Grip Dominance: The Foundation
Establishing control of grips early in the engagement is essential before attempting any ankle pick. The instructor demonstrates how to actively swat down the opponent's hands rather than passively allowing them to establish their own grips. This proactive approach, influenced by traditional judo principles, prevents the opponent from creating defensive structures that could hinder the takedown.
Cross-Collar and Sleeve Grip Setup
The ankle pick is executed from a cross-collar grip combined with a sleeve control. This grip configuration provides both the leverage and positioning necessary for the technique. The instructor notes this differs from wrestling's traditional wrist-and-collar tie but proves more effective in gi-based Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Creating the Angle and Entry
Once grips are secured, the practitioner must circle to establish a slight angle on the opponent while simultaneously forcing them to step toward their right foot. This positional advantage creates the necessary space and timing for the leg pick. The angle is achieved through subtle weight distribution rather than obvious footwork.
The Leg Pick Execution
From the established angle, the practitioner drops their level and pulls the opponent's leg inward in one fluid motion. The gi's collar provides additional control that allows for more direct entry compared to no-gi variations. Timing the drop with the opponent's weight shift maximizes the technique's effectiveness.
Countering the Stiff Arm Defense
When the opponent resists with a stiff arm, the cross-collar grip becomes a powerful counter-pressure tool that forces their arm inward and destabilizes their defensive structure. The practitioner can still execute the pick despite this resistance by maintaining deep collar control. The key is not allowing the opponent to fully extend their arm as a brace.
Alternative Execution with Collar Hang
The gi allows for variations where the practitioner can grip deeper on the collar and execute the ankle pick from a more upright position. If the opponent steps forward onto their front foot, the collar grip alone may provide sufficient control for the takedown. This variation demonstrates the technical advantages unique to gi training.
Finishing Safely and Preventing Counters
Upon landing the ankle pick, the practitioner must immediately release the collar grip to prevent the opponent from obtaining an armbar counterattack. The elbow should be pulled back as the practitioner transitions to either a guard position or maintains control. This safety consideration is critical for avoiding positional reversals during the finish.
Proactive Grip Strategy for Takedown Setup
Rather than waiting for the opponent to establish their grips before responding, the practitioner should use offensive hand placement to control the engagement from the start. By extending hands upward and actively managing the opponent's arm positioning, the takedown entry becomes significantly easier. This offensive grip dominance philosophy applies across all variations of the ankle pick.
Dominate Grips & Get the Takedown in BJJ with Ankle Pick
Key Takeaways
- •Grip Dominance: The Foundation
- •Cross-Collar and Sleeve Grip Setup
- •Creating the Angle and Entry
- •The Leg Pick Execution
In this video I show a simple way to use the Ankle Pick in BJJ to counter stiff arm grips with the gi. If you've ever been in the middle of a good match then you know the grips can get really frustrating to deal with. In this video I answer a question from our friend who says that when he rolls from the feet his opponent's are just using a straight stiff arm to keep away. It makes his ability to do takedowns difficult. His question goes on to ask about how to do an ankle pick using the kimono in Brazilian Jiujitsu. So in this video I share one of my favorite ankle pick variations. Keep in mind there are a ton of variations to the ankle pick. And when you add the gi into the mix there are even more! But this simple variation is a good way to counter the grips we discuss in the video. So whether it's for your BJJ training in the gym or the opening move of your upcoming BJJ competition. I hope this technique serves you and your takedown game well! -Chewy ----------------- Free Ebook: http://www.chewjitsu.net/focused-jiu-jitsu-13-page-ebook/ Video Courses and Products: http://www.chewjitsu.net/products T shirts: http://www.chewjitsu.net/shop/ http://www.Facebook.com/Chewjitsu http://www.instagram.com/Chewjitsu http://www.twitter.com/Chewjitsu Intro/Outtro Music : https://bknapp.bandcamp.com If you’d ever like to train with the team and I. Check out my gym Derby City MMA in Louisville,KY.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this video teach about standard inside ankle pick?
This video covers grip dominance: the foundation, cross-collar and sleeve grip setup, creating the angle and entry. It provides detailed instruction from Chewjitsu.
How long does it take to learn standard inside ankle pick?
The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 8-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.
What are the key details for finishing standard inside ankle pick?
Upon landing the ankle pick, the practitioner must immediately release the collar grip to prevent the opponent from obtaining an armbar counterattack. The elbow should be pulled back as the practitioner transitions to either a guard position or maintains control. This safety consideration is critical for avoiding positional reversals during the finish.
