Best Ankle Lock Instructionals: From Beginner to Advanced

DDS-trained ankle lock system with precise breaking mechanics, demonstrations against resisting opponents, and fail-safe combos into heel hooks and back takes. Under 2 hours, zero filler.

Quick Facts

• ⏰ ~2 hours across 3 parts
• 📅 Released: 2023
• 🥋 No-Gi
• 🎯 All levels (white to black belt)
• 🕸 Leg Locks / Ankle Lock

What It Covers

Part 1 covers foundational leg-locking principles: key grips for connecting to the opponent’s leg, hip blocking mechanics, and the Outside Ashi position as your home base. Part 2 is the longest section at one full hour, dedicated entirely to breaking mechanics from different guards and grip configurations, including transitions from standing opponents in Ashi to Y-guard positions and the Aoki lock as an alternative grip. Part 3 chains ankle locks into heel hooks and back takes, covering bear trap entries, kneebar setups, and the transitions you need when your initial bite slips.

What Makes It Stand Out

• Rau has 50 submission finishes from 56 wins, with 36 by leg lock – the techniques are tournament-tested at the highest level
• Every technique is demonstrated against a resisting training partner, not a compliant dummy
• Dense instruction without padding – under 2 hours covers more actionable material than many 5+ hour sets
• Clear fail-safe trees: when the ankle lock stalls, you flow to back takes or heel hooks rather than just squeezing harder

What the Community Says

“My ankle lock finish rate went up by like 1000% literally just because of his instructional”

u/WangIee on r/bjj

“I’m a big fan of Jason Rau’s instructional videos, I’ve found them to be consistently excellent. I’ve bought them all… Jason’s instructional videos are clear and concise.”

u/ThomasGilroy on r/bjj (31 upvotes)

“He’s an amazing grappler and great teacher. Trained with him last Friday and as always was blown away”

u/serafinbjj on r/bjj

“The ultimate resource to master Dynamic Ankle Locks that fit the modern Jiu-Jitsu game.”

Ognen Dzabirski, BJJ World (8/10 rating)

Weakness

At under 2 hours, the entry coverage is noticeably thinner than Wojcik’s 4-part system. One Reddit user calculated the price-per-hour ratio at $87/hr even at 75% off, making it one of the most expensive ankle lock instructionals per hour of instruction. The set also doesn’t cover the Shotgun Grip innovations that Szczecinski and Wojcik teach, or the Woj Lock, Cloverleaf, or Panza lock finishes. Gi players wanting lapel-based setups should look at Tarik Hopstock’s SLX system instead.

My Recommendation

Best for: Most grapplers (white to black belt) who want one ankle lock course that works in no-gi competition and training. Particularly strong if you already have entries and need better finishing mechanics.

Avoid if: You specifically want deep 50/50 coverage (Wojcik), gi-specific lapel sequences (Hopstock), or a structured problem-solving curriculum with named techniques (Mitchell).

Pairs with: Woj Lock The World by Chris Wojcik for wider variety of finishes, or Outside Ashi Reloaded (also by Rau) for a complete leg lock entry system.

The widest variety of ankle lock finishes on the market: Woj Lock, Aoki, Cloverleaf, Panza lock, shin snapper, and reverse toe hold. BJJ World rated it 9/10, the highest ankle lock score they’ve given.

Quick Facts

• ⏰ 4 parts (est. 3+ hours)
• 📅 Released: 2024
• 🥋 No-Gi
• 🎯 Intermediate to Advanced
• 🕸 Leg Locks / Ankle Lock (Modern Meta)

What It Covers

Part 1 covers outside Ashi ankle locks: Aoki finishes, short Achilles lock from Y-guard top, and defensive principles. Part 2 explores 50/50 attacks including the signature Woj Lock (a corkscrew ankle lock variation), Aoki locks, reverse ankle locks, the Panza lock, and shin snapper. Part 3 moves to cross-ashi with Cloverleaf, Woj Lock variations, and the honey stick / Philly saddle defensive concepts. Part 4 is unique among ankle lock instructionals: ankle lock setups during guard passing transitions, including the Estima lock.

