A modern heel hook system with clean entries, control, and finish mechanics that work against educated defenders.
The Bottom Line
You will learn safe entries into strong ashi variations and how to finish cleanly. You will link legs to back takes and upper-body threats. You will not get exhaustive ankle lock or reaping rules coverage.
⚡️ Quick facts
Best for: Leg lock learners
Skip if: You only train gi
Tech focus: Inside Heel Hook, Cross Ashi, Backside Entries
Biggest takeaway: Finish from back side reliably
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What You'll Learn
Tonon’s leg lock masterclass focuses on inside and outside heel hooks, kuzushi, ashi control, and the modern back side mechanics. It shows safe, high-percentage entries and finishing sequences, plus counters when opponents try to hide heels or stand up.
If you want a system that wins exchanges against savvy leg lockers, this is the best balance of depth and watchability.
Primary Techniques You'll Drill
- Inside Heel Hook
- Outside Heel Hook
- Ashi Garami
- Cross Ashi
- 50/50
- Kuzushi
- Kani Basami
- Toe Hold
- Kneebar
- Backside Entries
Format & Level
- Instructional style: System Based, Conceptual
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Format: No-Gi
- Runtime: 7 hours and 9 minutes
- Volumes: 7
- Released: 2021
Should You Buy It?
Buy it now. I see this as the most time-efficient path into effective modern heel hooking without drowning in hours of theory.
Why Garry Tonon?
Garry Tonon popularized dynamic leg entries and back side control at the highest levels. ADCC medalist and EBI champion.
Community feedback
Here’s a summary of common feedback from platforms like Reddit’s r/bjj.
😍 Why People Love It
- Shorter than Danaher but hits the essentials.
- Back side explanations improved my finishes fast.
- Great balance of entries, control and breaking mechanics.
- Clear safety advice for training heel hooks.
- Covers standing counters and stubborn heel hiding.
🤔 Common Criticisms
- Not a full lower body encyclopedia.
- Assumes some leg lock vocabulary.
- Mostly no-gi focused material.
Free Preview Lesson
Smart Alternatives
- Shoot To Kill: Wrestle, Scramble, Submit – Pairs well for takedown-to-leg-entry transitions. (Price: $197.00, 8 vols, 2020)
- Unifying The Systems – Learn to rotate from legs to back, kimura, and triangles. (Price: $197.00, 8 vols, 2021)
Sources & References
Video Breakdowns
Official listing: View Breaking Legs and Breaking Hearts on BJJ Fanatics
Additional References
Your next step
You have the breakdown, community feedback, and my final thoughts. Now it’s your move.
