Toe Hold
- BJJ
- Leg Locks
- advanced
- Ashi garami
- 3 steps
Figure-four grip the foot and rotate it to torque the ankle and knee. Also known as the Figure-four foot lock or the Ankle lock (toe hold). Here is the exact breakdown from the DARCE app: 3 steps, the details that make it work, and the mistakes to avoid.
When to use it
Use the toe hold when you control a leg and the opponent’s foot turns in, or when a straight ankle lock or heel hook is defended. Grip the toes and instep with one hand and figure-four it with the other. It is quick to grab from many leg positions, including from the top. Apply it only where your rules and training partners allow it.
Step by step
- 01
Ashi garami
Control the leg with a strong entanglement.
- 02
Figure-four the foot
Grab the toes/instep with one hand, thread the other under and grip your own wrist for a figure-four.
- 03
Rotate the foot
Rotate the foot downward and in, twisting the ankle and loading the knee. Apply slowly.
Key details
- Get a tight figure-four so the foot cannot spin out of the grip.
- Control the knee line so the rotation reaches the joint.
- Apply slowly. It stresses both ankle and knee.
Common mistakes
- A loose grip that lets the foot rotate free.
- No knee-line control, so it only tweaks the foot.
- Cranking fast and injuring a partner.
Common counters
Opponents straighten the foot, turn the leg to move the knee out of line, or pull the foot free from a loose grip. Without knee control it only tweaks the foot. Tighten the figure-four and keep the knee pinned before you rotate.
How to drill it
From ashi garami, grip the figure-four and rotate slowly while your partner taps early, ten reps on each side. Then do two rounds of one minute where your partner defends a straight ankle lock and you switch to the toe hold.
Related techniques
- Straight Ankle LockBJJTrap the foot in your armpit and bridge your hips to attack the Achilles and ankle.
- Heel HookBJJControl the leg, trap the heel and rotate it to torque the knee. Extremely dangerous, drill with care.
- KneebarBJJStraighten the leg and bridge your hips against the back of the knee to hyperextend the joint.
Train it with the AI coach