# Leglock

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Grappling technique in martial arts

Leglock Classification Joint-lock Style Shoot wrestling, Sambo, Jiu-Jitsu, Catch wrestling, Judo

A **leglock** is a [joint lock](/source/Joint_lock) that is directed at [joints](/source/Joint) of the [leg](/source/Human_leg) such as the [ankle](/source/Ankle), [knee](/source/Knee) or [hip joint](/source/Hip_joint).[1] A leglock which is directed at [joints](/source/Joints) in the [foot](/source/Foot) is sometimes referred to as a **foot lock** and a lock at the [hip](/source/Hip) as a **hip lock**. Leglocks are featured, with various levels of restrictions, in [combat sports](/source/Combat_sport) and [martial arts](/source/Martial_arts) such as [Sambo](/source/Sambo_(martial_art)), [Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu](/source/Brazilian_Jiu-Jitsu), [catch wrestling](/source/Catch_wrestling),[2] [mixed martial arts](/source/Mixed_martial_arts), [Shootwrestling](/source/Shootwrestling) and [submission wrestling](/source/Submission_wrestling), but are banned in some sports featuring [joint locks](/source/Joint_lock) such as [judo](/source/Judo).[3][4][5] The technique has been seen across a wide range of different combat sports and is reportedly over 2,500 years old, having been seen in the lost art of [Pankration](/source/Pankration) in the original Olympic Games.[6]

As with other jointlocks, leglocks are more effective with full body [leverage](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/leverage). Some attack the large joints of the knee or hip and involve utilizing leverage to counteract the larger muscle groups, while others directly attack [ligaments](/source/Ligaments) in the knee or the smaller joint of the ankle. Leglocks can involve control positions such as the inside leg triangle or leg knot to maintain control while applying the attack or transitioning between two attacks, though they and some other control positions are banned in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu competition. Some other leglock control positions have been adopted into modern BJJ and submission grappling competitions as "guards" such as the snake guard, one-legged X-guard, and 50/50 Guard, where they are used for both leglocks and to reverse into dominant positions from the bottom.

In training or sparring, leglocks are applied in a slow and controlled manner, and are often not hyperextended such as in the case of the comparatively dangerous [heel hook](#Heel_hook).[7] Instead, [submission](/source/Submission_(combat_sport_term)) is signalled before the lock is fully applied. In [self-defense](/source/Self-defense) application, or when applied improperly or with excessive force, leglocks can cause [muscle](/source/Muscle), [tendon](/source/Tendon) and [ligament](/source/Ligament) damage, even [dislocation](/source/Dislocation_(medicine)) or [bone fractures](/source/Bone_fracture).

Some examples of the many types of leglocks are found below.

## Kneebar

See also: [Ashi garami](/source/Ashi_garami)

"Knee bar" redirects here. For the automotive safety device, see [Airbag § As a substitute for seat belts](/source/Airbag#As_a_substitute_for_seat_belts).

A kneebar is performed on the leg similarly to how the [armbar](/source/Armlock#Juji-gatame) is performed on the arm.

A **kneebar** (also known as **legbar**, **kneelock** or **hiza-juji-gatame**) is a leglock that can hyperextend the [knee](/source/Knee). The basic kneebar technique is similar to that of an [armbar](/source/Armlock#Armbar). The practitioner will trap the opponent's leg in between their legs and secure the leg with their arms so the opponent's [kneecap](/source/Patella) points towards the body. The practitioner then applies pressure with their hips, forcing the opponent's leg to straighten, hyperextending the knee joint. A variation of the kneebar is similarly accomplished, but instead of holding the leg with the hands, the practitioner will trap the opponent's foot behind one armpit. The practitioner will then apply pressure using their upper body as well and their hips, yielding a greater amount of force applied to the knee, therefore rendering the lock much more difficult to escape before tissue or ligament damage occurs.[8] Alternatively, if the practitioner is gripping low enough with both hands on the ankle and calf/shin of the opponent, the practitioner can cross one leg over and use it to press down as a leg triangle around the opponent's knee/thigh/patella/femur, making the hold more secure and allowing the practitioner to strike the opponent's groin or pin down/push away the opponent's other leg with the practitioner's non-crossed leg.

