Introduction to Foundational Leg Attacks
This instructional series covers five essential leg attack techniques that establish core principles applicable across multiple submission paradigms. Rather than presenting the most advanced techniques, these submissions illustrate fundamental concepts that practitioners should master early in their grappling journey.
Straight Foot Lock Setup from Open Guard
The straight foot lock begins with the defender in open guard attempting to pass. The instructor establishes control by pushing the opponent's foot toward their buttock, then catching the foot as it slips away. Proper positioning requires the forearm to be perpendicular to the Achilles tendon while the toes remain elevated above the armpit level.
Straight Foot Lock Finishing Position
After establishing foot control, the instructor steps in to crowd the opponent's space and sits down, placing the heel into the hip while hooking the foot around the buttock. Using a guillotine-style grip on the foot, the attacker takes their shoulder laterally to the floor and arches backward with a high elbow position to complete the submission.
Transitioning to Saddle Position
When the opponent escapes by pushing the foot to the floor and hopping their hip over, the instructor steps across and backsteps to establish the saddle position. This configuration provides access to multiple submission attacks while maintaining control of the opponent's leg.
Toe Hold Technique
From the saddle position, the toe hold is executed by securing the Achilles tendon in the bend of the arm while gripping the top of the foot in a rear naked choke configuration. The attacker places their forehead on the grip connection and applies pressure by pushing the opponent's toes toward their calf muscle in a twisting motion.
Knee Bar Setup and Finishing
The knee bar begins when the instructor backsteps and sits on the opponent's stomach after pulling both knees to the ground. After securing under the leg and grabbing the heel, the attacker falls across side and wraps their legs while squeezing heels toward their buttocks to control the opponent's hip position.
Knee Bar Lock Mechanism
The attacker slides up high to position the flat of the opponent's foot between their ear and shoulder, removing rotation from the leg. By pinching the ear toward the ground and extending the hips similar to an armbar, the instructor hyperextends the opponent's knee to complete the submission.
Saddle Position Mechanics and Leg Placement
The saddle position is established by backstopping and dropping the hip inward while pulling the opponent's legs in the desired direction. Proper positioning requires stacking the feet downward and maintaining an elevated knee to prevent becoming flat and vulnerable to counterattacks.
Inside Heel Hook from Saddle Position
The inside heel hook is applied from saddle position by pinching the flat of the opponent's foot between the tricep and lat while keeping the leg elevated. The attacker uses the snuff box of the hand against the outside of the Achilles tendon, establishes a gable grip, and applies pressure by pushing the opponent's toes downward and inward while lifting the hips.
The First Five Leg Attacks You Need | Jiu-Jitsu Submissions
Key Takeaways
- •Introduction to Foundational Leg Attacks
- •Straight Foot Lock Setup from Open Guard
- •Straight Foot Lock Finishing Position
- •Transitioning to Saddle Position
We have learned by now not to ignore 50% of the human body. But where to start with leg attacks? In this video, I show some entries and finishes for what I consider the five most important leg attacks you need to know to be a more complete grappler. If you like this and other videos of mine, please consider joining this channel as a member (see the Join button), or supporting me on Patreon.com/KnightJiuJitsu to get exclusive content from my classes. Thank you as always for watching, and don't forget to turn on notifications to find out as soon as I post a new video. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ If you haven’t checked out my Jiu-Jitsu Deep Dive yet, go to www.martialartsdigitalseminars.com/Jiu-Jitsu-Deep-Dive to get it. • Exclusive Class Content at Patreon.com/KnightJiuJitsu • Instagram @knight_jiu_jitsu_ • BJJ Fanatics Instructionals here: https://bjjfanatics.com/search?q=Eli+knight • T-Shirts available here: tinyurl.com/wzu6ufb • Follow me on DTube: https://d.tube/#!/c/knightbjj • Follow me on Steemit: https://steempeak.com/@knightbjj • Rokfin https://rokfin.com/knightjiujitsu
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does this video teach about em ankle lock?
This video covers introduction to foundational leg attacks, straight foot lock setup from open guard, straight foot lock finishing position. It provides detailed instruction from Knight Jiu-Jitsu.
How long does it take to learn em ankle lock?
The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 9-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.
What are the key details for finishing em ankle lock?
The saddle position is established by backstopping and dropping the hip inward while pulling the opponent's legs in the desired direction. Proper positioning requires stacking the feet downward and maintaining an elevated knee to prevent becoming flat and vulnerable to counterattacks.




