When you think about submissions in BJJ, your mind probably goes straight to classics like the rear naked choke, armbar, or maybe even a triangle. But let’s not sleep on the straight ankle lock. World-class grapplers like Rodrigo Cavaca, Dean Lister, and Craig Jones have all put opponents away with nast versions of this move, proving that it’s a legit weapon in any fighter’s arsenal.
In a North American Grappling Association tournament, landing a submission earns you valuable points. And while any tap-out feels great, catching your opponent in a slick, well-executed submission feels even better, especially when you’ve earned it clean. (Remember: no reaping! NAGA’s rulebook is clear: when you’re attacking with a straight ankle lock, your outside leg can’t cross past the hip or over the attacking thigh.)
The beauty of this technique is its simplicity. It’s often the first leg submission you learn, and it opens the door to a whole world of lower-body attacks.
Let’s break it down.
What is the Straight Ankle Lock in BJJ?
The straight ankle lock is one of the most fundamental leg submissions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. This powerful attack targets the Achilles tendon by using leverage to hyperextend the foot and compress the tendon against the sharp bone of your forearm. It’s often the first lower body submission taught in BJJ, and while advanced submissions like the heel hook and toe hold get plenty of attention, the straight ankle lock lays the foundation.
So, how does it actually work? Well, it uses a combination of control and leverage to isolate the opponent’s leg. You wrap your arm around their ankle, secure your grip, and use your body to extend and rotate the foot to put pressure on the tendon.
How Was it Developed?
Like many techniques in modern grappling, it has roots that stretch back through catch wrestling and sambo, where leg locks have always been a core part of the game. It wasn’t a Kodokan-approved Judo technique, but it popped up in demonstrations and older footage over the years. Eventually, it made its way into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, where, for a long time, leg locks were looked down on as more focus was placed on positional dominance and upper-body submissions.
That all changed thanks to innovators like Rodrigo Cavaca, who spent time training in the U.S. with leg lock specialists like Roli Delgado and Max Bishop. Cavaca’s success with the straight ankle lock helped bring the move into the mainstream of gi jiu-jitsu. His adaptations, like adding lapel grips from 50/50 guard and attacking the top of the foot instead of just the Achilles, showed that this submission could be both legal and lethal.
Key Mechanics of the Straight Ankle Lock
To get the tap, you’ve got to dial in the mechanics. Here’s what to keep in mind:
Securing the opponent’s leg and foot
Control starts before you even think about cranking for the finish. You want a tight leg entanglement like ashi garami to trap your opponent’s leg and prevent them from escaping.
Proper hand grip
Your choking-side hand (attacking arm) should slide in deep, with your thumb right below their Achilles tendon. Think of grabbing your own rib cage or lat with your other hand to lock it in tight.
Arm placement on the foot and ankle
Aim for your forearm bone to be snug right against the opponent’s Achilles, not sliding off. The goal is to create a sharp fulcrum that cuts into the tendon.
Leverages to apply pressure
Start by bringing your hands high toward your chest (think “thumb to sternum”) and drop your shoulder, lean back, and arch your hips while keeping their foot slightly curved, not straight back. This combination of pulling, arching, and curving creates brutal tension through the ankle and forces the tap.
Common Entries to Straight Ankle Lock
There’s more than one way to catch a foot. You can always keep the straight ankle lock in your back pocket if you like to play seated guard, stand-up passing, or scramble-heavy positions. Here are some of the most common ways to get there:
Single Leg X-Guard Entry
To execute this reliable setup, start shin-to-shin, elevate their leg, and slide into single leg X. Control their far leg to block escapes, use your inside foot to manage distance, and you’re ready to attack.
X-Guard Entry
X-guard gives great elevation and off-balancing power. Stretch their base, transition into ashi garami by sliding your top leg through, and isolate the leg for a clean ankle lock setup.
Standing Entry
Open their guard, step up, and as they defend the pass, snatch the leg. Sit back, secure position, and curve the foot for finishing pressure.
K-Guard Entry
Use the modern and fast K-guard to hook their leg and invert your hips. Flow into ashi garami as you off-balance them, then go straight for the ankle lock or transition to other leg attacks.
Tips for Effective Application and Execution
- Proper Foot Positioning: Keep their foot snug in your armpit with the toes angled out to create the right curve for pressure.
- Controlled Leg Isolation: Secure tight control of their leg with ashi garami or similar entanglement to stop escapes.
- Hip Extension and Posture: Arch your hips and lift your chest to drive full-body pressure into the finish.
- Controlled Application: Apply pressure steadily rather than jerking, as control is safer in training and more effective in competition.
Tips to Counter Straight Ankle Lock
- Recognize the setup by spotting early control positions like ashi garami before your opponent tightens their grips.
- Anticipate the setup movements by watching for grip adjustments and shifts in your opponent’s posture.
- Be cautious with your leg positions to avoid leaving your foot exposed or your knee line vulnerable to entanglement.
- Recognize the common entry points detailed above so you can react before they attack.
- Develop a defensive mindset by staying proactive in leg entanglements and constantly working to free your leg and break grips.
Conclusion
The straight ankle lock is proof that simple, well-executed techniques can be some of the most effective weapons in your arsenal. It’s a move built on solid fundamentals: controlling the leg, locking in tight grips, applying precise pressure, and finishing with full-body mechanics. With options to hit it from single leg X, K-guard, or even a sneaky standing entry, the ankle lock is a versatile submission that belongs in every grappler’s toolkit.
Like any good technique in BJJ, mastering even the most fundamental submissions takes practice, reps, and a willingness to learn. The more you drill, the more natural it becomes. Before you know it, you’ll be catching submissions in live rolls and competition alike.
Ready to keep leveling up your game? Check out more essential techniques and insights on the NAGA blog, and keep adding tools to your grappling arsenal!