Ankle Lock
Ashi Hishigi (足挫)
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About This Technique
The Ankle Lock (also commonly known as the Straight Foot Lock or Ashi Garami in Japanese) is a popular submission technique primarily targeting the ankle and the ligaments of the foot. It is often deployed in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitions and is an effective tool for practitioners who excel at leg locks. Here's a step-by-step guide on executing the basic Ankle Lock:
Position: Open Guard
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Entering the Position:
- Begin in your opponent's open guard, looking to isolate one of their legs.
- Control your opponent's legs by gripping the inside of one of their ankles and pushing their other leg away with your opposite hand, while stepping over and sitting back. Aim to trap one leg between your thighs.
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Establish the Ashi Garami Position:
- Slide your outside leg past their trapped leg. Now, curl their trapped leg's shin against your abdomen, clamping their leg between your thighs.
- Secure your grip: Use your same-side arm to wrap around their ankle. Place your palm on their Achilles tendon, gripping with the thumb on one side and fingers on the other.
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Lock the Opponent’s Ankle:
- With one hand grabbing their foot, wrap your other hand around your wrist (like a guillotine choke) to ensure a tight hold.
- Your forearm should make contact with their Achilles tendon, driving pressure into the back of their ankle.
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Applying Pressure:
- Squeeze your knees together to trap their leg.
- Arch your back, driving your hips forward and pulling your arms back to increase pressure.
- Ensure that you're looking over your shoulder for maximum drive.
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Finish the Submission:
- Lean back slightly to increase the tension on the ankle joint.
- Keep consistent pressure until your opponent taps or succumbs to the submission.
Key Points:
- The success of the Ankle Lock often depends on the accuracy of the grip and the angle of your hips relative to your opponent's leg.
- Be mindful of bending your opponent's foot strictly backwards, avoiding twisting motions in tournaments with strict rules.
Additional Positions:
The Ankle Lock can also transition from various other positions such as the Half Guard, Butterfly Guard, and during Standing exchanges where opponents may be vulnerable to leg locks.
Practice this technique regularly, pairing it with drills that help develop sensitivity and control over your opponent's leg movements, making the Ankle Lock a formidable submission in any practitioner's arsenal.
How to Execute
Ankle Lock from Open Guard
Setup
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Initial Position Details:
Begin in the open guard position, facing your opponent with your legs in front of you. Your opponent should be standing or kneeling, with at least one of their legs within your reach. - •
Grips and Controls Needed:
Secure a firm grip on your opponent's ankle. Use your corresponding hand (right hand for their right ankle or left hand for their left ankle) to establish a solid grip around their Achilles tendon. Your other hand should be on their shin or ankle to help control their leg.
Steps
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Foot Placement:
Place your foot on your opponent's hip. Ensure your other leg is positioned inside their leg, with your shin against their inner thigh to maintain control over their posture. - •
Create Angle:
Pivot your hips to create an angle, turning your body slightly to the side. This will help you get closer to your opponent's ankle and set up the submission. - •
Wrap the Ankle:
Wrap your arm around your opponent's ankle, ensuring your wrist is snug against their Achilles tendon. Your thumb should be pointing upward as you grip your own forearm or wrist for additional control. - •
Lock and Secure:
Bring your elbow close to your body to tighten the grip on the ankle. This will help secure the ankle lock and prevent your opponent from escaping easily. - •
Apply Pressure:
Lean back while maintaining the grip and thrust your hips forward. The pressure should be applied by extending your body backward and using your hips to drive into the ankle lock. - •
Finish:
Keep your opponent's foot trapped under your armpit and continue applying pressure until they tap or you achieve the submission. Be mindful of your opponent's safety and release the hold if they tap.
Key Points
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Important Details to Remember:
- •Ensure your arm is tight against your opponent's Achilles tendon to maximize pressure.
- •Use your hips effectively to apply pressure rather than relying solely on your arms.
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Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- •Do not allow your opponent's foot to slip out of your grip. Maintain a firm, secure hold throughout the technique.
- •Avoid using your arms alone to apply pressure; instead, utilize your entire body to maximize effectiveness.
- •Ensure your foot placement on your opponent's hip is stable to prevent them from easily escaping or countering your move.