What Makes It Stand Out

• Six distinct finishing mechanics (Woj Lock, Aoki, Cloverleaf, Panza, shin snapper, reverse toe hold) – no other ankle lock instructional covers this many variations
• Part 4 covers ankle locks from top during passing, something no competitor addresses
• The Woj Lock itself is a genuine innovation that created IBJJF legality debates, proving it works
• Honey stick and Philly saddle defensive concepts provide answers when you’re the one getting attacked

What the Community Says

“Best ankle lock instructional I’ve seen and had immediate results. I can eat straight ankles all day, but woj/aoki lock me and I’m tapping asap.”

u/cheersdrive420 on r/bjj

“When it comes to discussing ultra-specific technical details, Wojcik is IMO one of the best minds out there at the moment.”

u/stevekwan (BJJ Mental Models) on r/bjj (29 upvotes)

“Mikey for depth and Chris for width.”

u/Chandlerguitar on r/bjj (comparing Death From Below vs. Woj Lock The World)

“Chris has adjusted [the corkscrew ankle lock] to fit his needs better. They significantly improve the efficiency of the lock.”

Ognen Dzabirski, BJJ World (9/10 rating)

Weakness

This is not a beginner-friendly course. Wojcik assumes you already have positional control in Ashi Garami positions. If you’re still learning how to enter leg entanglements, Jason Rau’s Dynamic Ankle Locks covers the fundamentals more thoroughly. Also, the Woj Lock’s IBJJF legality is debated: u/serafinbjj on Reddit reports IBJJF told Wojcik directly that it’s ‘essentially considered a toe hold’ (legal only at brown/black belt). Competitors below that level should verify rules before using it.

My Recommendation

Best for: Intermediate-advanced no-gi grapplers who already finish basic ankle locks and want cutting-edge options. Excellent if you play 50/50 or cross-ashi and need more finishing variety.

Avoid if: You’re a beginner needing fundamentals (start with Rau or Mitchell) or you compete strictly IBJJF at blue/purple belt (Woj Lock legality is unclear at those ranks).

Pairs with: Dynamic Ankle Locks by Jason Rau for the fundamentals Wojcik assumes you have, or Don’t Get Passed (also by Wojcik) for the guard retention side of his game.

A problem-solving system with named techniques (Apollo Lock, Sole Crusher, 404 variation) that builds pressure layering so your ankle lock finishes even when opponents defend correctly. BJJ World rated it 9/10.

Quick Facts

• ⏰ 7 volumes
• 📅 Released: 2026
• 🥋 No-Gi
• 🎯 White belt through Purple belt
• 🕸 Leg Locks / Ankle Lock (Finishing System)

What It Covers

Volume 1 builds Short X foundations with hip line control and rotation prevention. Volume 2 introduces the grip framework and the Apollo Lock variation. Volume 3 escalates pressure with the elbow kickstand, Sole Crusher, and 404 variation. Volume 4 covers entries from half guard and K-guard. Volume 5 is dedicated troubleshooting: boot defense, standing defense, Aoki-style finishes, and shin-on-shin transitions. Volume 6 integrates the system with 50/50 and saddle positions. Volume 7 provides drills and positional sparring methods for building the habits in live training.

What Makes It Stand Out

• Named finishing techniques (Apollo Lock, Sole Crusher, 404 variation, elbow kickstand) that are easy to recall under pressure
• Dedicated troubleshooting volume that addresses every common defense: boot, standing, turning
• Volume 7’s drill and positional sparring methodology helps bridge the gap from drilling to live rounds
• Mitchell’s 85% submission rate at Masters No-Gi Worlds 2023 proves the system works against elite opposition

What the Community Says

“This isn’t a 20 entries course – it’s a finishing course that builds pressure, control, and decision-making.”

Ognen Dzabirski, BJJ World (9/10 rating)

“If your ankle locks have felt like a gamble…this is the type of instructional that can genuinely change that.”

Ognen Dzabirski, BJJ World

“You’re not ‘chasing’ the ankle lock – you’re forcing your partner to carry your structure.”