A variation of the kneebar known as the [Suloev](/source/Amar_Suloev) Stretch arises from the back control position, often as the opponent stands with one or both hands on the mat, thus placing their ankle within reach.[9] The opponent's ankle is pulled toward his own shoulder, effecting a tearing pressure on the hamstring of the isolated leg, hyper-extending the knee, and applying rotational pressure to the hip joint.[9]

## Ankle lock

An **ankle lock** (occasionally referred to as a **shin lock**) is a leglock that is applied to any of the [joints](/source/Joint) in the [ankle](/source/Ankle), typically by hyperextending the [talocrural joint](/source/Ankle) through [plantar hyperflexion](/source/Anatomical_terms_of_location#Relative_motions).[10] Ankle locks are often applied in a manner which simultaneously causes a [compression lock](/source/Compression_lock) to the [achilles tendon](/source/Achilles_tendon), and sometimes also to the [calf muscle](/source/Calf_muscle).

### Straight ankle lock

Further information: [Ashi-Hishigi](/source/Ashi-Hishigi) and [Achilles lock](/source/Achilles_lock)

The **straight ankle lock** (depending on how it is performed is known in judo as an **akiresuken-gatame** or **ashi-hishigi**) is what is usually thought of as an ankle lock. It is typically performed using the legs to isolate one of the opponent's legs, and placing the opponent's foot in the armpit, while holding the foot with the [forearm](/source/Forearm) at the lower part of the opponent's [calf](/source/Calf_(anatomy)), usually at the [achilles tendon](/source/Achilles_tendon). By leveraging the hips forward, the foot becomes forcefully [plantar flexed](/source/Anatomical_terms_of_location#Relative_motions), hence creating a potent [joint lock](/source/Joint_lock) on the [ankle](/source/Ankle). The forearm serves as a [fulcrum](/source/Fulcrum_(mechanics)) in the leveraging, and may cause severe pressure on the [achilles tendon](/source/Achilles_tendon), especially when the bony parts of the forearm are used. Such a straight ankle lock is sometimes referred to as an "[achilles lock](/source/Compression_lock#Achilles_lock)".

A [figure-four](/source/Figure-four_(grappling_hold)) toe hold.

### Toe hold

A **toe hold** (also known as **ashi-dori-garami** in judo) involves using the hands to hyperextend and/or hyperrotate the [ankle](/source/Ankle), typically by grabbing the [foot](/source/Foot) near the [toes](/source/Toe), and twisting or pushing the foot while controlling the opponent's leg.[11] A common type of toe hold is the **figure-four toe hold**, where a [figure-four hold](/source/Figure-four_(grappling_hold)) is used to hold the opponent's foot. This type of toe hold is performed by holding the foot by the toes with one hand, and putting the other hand under the opponent's [achilles tendon](/source/Achilles_tendon), and grabbing the wrist. By controlling the opponent's body, and using the hands to [plantar flex](/source/Anatomical_terms_of_location#Relative_motions) the foot either straight or slightly sideways, hence putting considerable [torque](/source/Torque) on the [ankle](/source/Ankle). The toe hold can also be applied in a similar position as an ankle lock.

## Heel hook

The regular heel hook twists the [ankle](/source/Ankle) medially. The opponent's leg is entangled to prevent him from escaping the [hold](/source/Grappling_hold).

A **heel hook** is a leg lock affecting multiple [joints](/source/Joint), and is applied by transversely twisting the [foot](/source/Foot) either [medially](/source/Anatomical_terms_of_location#Relative_directions) or [laterally](/source/Anatomical_terms_of_location#Relative_directions).[12] The [torsional](/source/Torsion_(mechanics)) [force](/source/Force) puts severe [torque](/source/Torque) on the [ankle](/source/Ankle), which in turn transfers torque to the [knee](/source/Knee).

There are several variations of heel hooks, with the most typical being performed by placing the legs around a leg of an opponent, and holding the opponent's foot in the armpit on the same side. The legs are used to control the movement of the opponent's body while the opponent's foot is twisted by holding the [heel](/source/Heel) with the [forearm](/source/Forearm), and using the whole body to generate a twisting motion, hence creating severe medial torque on the [ankle](/source/Ankle). A similar heel hook can be performed by holding the opponent's foot in the opposite armpit, and twisting it laterally; a move which is referred to as an **inverted**, **reverse** or **inside heel hook**.

