More Chi ? ...Train harder!
I had initially planned to write a post regarding both the 'Achilles Ankle Lock' and the 'Knee Bar' but then I remembered Stephen Kesting's GrappleArts website already has a fantastic article dedicated to each of these techniques.
I'd be depriving you if I tried to explain the techniques myself when there is already a much better resource available. So here are the links:
http://www.grapplearts.com/Ankle-Lock-Breakdown.htm
http://www.grapplearts.com/Kneebar-Mastery.htm
Sometimes referred to simply as a ‘Foot Lock’, the Toe Hold Ankle Lock is a submission that is applied via the twisting and applying torque around one’s instep and the axis that runs along the centre of the foot.
It is easy to apply and worlds safer than the Heel Hook; as such, it is the second most frequently used ankle lock (following the Achilles Lock) and probably one of the most popular leg locks used.
The submission is applied using both your arms. In the case of applying the submission to your opponent’s (who has his/her back to the ground) right leg, your right arm grasps his right foot with your hands placed over his toes (your fingers should be curling in below his foot). Your left hand should move in front of his shin and wrap around his leg (thus encircling it with your arm) and then grab on to your right wrist using a five finger ‘monkey’ grip. Using the left arm as a fulcrum, apply pressure by pushing down on the foot/turning your body and twisting the toes towards your opponent’s groin.
Here it is explained by Bas Rutten in his 'Leglocks & Legbars' instructional video:
Key Points to Remember:
Here are a few of my favourite transitions to the Toe Hold Ankle Lock:
The submission however presents some simple escapes/counters and as such is relatively difficult to use against experienced practitioners. The most common escape is simply turning your body in the direction of the torque; an attempt I made some days ago was countered by my partner stacking/rushing into me and applying a neck crank. My personal preference is to counter the lock with a heel hook.
The Heel Hook is a leg lock technique affecting multiple joints, applied by transversal foot twist (rotating the heel). The rotation torques the joints (and ligaments) of the ankle and more so, those of the knee - the submission is simple to apply from a wide variety of positions. It's also one of few techniques used in Karate that translates seamlessly into the BJJ method of groundfighting.
Its versatility and effectiveness has made the heel hook popular with submission fighters from a variety of disciplines. However, the technique has a high risk of injury and has been banned in many competitions. Resulting injuries from a heel hook can be very severe and can quite literally end a fighter's career. Consequently, the submission is banned in a lot of clubs - be sure to find out whether you're allowed to use it at yours. Use the move with caution (if at all!). Here's a video of the inverted heel hook explained by Bas Rutten:
Here are a few of my favourite transitions into the Heel Hook:
If you're ever caught in a heel hook, make sure to tap as soon as you feel it. The pain caused by the submission is relatively bearable until after you are already injured - at which point, you'll curse yourself for being born with legs. True story.
Using the heel hook is like selling your soul to the devil - the offer is incredibly alluring. Once you nail that submission and realise how easy and effective it is, you develop a thirst to go for it again and again. And by the time you realise how dangerous it can be - you have probably already hurt someone.
On a side note: If you want to see someone who was absolutely merciless (read: "showed absolutely no concern for his opponents' wellbeing") with the heel hook, here's a clip of Ken Shamrock in his glory days against Leon Dijk:
