Also called Achilles lock, Ashi-hishigi, Straight footlock
The straight ankle lock traps the opponent's foot in your armpit and levers your forearm into the Achilles tendon while your hips push forward, bending the foot and loading the ankle. Also called the Achilles lock, it is a common first leg lock in jiu-jitsu and a staple of sambo's leg-lock game.
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How to do it
- 1Sit with the opponent's leg between yours, your feet controlling their hip or thigh.
- 2Trap their foot in your armpit, toes pointing behind you.
- 3Slide your forearm under their Achilles tendon, the blade of the wrist against the lower calf.
- 4Lock your grip and pinch your knees together on their leg.
- 5Arch your back and push your hips forward slowly until they tap.
- Setting the forearm too high up the calf, where there is no leverage.
- Leaving their free foot loose to kick your hip and push you away.
- Falling back without pinching the knees, so they slip the foot out.
Safety: Arch slowly and release at the tap; a sudden jerk can damage the ankle and foot ligaments.
Drills
With a coach present, your partner sits facing you; enter the position, set the grip and arch slowly to the first sign of pressure, five reps a side.
Legends known for it
2008–2023We teach it in Wrestling & Grappling. A coach will fix the details you can't see yourself. Join now and book your first class for $20, paid online.
