The Imanari Roll is a heel hook entry that was created by legendary submission wrestler Masakazu Imanari. From the standing position, the move involves doing an inverted roll straight into a leg entanglement. Usually, the move enters directly into a knee reap position which means it’s directly linked with leg locks.
Because of this, it can lead directly from the stand up position into a submission, similar to flying Armbars and Triangles. The move has also been used in MMA promotions such as UFC with Ryan Hall successfully using it. However, due to its risky nature, it’s mostly used in BJJ competitions rather than in MMA.
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How to do the Imanari Roll
The Imanari is technically a difficult move to pull off, so it is not recommended for beginners. This is because it involves an inverting roll that newcomers may not be well versed in. The roll itself is similar ends similarly to a granby roll, but the setup is different.
To begin with, the Imanari begins by creating the entry. This is done by attacking the opponent’s lead leg. To do this in wrestling you need to start with a collar tie and bring the opponent’s leg closer. In MMA this can be set up by feigning strikes which may also draw the leg out. Similarly in BJJ, it can be done from a seated position as long as the opponent’s leg is in reach. With this in mind, it is crucial to draw a leg forwards.
When the leg is available, the attacker must squat as if making a take down shot. The next step is to then shoot the outside of your leg under the opponent’s leg. This is similar mechanically to the Kiss of the dragon move which also involves threading your arm through the leg of the opponent.
With the connection made you then roll over your neck similar to a granby. At this point, your outside leg can then be put past the opponent’s knee into the knee reap position. From here you can use the momentum of the roll to sweep the opponent to the floor.
With the move finishing on the floor, the inside heel hook position is then established and ready to attack. It should be noted that because of this, the move is illegal in most Gi competitions. This is because the knee reap position is illegal under most IBJJF rules.
With this in mind, the position is often seen in submission only Nogi competitions as well as MMA and Sambo. Whilst Imanari himself did this in MMA and still does in modern BJJ matches, 10th Planet veteran Marvin Castelle has also used the move in recent times in BJJ super fights.
Remember, your leg should always land above the knee line of the opponent. This is basically a saddle position with the opponent standing. If your leg is below the knee, it lacks control which means the opponent can easily push the knee down and start passing your guard as a result.
How to defend against the Imanari Roll
Perhaps one critique of the move is that in MMA it can lead to head kicks. For instance, Imanari has been caught with this before whilst entering the position. This resulted in him losing the match due to strikes to his head. Similarly, UFC fighter Marcin Held got KO’d by Damir Hadzovich by failing the entry. As mentioned earlier it is crucial in MMA to set up the roll with faints beforehand.
If it is too predictable then the opponent is more likely to catch you upon the entry. For instance, if it’s predictable and too slow, then the opponent may simply step back as you try and fling your legs over their leg.
If your entry is too slow then you can ever roll into an instant guard pass or a tough position. In short, you should be very comfortable with your open guard and inverted types of guard if you’re willing to attack with an Imanari roll.
Having said this, the Imanari roll is ideal whilst losing a match as it can instantly get a submission. From a losing perspective, there is a lot to gain and little to lose for trying it if you’re already struggling for points.
Other uses of the Imanari roll
Like everything in BJJ, there are variations. One variation of the Imanari roll is that you don’t actually roll into a knee reap. When you’ve connected your arms and rolled under the opponent, you instead bring your legs upwards and don’t bring your leg across.
This can make for a knee bar entry with your face looking at the ground. With your hands, you should pull at the leg whilst bridging with your hips into the knee joint. With the correct force, this should put the opponent to the floor where you can start to finish a belly down kneebar.
The Imanari roll can also be used in wrestling situations too. This time, when you’ve connected your hands with the opponent’s foot, you don’t roll into a knee reap. Instead, you do a backwards roll and come up into a low single. From here, you can finish a fairly easy single leg takedown after standing.
Final thoughts on the Imanari Roll
Overall the Imanari roll is a great technique that enters nicely into heel hook attacks and other leg locks. It is ideally used in a sub only BJJ setting where it’s legal and has little recourse. Although this move looks quite fancy and isn’t advised for beginners, it’s actually not as difficult as it looks and as long as you practice granby rolls, you should be ok at doing it.
As mentioned it can be successfully applied in MMA but is riskier when strikes are involved. It should also be acknowledged that this is an advanced move and should be taught to those with experience in grappling. At the same time, the position is a great way to attack the legs and looks flamboyant in the process.
