Also known as the Botinha, the straight ankle lock is a common submission in BJJ due to it’s relative simplicity for beginners. This is one of the reasons why it is taught to beginners alongside being safer than other leglocks. It is legal in all IBJJF competitions from white belt.
The straight ankle lock is often applied by sweeping the opponent directly into a leg entanglement. It can also be attacked from the top position if the student jumps back into the attack. However this is not always advised since you can give up 2 points if the submission fails.
After learning the basics of the straight ankle lock, the student can then move on to more aggressive submissions such as toeholds and heel hooks. These 2 submissions are far more dangerous with long term injuries, which is why it’s not common to teach them to white belts.
The straight ankle lock was largely influenced in modern day BJJ tournaments by Dean Lister. Lister claims that at one point he would tour the US competition scene hitting the lock on various opponents with great success. John Danaher is also quoted as taking inspiration from Lister when creating his controlled leglock system, the standout quote being “Why would you ignore 50% of the human body?”
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Does the Ankle Lock hurt?
For a while, it was considered as a pain compliance submission. If the ankle lock is applied in a sloppy fashion, it may only hurt the muscles around the ankle. However, if applied with the correct force and technique, it can break the bones in the foot. Usually, this happens after the tendons ‘pop’. Because of this, whilst they’re not as dangerous as other leg locks such as heel hooks or toeholds, they’re still to be respected and can hurt a lot if done too quickly.
Entries
The main entry to a straight footlock is usually from the single leg X position. Here, the practitioner is already setup to attack the foot as soon as the sweep takes the opponent to the floor. For instance, the leg entanglement in single leg X is identical to that of the straight ankle lock.
The only difference is during single leg X, the opponent is standing so the objective is to sweep them onto the floor. To do this, a basic bridge sweep is the best option by hipping into the opponent’s leg whilst scooping their ankle. This should result in a sweep that allows you to attack the opponent’s foot.
From the top, the entry is more basic, but also more obvious to the opponent. Here, instead of passing you can grab the side of the ankle and fall back into the submission. Of course, to do this successfully, you need to make sure you drop immediately into a leg entanglement or you may get your guard passed.
Dropping into straight foot locks is not always advised however as it can hinder a student’s progress in passing the guard. However, the threat of constant submissions can also be used to open up passes if the opponent is distracted by a possible submission.
Additionally, from a competition perspective, it is unwise to drop back as you may give up 2 points by sweeping yourself. If you badly needed a submission it is an option, but otherwise something that should not be encouraged.
Elsewhere, your arm should always be wrapped around the opponent’s ankle which stops them from standing or trying to escape. Without this grip, you will not be able to attack the footlock in the first place.
How do you do an Ankle Lock in BJJ?
The most common way to finish the straight ankle lock is by leaning backward and outwards from the opponent’s leg. This twists the opponents knee and ankle joints outwards. In turn, this makes it harder to escape and can generate more force on the ankle.
If you try dropping back straight, the floor will stop your body from creating a bigger angle. However, if you drop to the side then the angle can be increased as there is more space to bridge into. This generates more breaking pressure on the ankle, resulting in more torque onto the ligaments.
Various grips can be used to attack the ankle such as a basic overhook or a rear naked choke grip. In short, you want the tightest grip possible to add to the tension and control. In the Gi you can add tension but gripping your own lapel and tightening the space around the opponent’s foot.
One common mistake is attacking the ankle too low and hitting the muscle rather than the achilles tendon. Because the muscle in this part of the leg is so strong it may hurt, but will rarely get a tap. However, applying the same force to the achilles will be substantially more painful and is more likely to break the ankle.
Due to this factor, it is important to make an adjustment if needed, making sure you hit the tendon and not the muscle. Remember to arch back to bend the foot back as much as possible, this will contribute to the snapping of the foot.
Finshing From A Controlled Position
Perhaps the most important aspect of the straight ankle lock is the control. Often newcomers will lack control and a proper leg entanglement which can lead to their opponent escaping. To get proper control you need both a correct and secure leg entanglement.
To achieve this you need to keep your inner leg attached tightly to your opponent’s thigh. Your other leg should also be wrapped on the outside of the same leg you are attacking. This gives a full 2 on 1 control. Remember to keep both legs pinned as tightly as possible to the opponent to create as much friction as possible. With the opponent’s leg securely trapped between your two legs, it should be difficult to move, let alone escape.
Belly Down Footlock
Perhaps the most dominant ankle lock attack is the belly down position. This is created by rolling to the side of the outer leg and facing your belly towards the mat. Taking your opponents body with you, they should also now be facing belly down into the mat.
If the opponent does not turn with you, they will just be causing more strain and twist on their own ankle ligaments. In this position, it is quite difficult for the opponent to escape. If the opponent does spin out, then they can possibly damage their foot from twisting so fast. Even if they do manage to spin 180 degrees, you will end up in the original position.
However, if the opponent remains in the belly down position then you can hip into the mat for added power. This motion, combined with gravity can quickly bring immense pain to the ankle and create a quicker finish than the typical methods previously mentioned.
How do you defend a Straight Ankle lock?
One way of escaping the straight foot lock is by immediately trying to stand up. Instead of letting the opponent enhance their position it may be possible to quickly stand. By doing this you can immediately improve your defensive position and alleviate the submission threat. You are much more likely to pass the opponent from a standing position.
This becomes easier if the original leg entanglement is not good enough to begin with. Remember if your foot is flat on the mat you cannot be submitted as it cannot bend beyond the floor.
However, if the leg entanglement is controlled then there are other options to escape.
One such option is to ‘stomp the boot’ which means to push your foot as forward as possible. As mentioned earlier this will force the opponent into cranking your muscle instead of the tendon which will ease the pain. This should buy valuable time which can be used to stay calm and further improve your escape methods.
The next step is to push down the opponents outer leg. In doing this you can then jump your hips over the opponent’s leg and escape the entanglement. This will most likely cause a scramble, which is a lot better than getting tapped.
Summary
The straight ankle lock is a fundamentally solid part of the BJJ curriculum and a good introduction to leg locks.
Are ankle locks legal in BJJ?
The straight ankle lock is legal in all competitions at all belt levels including white belts. It is used in both Gi and Nogi. In competition settings it can be used as a cheap move to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. Since you do not need to pass the guard of the opponent or have a dominant position, it can gain a quick tap and completely change matches.
The footlock also has various intricacies meaning you can tweak the position to suit your own personal preference. Not only this, but the position is often great for attacking bigger, stronger opponents as it alleviates any weight advantages.
As a result of this, the straight ankle lock should be known by all BJJ students who are serious about attacking all areas of the body.
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