Ognen Dzabirski, BJJ World (describing Mitchell’s pressure-first approach)

Weakness

This is a focused finishing system, not an encyclopedia of entries or finishes. Wojcik’s Woj Lock The World covers six distinct finishes (Woj Lock, Aoki, Cloverleaf, Panza, shin snapper, reverse toe hold) versus Mitchell’s three named techniques. The instruction is also strictly no-gi; gi players wanting lapel control should look at Hopstock. Mitchell doesn’t cover the modern Aoki/Shotgun grip innovations that Szczecinski and Wojcik teach. And as a newer release, Reddit discussion is still sparse compared to Rau (who has years of community feedback including multiple appreciation threads).

My Recommendation

Best for: White through purple belts who can enter leg entanglements but struggle to finish against trained defenders. Particularly strong for competitors who face opponents that just boot out of their ankle locks.

Avoid if: You’re advanced and already have reliable finishes (look at Wojcik for cutting-edge variety), or you want gi-specific instruction (look at Hopstock).

Pairs with: Dynamic Ankle Locks by Jason Rau for the entries and combos that Mitchell’s finishing system builds on, or Shotgun Aoki Locks by Szczecinski for the anti-boot power of the Aoki grip.

The innovator of the ‘Shotgun Grip’ (Polish Ankle Lock) teaches his signature Aoki lock variation that attacks the inner-side ligaments rather than the traditional outer-foot structures. Ultra-effective anti-boot answer.

Quick Facts

• ⏰ ~1.5 hours across 5 volumes
• 📅 Released: 2024
• 🥋 No-Gi
• 🎯 Intermediate to Advanced
• 🕸 Leg Locks / Aoki Lock (Specialist)

What It Covers

Volume 1 introduces the signature Shotgun Grip modification for the Aoki Lock from outside Ashi, with safety considerations. Volume 2 covers finishing details from outside, inside, and belly-down scenarios plus the relationship between Aoki locks and heel hooks. Volume 3 details butterfly position entries, standing/kneeling opponent adjustments, knee reap connections, and Berimbolo counters. Volume 4 (‘The Matrix’) teaches spinning attacks, leg drags, crab rides, and essential inverting drills. Volume 5 covers X-guard and De la Riva entries, K-guard transitions, and mixed RDLR applications.

What Makes It Stand Out

• The Shotgun Grip directs force to shorter inner-side ligaments rather than longer outer-foot structures, creating genuine breaking power where traditional ankle locks rely on pain compliance
• 29 leg lock submission wins out of 51 total at ADCC European Trials, Polaris, and UWW championship level
• Volume 4’s ‘Matrix’ spinning attacks and crab rides provide entries you won’t find in any other ankle lock instructional
• Belly-down finishing details specifically address the boot defense that stops most standard ankle locks

What the Community Says

“Quick, precise, and ultra-effective” – the shotgun grip makes “a formidable submission nearly impossible to defend.”

Ognen Dzabirski, BJJ World (8/10 rating)

“Mateusz Szczecinski has a very deadly ankle lock.”

u/Suokurppa on r/bjj

“Mateusz innovated but Rau’s better at teaching”

u/RayrayDad on r/bjj

“Traditional ankle locks target the longer, more flexible ligaments on the outer foot. Szczecinski’s method directs pressure to the foot’s shorter tendons and ligaments on the inner side” – explaining why the Shotgun Aoki generates genuine breaking power where traditional ankle locks rely on pain compliance.

Enrique Iturriaga, BJJ Coach Substack (biomechanical analysis)

Weakness

u/inciter7 on Reddit notes Szczecinski’s teaching is “a bit stiff” and that “some of the problems with people adapting to shotgun/aoki locks have been developed on since he came on the scene.” At 1.5 hours, some entries feel rushed. Chris Wojcik has since built on the Aoki/Shotgun foundation with his own Woj Lock variation and additional finishing options (Cloverleaf, Panza lock). The Matrix section (Part 4) also requires athletic inverting ability that most hobbyists lack. If you want the Aoki approach but with clearer teaching, Jason Rau covers Aoki as an alternative grip in Dynamic Ankle Locks ($79, same price).