Many practitioners considered the heel hook to be a dangerous leg lock, with a high rate of injury,[13] especially to [ligaments](/source/Ligament) in the knee. As a result, many popular figures in the grappling world do not believe that heel hooks should be taught to beginners.[14] Despite being a very old technique,[15] the heel hook is illegal in many forms of competitive grappling and was at one point completely banned in [Brazilian jiu-jitsu](/source/Brazilian_jiu-jitsu) under [IBJJF](/source/IBJJF) rules, but this was changed for advanced competitors as of 2021.[16] Today there are several exceptions to this, most notably the advanced categories of competition Brazilian jiu-jitsu[17] and [Sambo](/source/Sambo_(martial_art)).[18]

## Calf crush

A **calf crush** or **calf slicer** (also known as calf cutter, knee slicer, or knee separator), known in judo as **hiza-hishigi**, is a technique wherein one compresses their opponent's leg (heel to butt) while placing one's forearm or shin behind the knee to crush the calf muscle while potentially separating the knee joint. As with biceps slicers, there is a common misconception that this technique causes only pain. Calf locks can cause very serious injuries to the knee as well as damaging the calf muscle, and caution should be a priority when finishing the lock.

## See also

- For leglocks involving a separating motion of the knee, see [Leg slicer](/source/Compression_lock#Leg_slicer).

- [Armlock](/source/Armlock)

- [Small joint manipulation](/source/Small_joint_manipulation)

- [Spinal lock](/source/Spinal_lock)

- [Wristlock](/source/Wristlock)

- [Compression lock](/source/Compression_lock)

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** Trnka, Tue. [MMA-ordbogen](https://web.archive.org/web/20110719125940/http://www.mmareporter.dk/?id=26). *www.mmareporter.dk*. URL last accessed February 5, 2006. (In Danish)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** Riccaldi, Alain. [Catch Wrestling Leg Locks](http://www.fightordie.it/articolo_157.html). *www.fightordie.it*. URL last accessed February 5, 2006. (In Italian)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** Judo Leg Locks. [Leg locks](http://www.judoinfo.com/leglocks.htm)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** ["Judo Leglocks – Judo Info"](https://web.archive.org/web/20130809121034/http://judoinfo.com/new/techniques/grappling-techniques/305-leglocks). *judoinfo.com*. Archived from [the original](http://judoinfo.com/new/techniques/grappling-techniques/305-leglocks) on 2013-08-09. Retrieved 2010-11-24.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** International Judo Federation. [IJF Referee Rules](http://www.ijf.org/rule/rule_referee.php) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20120415085045/http://www.ijf.org/rule/rule_referee.php) 2012-04-15 at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine). *www.ijf.org*. URL last accessed January 7, 2006.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** ["Submission History: The Origins Of The Heelhook"](https://jitsmagazine.com/submission-history-the-origins-of-the-heelhook/). *Jitsmagazine.com*. 2020-08-12. Retrieved 2020-10-27.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** Bison Grappling. [Heel hook](https://web.archive.org/web/20110513040952/http://www.bisons.net/training/heelhook.html). *bisons.net*. URL last accessed February 5, 2006.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** BJJEE (2020-10-21). ["Understanding the Different Knee Bar Grip Variations"](https://www.bjjee.com/articles/understanding-the-different-knee-bar-grip-variations/). *Bjj Eastern Europe*. Retrieved 2024-06-17.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Teague-2022_9-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Teague-2022_9-1) Teague, Hywel (6 April 2022). ["The Suloev Stretch at ADCC Trials: What Is It and How Does It Work?"](https://www.flograppling.com/articles/7666456-the-suloev-stretch-at-adcc-trials-what-is-it-and-how-does-it-work). Flograppling. Retrieved 26 March 2025.{{[cite news](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Cite_news)}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service ([link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_deprecated_archival_service))

