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Best Ankle Lock Instructionals: From Beginner to Advanced
The ankle lock is the only leg lock legal at every belt level in IBJJF competition, and since the 2024 rule changes letting brown and black belts turn either direction, finishing rates have skyrocketed. I tested every ankle lock instructional on BJJ Fanatics, cross-referenced reviews from BJJ World and r/bjj, and ranked the 8 best by teaching quality, technique specificity, and community feedback.
Heads up: the BJJ Fanatics links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them I earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It never changes the rankings – every pick is studied and tested on the mat first.
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The top picks, up front
2026 editionDynamic Ankle Locks
Jason RauDDS-trained system: breaking mechanics, positional entries, and fail-safe combos into heel hooks and back takes. Under 2 hours, zero filler.
≈2 h · 3 parts · no-gi · all levels · $$Woj Lock The World
Chris WojcikSix distinct ankle lock finishes from every major leg entanglement: Woj Lock, Aoki, Cloverleaf, Panza, shin snapper, reverse toe hold. BJJ World 9/10.
4 parts · no-gi · int-adv · $$Ankle Locks Don’t Work (And Other Lies)
David MitchellProblem-solving system: Apollo Lock, Sole Crusher, and 404 variation with dedicated troubleshooting for boot defense and standing counters. BJJ World 9/10.
7 vols · no-gi · white-purple · $$The ankle lock is the only leg lock legal at every belt level in IBJJF competition, and since the 2024 rule changes letting brown and black belts turn either direction, finishing rates have skyrocketed. Mikey Musumeci proved the point by winning the Worlds final in 12 seconds with one.
I tested every ankle lock instructional on BJJ Fanatics, cross-referenced reviews from BJJ World and r/bjj, and ranked the 8 best by teaching quality, technique specificity, and community feedback. Each review below includes named community quotes, specific technique breakdowns, and honest weaknesses that name competing products.
Last updated: March 2026.
Dynamic Ankle Locks
Jason RauDDS-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.
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.
Why it stands 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
My ankle lock finish rate went up by like 1000% literally just because of his instructional
u/WangIee on r/bjj
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.
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.
You specifically want deep 50/50 coverage (Wojcik), gi-specific lapel sequences (Hopstock), or a structured problem-solving curriculum with named techniques (Mitchell).
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.
Woj Lock The World
Chris WojcikThe 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.
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.
Why it stands 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
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
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.
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.
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).
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.
Ankle Locks Don’t Work (And Other Lies)
David MitchellA 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.
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.
Why it stands 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
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)
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).
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.
You’re advanced and already have reliable finishes (look at Wojcik for cutting-edge variety), or you want gi-specific instruction (look at Hopstock).
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.
Shotgun Aoki Locks
Mateusz SzczecinskiThe 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.
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.
Why it stands 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
Quick, precise, and ultra-effective – the shotgun grip makes a formidable submission nearly impossible to defend.
Ognen Dzabirski, BJJ World (8/10 rating)
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).
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.
You’re new to leg locks (this assumes Ashi Garami fluency), or you prioritize teaching clarity over innovation (Rau teaches similar concepts more clearly).
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.
Death From Below
Mikey MusumeciFrom 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.
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.
Why it stands 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
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
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.
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.
You prefer clear, concise instruction (try Rau instead), or you need a wide variety of finishing options (Wojcik covers more variations).
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.
P.E.D. Footlock System
Dima MurovanniB-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.
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.
Why it stands 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)
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)
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).
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.
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).
Any of the B-Team instructionals on leg locks, or Woj Lock The World for additional finishing variations to add to the system.
The Belly-Down Footlock from Single-Leg X
Tarik HopstockThe 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.
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.
Why it stands 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
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
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.
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.
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).
The Tarikoplata (also by Hopstock) for a complete SLX submission system, or Ice Cold Ankle Locks by Leahy for additional gi-friendly fundamentals.
Ice Cold Ankle Locks
Quentin LeahyFundamentals-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.
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.
Why it stands 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
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)
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.
Hobbyists and newer competitors who want a clean, IBJJF-friendly ankle lock foundation that works in both gi and no-gi without overwhelming complexity.
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).
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.
All picks, side by side
Comparison tableSwipe sideways for details · the price column stays pinned →
| # | Instructional | Instructor | Runtime | Level | Format | Category | Tier | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dynamic Ankle Locks | Jason Rau | ~2 hours across 3 parts | All levels (white to black belt) | No-Gi | Overall | $$ | Check price → |
| 2 | Woj Lock The World | Chris Wojcik | 4 parts (est. 3+ hours) | Intermediate to Advanced | No-Gi | Widest variety of finishes | $$ | Check price → |
| 3 | Ankle Locks Don’t Work (And Other Lies) | David Mitchell | 7 volumes | White belt through Purple belt | No-Gi | Problem-solver | $$ | Check price → |
| 4 | Shotgun Aoki Locks | Mateusz Szczecinski | ~1.5 hours across 5 volumes | Intermediate to Advanced | No-Gi | Anti-boot specialist | $$ | Check price → |
| 5 | Death From Below | Mikey Musumeci | 4 parts | All levels | Gi and No-Gi | For finishing depth | $$ | Check price → |
| 6 | P.E.D. Footlock System | Dima Murovanni | Multiple volumes | Intermediate to Advanced | No-Gi | Systemic approach | $$ | Check price → |
| 7 | The Belly-Down Footlock from Single-Leg X | Tarik Hopstock | ~1.5-2 hours across 2 volumes | All levels | Gi (principles apply to no-gi) | Gi specialist | $$ | Check price → |
| 8 | Ice Cold Ankle Locks | Quentin Leahy | Multiple parts | Beginner to Intermediate | Gi and No-Gi | Fundamentals primer | $$ | Check price → |
Why these 3?