My Recommendation

Best for: No-gi competitors who face opponents that boot out of standard ankle locks and need a higher-leverage alternative. Also strong for anyone who plays K-guard, matrix, or butterfly ashi and wants entries that connect to Aoki finishes.

Avoid if: You’re new to leg locks (this assumes Ashi Garami fluency), or you prioritize teaching clarity over innovation (Rau teaches similar concepts more clearly).

Pairs with: Dynamic Ankle Locks by Jason Rau for the fundamental ankle lock system that the Shotgun Aoki complements, or Shotgun K-Guard (also by Szczecinski) for the full K-guard entry system.

From the man who won the IBJJF Worlds final in 12 seconds with a straight ankle lock: extreme depth on finishing mechanics for the straight foot lock, belly-down foot lock, Aoki lock, and De La Riva foot lock.

Quick Facts

• ⏰ 4 parts
• 📅 Released: 2022
• 🥋 Gi and No-Gi
• 🎯 All levels
• 🕸 Leg Locks / Ankle Lock (Depth-First)

What It Covers

A 4-part breakdown of ankle lock finishing mechanics. Covers the straight foot lock with multiple grip options and alignment details, the belly-down foot lock with rotational finishing, the Aoki lock variation, and uniquely, the De La Riva foot lock (an entry not covered by any other instructional on this list). Musumeci’s modified straight foot lock hooks the outer leg instead of the classic ashi garami inner-leg hook, working from butterfly ashi position. Lachlan Giles independently validated this modification in a 2023 breakdown, confirming why it’s so effective in no-gi. Musumeci goes further on the biomechanical ‘why’ behind each angle and grip than any other ankle lock instructor.

What Makes It Stand Out

• The ultimate proof of concept: 12-second IBJJF Worlds victory vs. Rodnei Junior in the 2019 roosterweight finals, breaking the 20-year-old fastest submission record
• Goes deeper on individual finishing mechanics than any competitor – Musumeci explains the ‘why’ behind each angle
• DLR foot lock entries are unique to this instructional and connect ankle locks to De La Riva guard players’ existing game
• Works for both gi and no-gi, unlike most ankle lock instructionals which are no-gi only

What the Community Says

“Death from below by Musumeci. It goes farther in depth than any others on the mechanics of it and he shows several points that make it work. Mikey for depth and Chris for width.”

u/Chandlerguitar on r/bjj

“Death from below by musumeci”

u/PsycJoe21196 on r/bjj (16 upvotes, top answer in “best instructional for making ankle lock deadly” thread)

“Isaac Doederlein’s is the best in my opinion, it’s similar to Mikey’s but way easier to understand”

u/Attilings on r/bjj

Weakness

Musumeci’s instruction is very dense. u/Attilings on Reddit specifically says Isaac Doederlein “is similar to Mikey’s but way easier to understand.” The techniques are also developed for lightweight competition (135 lbs) and may need adaptation for heavier grapplers. If you want breadth, Wojcik’s Woj Lock The World covers six distinct finishes (Woj Lock, Aoki, Cloverleaf, Panza, shin snapper, reverse toe hold) versus Musumeci’s focused four. There’s also no dedicated troubleshooting section like Mitchell’s Volume 5, which specifically addresses boot defense and standing counters.

My Recommendation

Best for: Grapplers who want to deeply understand why ankle locks work biomechanically, and anyone who plays De La Riva guard and wants ankle lock entries that connect to their existing game.

Avoid if: You prefer clear, concise instruction (try Rau instead), or you need a wide variety of finishing options (Wojcik covers more variations).

Pairs with: Woj Lock The World by Chris Wojcik for the breadth that complements Musumeci’s depth, or Musumeci’s own butterfly guard instructionals for the full bottom game system.

B-Team’s tactical mastermind (originally from Kyiv, coached Jozef Chen, Margot Ciccarelli, and Nicky Rod) treats the straight ankle lock as the hub of your entire leg lock tree, with named finishing families and systematic transitions into X-ashi, outside ashi, and inside sankaku.

