Heel Hook Entry
0
Inside Heel Hook Entry·Steven Strangles People
Attacking the inside heel hook from K-Guard is my personal favorite. In this video, I discuss attacking the Arm Bar init…
Inside Heel Hook Entry
SubFamilyインサイドヒールフックエントリー
TransliterationTranslation
Not yet documented
Overview
The Inside Heel Hook Entry covers the specific pathways used to enter inside sankaku (saddle) ashi garami for the inside heel hook — the most dangerous submission in modern grappling. [1] Entries include transitions from outside ashi, inversions from guard, Imanari rolls from standing, and backsteps from passing positions. [1],[2]
Inside Heel Hook PositionBoxingSaddle Entry411 Entry
History & Origin
Effectiveness
Lineage
Developed within the modern BJJ competition framework. [1]
Competition Record
Used in IBJJF, ADCC, and/or EBI competition. [1]
Images
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — Establishing and maintaining this specific positional configuration for control, transition, or submission
Joints Involved — Position-specific — each configuration uses different leg hooks, arm controls, and body positioning to achieve its tactical purpose
Force Vector — Determined by the position's function — control positions apply compression and containment; transitional positions create directional movement; attack positions isolate joints for submission
Position Mechanic — This position serves a specific tactical role within the broader grappling positional hierarchy — either as a control point, a transition station, or a submission platform
Position & Entry
From guard/bottom — Enter this position through the appropriate guard transition
From top/passing — Achieve this position through passing or scramble transitions
From back control or scramble — Transition to this position from back control or during a scramble
Videos
K-Guard to 50/50 Inside Heel Hook
0
Inside Heel Hook Entry·Tarik BJJ
🔗 Links: Follow me on Instagram for more jiu-jitsu content: https://www.instagram.com/tarik_bjj/ Discover top-qualit…
2 videos
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
5
High5/10
Varies based on the submissions accessible from this position
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Intermediate
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
Restricted
— IJF — Guard pulling penalized as non-combativity — ground...
IJF Sport and Organisation Rules 2025, Article 27PDFLegal
— IBJJF — Legal — guard is fundamental to BJJ, sweeps from ...
IBJJF Rules Book v6.0, June 2024PDF— ADCC — Legal, guard pull penalized -1 point in points por...
ADCC Rules Update, April 2025PDF— Unified MMA — Legal — no penalty for playing guard
Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025PDF— FIAS Sport Sambo — Legal
FIAS International Sambo Competition RulesPDFTraining Notes
✓Understand this position's role in the broader system before drilling techniques from it
✓Train entries from multiple positions
✓Develop both offensive attacks and defensive escapes from this position
✓Partner drilling with progressive resistance builds real competence
Common Mistakes
!Entering without proper control
!Not understanding the position's purpose
!Staying too long without attacking
!Not chaining with transitions to other positions
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Setup Chain
1Establish Entry Position
2Transition to This Position
3Consolidate Control
4Attack or Transition
5Maintain or Advance
Sources & References
Primary Source
Jiu-Jitsu University (Saulo Ribeiro, 2008)
1BookJiu-Jitsu University (Ribeiro, 2008)
Description sources — [1] Modern BJJ positional development [2] Competition evolution
2BookModern BJJ instructional resources
3OtherJapanese Combat Sports Katakana Convention
Standard katakana transliteration of Western martial arts terminology (外来語) — used in Japanese MMA, boxing, and BJJ communities
4CitationJiu-Jitsu University (Ribeiro, 2008)
Description sources — [1] Modern BJJ positional development [2] Competition evolution
5CitationModern BJJ instructional resources
Community
Athletics
Requires
positional awareness, body control, specific attribute for this position
Key muscles
core, hip flexors, legs
Sub-techniques
Notes
The inside heel hook entry (saddle/honeyhole/411) is the primary attacking position for the inside heel hook — the most dangerous legal submission in modern grappling. Systematized by John Danaher's squad from 2015-2019. (Danaher, Enter the System; EBI/ADCC records)
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I position my leg to enter the inside heel hook from K-guard?
From K-guard, push your opponent's knee inward while keeping it in front of your bottom thigh, then raise your foot as deep as possible behind their knee. Tarik BJJ recommends placing your other foot on top for additional pressure and control.
What should I do if my opponent rolls into 50/50 before I can finish the heel hook?
If your opponent manages to transition into 50/50, you may miss the initial catch opportunity. Tarik BJJ notes this can happen if you're not fast enough to lock in the position before they escape.
How do I set up an inside heel hook finish once I have control of the leg?
Steven Strangles People emphasizes getting the leg all the way up to your hip to expose the heel, then securing a palm-to-palm grip and bridging into the knee to apply the breaking pressure.
When is K-guard a good option for entering the heel hook?
K-guard is an effective entry when your opponent stands up out of guard or when you have access to their leg. Steven Strangles People notes that in most cases using K-guard will allow you to score the finish.
How does the Inside Heel Hook Entry work?
The Inside Heel Hook Entry covers the specific pathways used to enter inside sankaku (saddle) ashi garami for the inside heel hook — the most dangerous submission in modern grappling. Entries include transitions from outside ashi, inversions from guard, Imanari rolls from standing, and backsteps from passing positions.
Where does the Inside Heel Hook Entry come from?
This position developed within the modern BJJ/grappling positional framework as the art evolved.
Is the Inside Heel Hook Entry legal in competition?
IBJJF: legal — Legal — guard is fundamental to BJJ, sweeps from guard score 2 points; IJF: restricted — Guard pulling penalized as non-combativity — groundwork from guard permitted …; ADCC: legal — Legal, guard pull penalized -1 point in points portion; Unified MMA: legal — Legal — no penalty for playing guard; FIAS Sport Sambo: legal — Legal
How dangerous is the Inside Heel Hook Entry?
Danger rating 5/10. Moderate — varies based on the submissions accessible from this position
How do I set up the Inside Heel Hook Entry?
The standard setup chain: Establish Entry Position → Transition to This Position → Consolidate Control → Attack or Transition → Maintain or Advance.
How do I defend against the Inside Heel Hook Entry?
Standard counters include: Positional escape / Prevention (not allowing the position to be established) / Transition to a more advantageous position.
What are the variants of the Inside Heel Hook Entry?
Common variants: Standard execution (the fundamental version); Modified variation (adapted for specific scenarios); Transitional version (used as a waypoint between positions).
How effective is the Inside Heel Hook Entry in competition?
Used in IBJJF, ADCC, and/or EBI competition.
What are common mistakes when doing the Inside Heel Hook Entry?
Top errors to watch for: Entering without proper control / Not understanding the position's purpose / Staying too long without attacking / Not chaining with transitions to other positions.
What are other names for the Inside Heel Hook Entry?
The Inside Heel Hook Entry is also known as Inside Heel Hook Position, Saddle Entry, 411 Entry.