Why these 3?
Jason Rau (#1) gets the top spot because his DDS pedigree speaks for itself: 50 submission finishes out of 56 wins, 36 by leg lock. The instructional is dense without being bloated (under 2 hours), covers both IBJJF-legal and sub-only pathways, and multiple Reddit users report immediate results. u/WangIee on r/bjj said his ankle lock finish rate “went up by like 1000%.” BJJ World gave it 8/10, noting the demonstrations against resisting opponents set it apart.
Chris Wojcik (#2) earned the runner-up spot for sheer innovation. BJJ World rated it 9/10 (the highest ankle lock rating), and Wojcik offers the widest variety of finishes: the Woj Lock (his own corkscrew variation), Aoki, Cloverleaf, Panza lock, shin snapper, and reverse toe hold. He also covers ankle locks from top position during passing transitions, which no other instructional does. u/stevekwan from BJJ Mental Models called him “one of the best minds out there” for technical details.
David Mitchell (#3) takes the third slot because his problem-solving methodology is unique. Instead of showing 20 entries, he builds a finishing system that works even when opponents defend correctly. BJJ World gave it 9/10 and specifically praised the troubleshooting: the Apollo Lock, Sole Crusher, and 404 variation are named techniques you can recall under pressure. His 85% submission rate at Masters No-Gi Worlds proves the system works against trained opposition.
Which Ankle Lock Instructional Fits Your Game?
8 ankle lock instructionals by different specialists. Tell us your ruleset and goals, and we’ll find the right one for you.
FAQ
Are straight ankle locks legal at white belt in IBJJF?
Yes, straight ankle locks are the only leg lock legal at white belt in both gi and no-gi IBJJF competition. You cannot reap the knee or apply twisting pressure, but the standard belly-up and belly-down straight ankle lock is fully legal. This makes ankle lock instructionals immediately useful for competitors at every level.
What changed with the 2024 IBJJF ankle lock rules?
In 2024, IBJJF allowed adult brown and black belts to turn in either direction when finishing straight ankle locks in both gi and no-gi. Previously, turning inward was considered illegal (treated as a toe hold). This rule change significantly increased finishing rates and made modern ankle lock techniques like the Woj Lock and belly-down variations more effective in competition.
Is the Woj Lock legal in IBJJF competition?
The legality is debated. Some referees allow it as a straight ankle lock variation, while others consider it essentially a toe hold due to the rotational pressure. Rafael ‘Sapo’ Natal (IBJJF referee) has reportedly told Wojcik himself that it borders on toe hold territory. At brown and black belt it’s generally accepted. At purple belt and below, verify with your specific tournament organizer before relying on it.
What’s the difference between an Aoki lock and a regular ankle lock?
A regular straight ankle lock attacks the Achilles tendon by extending the foot outward. The Aoki lock (named after Shinya Aoki) attacks the inner-side ligaments of the ankle with a different grip angle, creating structural breaking mechanics rather than pain compliance. The Shotgun Grip variation developed by Mateusz Szczecinski adds additional control that makes the Aoki even harder to defend.
Which ankle lock instructional should a beginner buy first?
For beginners, we recommend either Jason Rau’s Dynamic Ankle Locks (best overall, covers fundamentals through advanced combos in under 2 hours) or David Mitchell’s Ankle Locks Don’t Work (best structured curriculum with 7 volumes building from foundations to troubleshooting). Mitchell is better if you want a step-by-step system; Rau is better if you want concise, actionable instruction.
Do ankle locks work against bigger opponents?
Yes, and modern ankle lock mechanics are specifically designed to overcome size disadvantages. The key is proper breaking mechanics (forearm blade on the Achilles, tight armpit control, hip drive) rather than relying on arm strength. Belly-down variations and the Shotgun Aoki grip generate even more leverage, making them effective regardless of size. Mikey Musumeci (135 lbs) regularly finishes much larger opponents with ankle locks.
What’s the best way to defend against ankle locks?
The three primary defenses are: booting (flexing your foot to prevent the bite), toe-pressing (pushing your toes into the mat to relieve pressure), and turning into the attacker to create slack. David Mitchell’s instructional specifically addresses how to finish through all three of these defenses. For defense training, understanding attack mechanics from these instructionals naturally improves your defensive awareness.
Should I learn ankle locks in the gi or no-gi first?
No-gi tends to develop cleaner ankle lock mechanics because there are no grips to compensate for poor positioning. However, if you primarily compete in the gi, Tarik Hopstock’s Belly-Down Footlock from SLX is the only gi-specific ankle lock instructional and adds lapel control options. Most instructionals on this list are no-gi focused, but the mechanics transfer to gi competition.
Still deciding which ankle lock system to buy?
Start with Jason Rau’s Dynamic Ankle Locks for the best all-around system, Chris Wojcik’s Woj Lock The World for the widest variety of finishes, or David Mitchell’s Ankle Locks Don’t Work if you keep getting your finishes defended. Check today’s prices – BJJ Fanatics runs 30-50% sales year-round.