Legal Heel Hook in the Gi?
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Reaping Heel Hook·JonThomasBJJ
This video I go over my details for the inside Ankle Lock. This ankle lock not only attacks the inside of the foot but …
Reaping Heel Hook
SubFamilyリーピングヒールフック
TransliterationTranslation
Not yet documented
Overview
The Reaping Heel Hook covers heel hook attacks applied with a 'reaping' leg configuration — where the attacker's outside leg crosses over the opponent's hip line, creating additional rotational control that amplifies the heel hook's force. [1] 'Reaping' (placing the leg across the opponent's centre line in leg entanglements) is specifically banned in IBJJF competition due to the increased knee injury risk but is legal and commonly used in ADCC, EBI, and MMA. [1],[2]
Outside Ashi GaramiJPReapCross AshiJP
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
1 video
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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 reaping heel hook (outside ashi garami to heel hook) is the most devastating leg lock combination in grappling. Reaping — crossing the leg over the opponent's centerline — was banned in IBJJF until 2021 when it was legalized at brown/black belt no-gi. The reap creates a secondary control that prevents the opponent from extracting their leg. (IBJJF Rules v6.0; Danaher, Enter the System; ADCC competition records)
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I prevent my opponent from escaping a heel hook by rotating their foot inward?
According to JonThomasBJJ, the key is setting the heel correctly on your hip or chest. When you establish this position properly, if your opponent tries to rotate their knee inward to escape, they won't be able to because their foot is already controlled and can't turn the way they need it to.
What's the correct arm positioning to lock in a heel hook submission?
JonThomasBJJ emphasizes setting the heel on your chest ribcage, then threading your arm as deep as possible and squeezing it tightly to contract the muscles with no room for movement—rather than just pulling up at the finish.
Should I set up a heel hook from top or bottom position?
JonThomasBJJ prefers setting this up from bottom position because when underneath your opponent, you can better gauge the distance to their foot and control it even if they try to place it on the floor.
What happens after I lock the heel on my chest—do I pull up immediately?
JonThomasBJJ explains that you should focus on making the muscles tight with your arm squeeze to eliminate room for movement, then switch your hip and clip out to prevent your opponent from putting weight back on that foot before finishing the rotation.
How does the Reaping Heel Hook work?
The Reaping Heel Hook covers heel hook attacks applied with a 'reaping' leg configuration — where the attacker's outside leg crosses over the opponent's hip line, creating additional rotational control that amplifies the heel hook's force. 'Reaping' (placing the leg across the opponent's centre line in leg entanglements) is specifically banned in IBJJF competition due to the increased knee injury risk but is legal and commonly used in ADCC, EBI, and MMA.
Where does the Reaping Heel Hook come from?
This position developed within the modern BJJ/grappling positional framework as the art evolved.
Is the Reaping Heel Hook 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 Reaping Heel Hook?
Danger rating 5/10. Moderate — varies based on the submissions accessible from this position
How do I set up the Reaping Heel Hook?
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 Reaping Heel Hook?
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 Reaping Heel Hook?
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 Reaping Heel Hook in competition?
Used in IBJJF, ADCC, and/or EBI competition.
What are common mistakes when doing the Reaping Heel Hook?
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 Reaping Heel Hook?
The Reaping Heel Hook is also known as Outside Ashi Garami, Reap, Cross Ashi.