Quick Facts

• ⏰ Multiple volumes
• 📅 Released: 2025
• 🥋 No-Gi
• 🎯 Intermediate to Advanced
• 🕸 Leg Locks / Ankle Lock (Systemic)

What It Covers

Dima approaches the ankle lock as a control position first, submission second. You learn finishing mechanics from multiple configurations, boot management techniques, and how each ankle lock exchange creates pathways into heel hooks, kneebars, and inside sankaku. The instruction covers entries from standing, scrambles, seated guard, and transitions, with emphasis on control layers as prerequisites before any breaking attempt. Named finishing families help you recall the correct response for each defensive reaction.

What Makes It Stand Out

• B-Team training environment (Craig Jones, Nicky Rod) means the techniques are battle-tested against elite opposition daily
• Systems-thinking approach: ankle lock is the hub that branches into your entire leg game, not an isolated attack
• Named finishing families organized by defensive reaction make recall under pressure intuitive (similar named-technique approach to Mitchell’s Apollo Lock and Sole Crusher)
• Dima’s other BJJ World ratings are consistently 9/10 (Unfair Passing, Essential Skills Connection)

What the Community Says

“Not many coaches in modern grappling have success teaching concepts, but Murovanni seems to excel in this particular aspect.”

Ognen Dzabirski, BJJ World (reviewing Murovanni’s other instructionals, consistently rated 9/10)

“A one-of-a-kind grappling mind” with “Danaher-like obsession with everything grappling.”

Ognen Dzabirski, BJJ World (on Murovanni’s coaching style)

Weakness

No BJJ World review exists for P.E.D. Footlock specifically, despite Murovanni’s other instructionals consistently scoring 9/10 (Unfair Passing, Essential Skills Connection, Essential Skills Base Top). His previous release “Rumble Passing” received a mixed 8/10 from BJJ World and a critical 153-upvote Reddit thread titled “Dima Murovanni’s Rumble Passing is disappointing,” so his instructional quality isn’t always consistent. If you want community-validated ankle lock instruction, Rau (years of positive feedback) and Wojcik (BJJ World 9/10) are safer bets. The systemic approach also requires existing leg lock knowledge, making it a poor choice for beginners (start with Mitchell or Rau).

My Recommendation

Best for: Intermediate-advanced no-gi grapplers who want the ankle lock to feed their entire leg attack tree, not exist as an isolated technique. Particularly strong for sub-only competitors.

Avoid if: You need community-validated instruction (try Rau or Wojcik), you’re a beginner (try Mitchell or Leahy), or you train primarily in the gi (try Hopstock).

Pairs with: Any of the B-Team instructionals on leg locks, or Woj Lock The World for additional finishing variations to add to the system.

The only gi-focused ankle lock instructional on this list. From the inventor of the Tarikoplata: SLX control with lapel options into a brutal belly-down straight ankle lock, plus connected sweeps, back takes, and kneebar/calf slicer add-ons.

Quick Facts

• ⏰ ~1.5-2 hours across 2 volumes
• 📅 Released: 2019
• 🥋 Gi (principles apply to no-gi)
• 🎯 All levels
• 🕸 Leg Locks / Ankle Lock (Gi Specialist)

What It Covers

Volume 1 covers leg lock drills, foot lock mechanics fundamentals, Single Leg X Guard entries, and sweeps that serve as precursors to belly-down finishes. When a sweep gets defended, it flows directly into a belly-down ankle lock, kneebar, or calf slicer. Volume 2 advances to lapel-based SLX control, back takes from the position, the ‘worm roll’ technique, and reactions to opponent movements that create leg lock openings.

What Makes It Stand Out

• Only gi-specific ankle lock instructional on the market, with lapel control options no other instructor covers
• From the inventor of the Tarikoplata and a competitor who fought Tye Ruotolo at 2023 Worlds
• Sweep-to-submission connections mean failed sweeps become ankle locks instead of lost positions
• Gi-legal at all belt levels: every technique is IBJJF-legal from white belt up

What the Community Says

“I’m completely in love with this instructional, and I’ll certainly be on the lookout for more of Tarik’s stuff”

BJJ World reviewer

“A masterful gathering of different techniques that’s not quite a complete system. But this is exactly what makes it perfect.”