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** Kesting, Stephan. [Breaking down the Ankle Lock](http://www.grapplearts.com/Ankle-Lock-Breakdown.htm), [Kneebar Mastery: Fixing the Most Common Mistakes](http://www.grapplearts.com/Kneebar-Mastery.htm). *www.grapplearts.com*. URL last accessed February 5, 2006.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** Gotch, Frank. [The toe hold](http://gnarlmaster.tripod.com/gnarlmaster/toehold.htm). *gnarlmaster.tripod.com*. URL last accessed February 5, 2006.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** Pearson, Charlie. [Heel hook](https://web.archive.org/web/20110717072811/http://www.lockflow.org/). *www.lockflow.org*. URL last accessed February 4, 2006.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** Burne, Kathrine. ["Are Heel Hooks Actually Dangerous?"](https://jitsmagazine.com/are-heel-hooks-actually-dangerous/). *JitsMagazine*. Retrieved 28 April 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** Rogers, Kian. ["Jocko Willink Believes White Belts Should Not Be Taught Heelhooks"](https://jitsmagazine.com/jocko-willink-believes-white-belts-should-not-be-taught-heelhooks/). *JitsMagazine*. Retrieved 27 April 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** Lindsey, Alex. ["Submission History: The Origins Of The Heelhook"](https://jitsmagazine.com/submission-history-the-origins-of-the-heelhook/). *JitsMagazine*. Retrieved 27 April 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-16)** Lindsey, Alex. ["It's Official, Heelhooks And Reaping Are Coming To The IBJJF In 2021"](https://jitsmagazine.com/its-official-heelhooks-and-reaping-are-coming-to-the-ibjjf-in-2021/). *JitsMagazine*. Retrieved 27 April 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-17)** International Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Federation (for beginners, not advanced practitioners)[Rules](https://web.archive.org/web/20070125084536/http://www.cbjj.com.br/english/rules.htm). *www.cbjj.com.br*. URL last accessed February 5, 2006

1. **[^](#cite_ref-18)** ["US sambo rules"](https://web.archive.org/web/20090306153409/http://www.ussambo.com/rules.html). *ussambo.com*. Archived from [the original](http://www.ussambo.com/rules.html) on 2009-03-06. Retrieved 2013-11-04.

## External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to [Leglock](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Leglocks).

- [Knee Bar](https://web.archive.org/web/20060113201646/http://www.lockflow.com/article_view.php?id=36). Basic knee bar.

- [Foot Pull Knee Bar](https://web.archive.org/web/20060113203016/http://www.lockflow.com/article_view.php?id=63). Kneebar from the [half guard](/source/Guard_(grappling)) position.

- [Kneebar Leglock Q & A](https://web.archive.org/web/20060323042518/http://www.grapplearts.com/Kneebar-Q%26A.htm). Information about common problems in performing kneebars.

- [Rolling Kneebar From Tie Up](https://web.archive.org/web/20010418043444/http://www.geocities.com/josephgarza/tech043.html)

- [Achilles Lock](https://web.archive.org/web/20060113203607/http://www.lockflow.com/article_view.php?id=32). Basic straight ankle lock.

- [Quasimodo Shin Lock](https://web.archive.org/web/20011120124735/http://www.geocities.com/josephgarza/tech050.html). An ankle lock that can be performed from the top in the [guard](/source/Guard_(grappling)).

- [Figure 4 Toe Hold](https://web.archive.org/web/20110717015556/http://www.lockflow.com/grappling-technique/figure-4-toe-hold). Basic toe hold.

- [Knee Crush Toe Hold](https://web.archive.org/web/20101113025516/http://www.lockflow.com/grappling-technique/knee-crush-toe-hold). A toe hold from the top in the [guard](/source/Guard_(grappling))

- [Tyrone Glover's Toe Hold](https://web.archive.org/web/20101215182838/http://lockflow.com/grappling-technique/tyrone-glovers-toe-hold).

- [Clinch to Inside Trip to Heel Hook vs. Punching](http://www.grapplearts.com/Clinch-Punching-Counter.htm). Basic heel hook.

- [Bicep Grip Heel Hook](https://web.archive.org/web/20060112082802/http://www.lockflow.com/article_view.php?id=576) (sic). Variation of the grip in the heel hook

- [Heel Hook](https://web.archive.org/web/20060208003841/http://bjj.org/techniques/cesar/sub5/). Basic inverted heel hook.

- [Ankle Pick To Heel Hook](https://web.archive.org/web/20011120124734/http://www.geocities.com/josephgarza/tech014.html). Another inverted heel hook.

- [Heel Hook From Your Opponents Guard](https://web.archive.org/web/20000517102658/http://www.geocities.com/josephgarza/tech010.html) Heel hook using the legs.

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Leglock](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leglock) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leglock?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.