aggressively
  4. Drop back further to your side/back
  5. Check that their toes point toward you
  6. Arch back slightly to increase leverage

Common cause: Using arms instead of hips

Problem: Opponent Rotates Out (Toe Pointing Away)​

Solutions:

  1. Control their knee with your legs more tightly
  2. Pinch knees together to prevent rotation
  3. Keep their toes pointing at you constantly
  4. Adjust position earlier when you feel rotation starting
  5. Use hands to control foot direction

Prevention: Proper ashi garami leg configuration prevents rotation

Problem: Losing Position During Entry​

Solutions:

  1. Commit to entry fully - half attempts fail
  2. Control ankle first, establish position second
  3. Bring foot to armpit immediately
  4. Don't try to finish before position is secure
  5. Practice entry drilling without submission focus

Problem: Training Partner Doesn't Tap​

Solutions:

  1. STOP pressure immediately if unsure
  2. Talk to partner about proper tap timing
  3. Demonstrate correct tap point
  4. Choose different partners if necessary
  5. Inform instructor of unsafe training behavior

NEVER apply more pressure to force tap - injury results

🔄 Combinations & Transitions​

Ankle Lock → Sweep​

When they defend submission:

  1. You have established ashi garami and ankle lock
  2. They defend by pulling foot out or sitting up
  3. Maintain leg control (ashi garami configuration)
  4. Use their defensive posture to execute sweep
  5. Come on top to passing position

Tactical benefit: Submission attempt creates sweep opportunity

Ankle Lock → Back Take​

When they turn away to defend:

  1. Ankle lock established
  2. They turn to their side/back to relieve pressure
  3. Maintain control of their lower body
  4. Climb onto their back as they turn
  5. Establish back mount

Tactical benefit: Their escape attempt gives better position

Half Guard → Ankle Lock → Half Guard​

Cyclical combination:

  1. Bottom half guard position
  2. Attempt ankle lock entry
  3. They defend aggressively
  4. Return to half guard with better position
  5. Repeat cycle creating openings

Tactical benefit: Constant pressure forces mistakes

Ankle Lock → Pass​

When submission fails:

  1. Established ashi garami position
  2. They defend ankle successfully
  3. Maintain leg control
  4. Transition to guard pass using leg control
  5. Advance to side control or mount

Tactical benefit: Failed submission becomes passing opportunity

💡 Advanced Concepts​

Grip Variations​

Gable Grip (Beginner-Friendly)

  • Palm-to-palm connection
  • Easy to learn and maintain
  • Moderately secure
  • Good for beginners

Figure-4 Grip (More Secure)

  • One hand grabs own wrist
  • Creates unbreakable connection
  • Maximum security
  • Preferred as you advance

Kimura Grip (Alternative)

  • Similar to figure-4 but different configuration
  • Very tight control
  • Less common but effective
  • Experiment with experienced partners

Finishing Angle Variations​

Standard Side Angle:

  • Drop to your side facing opponent
  • Most common and safest
  • Best for learning
  • Highest control retention

Back Angle:

  • Drop fully to your back
  • More hip extension possible
  • Higher pressure potential
  • Less control if they escape

Upright Finish (Not Recommended)

  • Attempting finish while sitting upright
  • Significantly weaker leverage
  • Only works against poor defense
  • Learn proper side angle instead

Competition Application​

IBJJF Rules:

  • Legal for all belt levels
  • Scores NO points (submission only)
  • Cannot reap the knee (at white/blue)
  • Can be applied from multiple positions
  • Time spent attacking = time not scoring points

Strategic Considerations:

  • Use to prevent guard passing
  • Opportunity attack during scrambles
  • Defensive tool from bottom
  • Risk vs reward assessment in matches
  • Balance submission hunting with position advancement

Gi vs No-Gi Differences​

Gi Application:

  • Can use gi for grips initially
  • Slightly easier to control with friction
  • Pants prevent some foot slipping
  • Transitions slightly slower
  • Traditional approach more common

No-Gi Application:

  • Foot control more difficult (sweat)
  • Must secure position faster
  • Figure-4 grip becomes more important
  • Faster exchanges common
  • More prevalent in no-gi meta

Defense Recognition​

Study leg lock defense thoroughly, but basic defenses against your ankle lock include:

  • Pulling foot out before secure
  • Rotating toes away from you
  • Sitting up aggressively
  • Clearing ashi garami leg configuration
  • Standing up to escape

Your counter-defenses:

  • Secure foot faster
  • Control rotation with leg pressure
  • Drop to side quickly
  • Maintain ashi garami integrity
  • Follow their standing movement

🎯 Belt-Level Expectations​

White Belt Goals​

Referenced in Beginner's Journey:

  • Understand mechanics completely (Month 6-9)
  • Recognize ashi garami position
  • Execute from standard position with control
  • Practice with safety-first mindset
  • Tap early consistently
  • Basic entry from half guard
  • This is your ONLY legal leg lock

Blue Belt Development​

Referenced in Skill Progression:

  • Multiple entries mastered
  • Reliable finish from standard position
  • Combination with guard game
  • Competition application (gi and no-gi)
  • Teaching technique to white belts
  • Understand all defenses
  • Ankle lock becomes reliable weapon
  • In gi: Still your only legal leg lock

Purple Belt Mastery​

  • Ankle lock is automatic from ashi garami
  • Advanced entries from all positions
  • Used as guard retention tool
  • Competition success with technique
  • Teaching and demonstrating safety
  • Integration with overall game plan
  • Preparing for additional leg locks (brown+)

🎯 Next Steps​

After understanding straight ankle lock:

  1. Perfect ashi garami position → Control is more important than submission
  2. Study defense thoroughly → Leg Lock Defense prevents injuries
  3. Integrate with guard → Use with half guard and open guard
  4. Practice entries → Multiple pathways to position
  5. Maintain safety focus → Years of practice with this technique before advancing
  6. For brown+ (gi) → Begin studying kneebar

White belts: Master this technique completely before considering any other leg lock. This can take 1-2 years of consistent practice.

Blue/Purple belts: This remains your primary leg lock in gi competition. Continue refinement.

🔗 Related Resources​

System Overview​

Position Prerequisites​

Theoretical Foundation​

Progress Tracking​