BJJ World reviewer

Weakness

The BJJ World reviewer honestly calls it “not quite a complete system” – it’s a collection of specialist techniques from SLX. No half guard entries, no butterfly entries, no K-guard entries. The lapel sequences also don’t transfer to no-gi, so no-gi players should look at Rau ($79) or Wojcik instead. At only 2 volumes and released in 2019, it predates the modern Aoki/Shotgun innovations from Szczecinski and the Woj Lock from Wojcik. Mitchell’s 7-volume system or Wojcik’s 4-part series cover more ground for similar prices.

My Recommendation

Best for: Gi players who use Single Leg X guard and want an immediate, IBJJF-legal finishing threat that also creates sweeps and back takes from the same position.

Avoid if: You train exclusively no-gi (lapel techniques don’t apply), or you want a complete ankle lock system from multiple positions (this is SLX-focused only).

Pairs with: The Tarikoplata (also by Hopstock) for a complete SLX submission system, or Ice Cold Ankle Locks by Leahy for additional gi-friendly fundamentals.

Fundamentals-first ankle lock course from a Travis Stevens black belt covering grip options, elbow/hip line alignment, and troubleshooting for the three most common defenses: booting, toe-pressing, and turning. IBJJF-legal at every belt level, works in both gi and no-gi.

Quick Facts

• ⏰ Multiple parts
• 📅 Released: 2023
• 🥋 Gi and No-Gi
• 🎯 Beginner to Intermediate
• 🕸 Leg Locks / Ankle Lock (Fundamentals)

What It Covers

A fundamentals-first curriculum covering grip options (traditional vs. alternative), elbow line and hip line alignment for maximum breaking power, and systematic troubleshooting for the three most common defenses: booting, toe-pressing, and turning. Entries include shin-to-shin, butterfly, double guard pull, spider guard to 50/50, and an unusual mount-escape to ankle lock transition. All techniques are IBJJF-legal at every adult belt level.

What Makes It Stand Out

• Travis Stevens lineage (2016 Olympic Judo silver medalist, Jimmy Pedro lineage) brings judo-based precision to grip mechanics
• Includes an unusual mount-escape to ankle lock transition you won’t find elsewhere
• Entry variety is practical: shin-to-shin, butterfly, double guard pull, and spider guard to 50/50
• Works in both gi and no-gi, making it versatile for hobbyists who train in mixed environments

What the Community Says

Honest disclosure: I could not find specific Reddit threads, BJJ World reviews, or named community quotes discussing Ice Cold Ankle Locks. This is the weakest-reviewed instructional on this list in terms of independent community validation.

“For me, Lachlan Giles’ instructional on submeta was easiest to understand from all I’ve seen and made ankle lock finally click to me.”

u/honest_anger on r/bjj (9 upvotes; discussing ankle lock resources generally, not Leahy specifically)

Weakness

No BJJ World review, no Reddit discussion threads, and no named community quotes make it impossible to objectively assess the teaching quality. For the same beginner-friendly niche, David Mitchell’s “Ankle Locks Don’t Work” has a 9/10 BJJ World rating, 7 volumes with dedicated troubleshooting and drills, and named finishing techniques (Apollo Lock, Sole Crusher, 404 variation, elbow kickstand) that give you specific tools to recall under pressure. Leahy’s fundamentals approach lacks these named-technique anchors. The instruction also misses the Shotgun Grip (Szczecinski), Woj Lock (Wojcik), and Aoki variations that define modern ankle lock competition. u/honest_anger on Reddit suggests Lachlan Giles on Submeta may be a better resource for learning ankle lock basics.

My Recommendation

Best for: Hobbyists and newer competitors who want a clean, IBJJF-friendly ankle lock foundation that works in both gi and no-gi without overwhelming complexity.

Avoid if: You’re already intermediate or above (everything here will feel too basic), or you want cutting-edge finishing mechanics (look at Wojcik, Szczecinski, or Mitchell instead).

Pairs with: The Frosty Leg Lock System (also by Leahy) for kneebars and toe holds that complement the ankle lock fundamentals.

Cheaper alternative: Lachlan Giles covers ankle lock fundamentals within his broader Submeta leg lock curriculum, which some practitioners find easier to follow.