The Aoki Lock Top Position represents an advanced submission control state where the top practitioner has secured a leg-entangled shoulder lock position, named after Shinya Aoki’s signature application. This position combines elements of leg entanglement control with omoplata-style shoulder lock mechanics, creating a powerful finishing position that controls the opponent’s mobility while applying progressive pressure to the shoulder joint. The top player maintains dominant leverage through hip pressure and precise limb control, making this one of the most controlling submission positions in modern no-gi grappling.
From the top perspective, this position offers exceptional control over the opponent’s upper body rotation and shoulder mobility while simultaneously managing their leg positioning. The practitioner uses their legs to trap the opponent’s arm and shoulder complex while maintaining stable base through posted leg and applying rotational pressure to the shoulder joint. Success requires precise technical execution, strong positional awareness, and deep understanding of shoulder lock mechanics and safety protocols.
The Aoki Lock top position is particularly effective in no-gi competition where the absence of gi grips makes traditional shoulder lock escapes more difficult. It commonly arises from turtle attacks, front headlock positions, or guard passing sequences where the opponent’s arm becomes isolated. Understanding proper entry mechanics, pressure application protocols, and transition options is essential for high-level execution. The position serves as a hub for multiple offensive paths including direct submission finish, back control advancement, truck system entry, and crucifix capture.
Position Definition
- Top player’s legs are entangled with opponent’s trapped arm with thigh positioned over shoulder and shin controlling upper arm
- Opponent is typically on side or stomach with trapped shoulder isolated and unable to rotate freely
- Top player maintains base through free leg posted on mat creating stable platform for shoulder pressure application
- Hip pressure is directed downward and forward onto opponent’s shoulder joint creating rotational stress on shoulder capsule
- Opponent’s trapped arm is extended and isolated between top player’s legs with elbow pointing away from body
- Top player’s hands control opponent’s hips or far-side limbs preventing rotation and escape angles
Prerequisites
- Successful entry from front headlock, turtle, or guard passing position with arm isolated
- Control of opponent’s shoulder with legs positioned for entanglement
- Opponent’s shoulder trapped with limited rotation capability
- Base established through posting leg and hip positioning
- Understanding of shoulder lock mechanics and progressive pressure application protocols
Key Offensive Principles
- Maintain constant hip pressure directed into opponent’s shoulder to prevent rotation and create submission threat
- Control opponent’s trapped arm angle with legs keeping elbow pointed away from their body
- Post free leg strongly to create stable base and prevent opponent from rolling through position
- Apply pressure gradually and progressively over 3-5 seconds minimum monitoring opponent’s tap signals carefully
- Control opponent’s hips with hands to prevent them from turning into pressure or creating escape angles
- Keep weight distributed through hips into opponent’s shoulder rather than relying on arm strength
- Maintain leg entanglement tightness to prevent arm extraction and position escape
Available Attacks
Aoki Lock Finish → Won by Submission
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 45%
- Intermediate: 60%
- Advanced: 75%
Transition to Back Control → Back Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 55%
- Intermediate: 70%
- Advanced: 85%
Transition to Truck → Truck
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 50%
- Intermediate: 65%
- Advanced: 80%
Transition to Crucifix → Crucifix
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 40%
- Intermediate: 55%
- Advanced: 70%
Kimura Switch → Kimura Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 35%
- Intermediate: 50%
- Advanced: 65%
Transition to North-South → North-South
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 60%
- Intermediate: 75%
- Advanced: 85%
Decision Making from This Position
If opponent attempts to roll forward through the position:
- Execute Follow to Back Control → Back Control (Probability: 70%)
- Execute Maintain Aoki Lock → Aoki Lock (Probability: 25%)
If opponent turns away or creates hip distance:
- Execute Truck Entry → Truck (Probability: 65%)
- Execute Follow to Back → Back Control (Probability: 30%)
If opponent exposes far arm while defending:
- Execute Crucifix Transition → Crucifix (Probability: 60%)
- Execute Kimura Switch → Kimura Control (Probability: 35%)
If opponent’s shoulder is fully controlled with no escape attempts:
- Execute Finish Aoki Lock → Won by Submission (Probability: 75%)
- Execute Transition to Back → Back Control (Probability: 20%)
Optimal Submission Paths
Direct finish from control
Aoki Lock Top → Aoki Lock Finish
Back control to finish path
Aoki Lock Top → Back Control → Rear Naked Choke
Truck system path
Aoki Lock Top → Truck → Twister Finish
Crucifix control path
Aoki Lock Top → Crucifix → Choke from Crucifix
North-South pressure path
Aoki Lock Top → North-South → North-South Choke
Success Rates and Statistics
| Skill Level | Retention Rate | Advancement Probability | Submission Probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner | 55% | 50% | 45% |
| Intermediate | 70% | 65% | 60% |
| Advanced | 85% | 80% | 75% |
Average Time in Position: 30-90 seconds before finish or transition
Expert Analysis
John Danaher
The Aoki Lock top position represents a sophisticated blend of leg entanglement control and shoulder lock mechanics that requires deep understanding of both systems. The key to success lies in the precise geometric relationship between your hip pressure vector and the opponent’s shoulder joint axis of rotation. Your legs function as a clamping mechanism that isolates the shoulder while your hips provide the directional force that creates the submission threat. The position’s effectiveness stems from the opponent’s limited defensive options - they cannot simply roll out as in traditional shoulder locks because your leg entanglement controls their rotation, and they cannot extract their arm without first escaping your hip pressure. Focus on maintaining three points of control simultaneously: leg pressure on the shoulder complex, hip pressure directed into the joint, and hand control preventing hip rotation. The submission finish requires gradual, progressive pressure application with constant awareness of the opponent’s tap signals, as shoulder locks can cause serious injury if applied too quickly or forcefully. The sophisticated practitioner recognizes that this position serves as a control hub - when the finish becomes difficult, multiple high-percentage transitions to back control, truck, and crucifix remain available.
Gordon Ryan
From a competition standpoint the Aoki Lock top position is one of the highest-percentage finishes available once you’ve secured proper control. In my matches I use this position primarily as a finishing sequence rather than a holding position - if I’ve isolated the shoulder and established the leg entanglement correctly I’m looking to finish within 15-30 seconds or transition to back control. The key competitive advantage is that most opponents don’t train this position extensively so their defensive reactions are often incorrect creating multiple transition opportunities. When they try to roll through which is the most common defense you have a direct path to back control. When they turn away you can enter the truck system. The position also works exceptionally well in no-gi competition where traditional shoulder lock escapes using gi grips aren’t available. I prioritize quick entries from turtle and front headlock positions securing the arm isolation before the opponent recognizes the danger. Once you have the position focus on finishing efficiently rather than holding - the longer you maintain the position without finishing the more time the opponent has to find defensive solutions. In training never apply this submission explosively or with full power - shoulder injuries end careers and this position can cause serious damage if applied incorrectly.
Eddie Bravo
The Aoki Lock top position fits perfectly into the 10th Planet philosophy of control positions that create multiple submission and transition paths while keeping you safe from counters. What makes this position special is how it combines elements from our truck system with shoulder lock finishing mechanics - you’re essentially creating a submission control position that can flow into our entire back attack system if the opponent defends the shoulder lock. We teach students to think of this position as a hub in their submission game rather than just an isolated technique. From here you can finish the shoulder lock, transition to the truck for twister setups, take the back for rear naked choke, or capture the crucifix if they expose their far arm. The innovation comes from recognizing that the leg entanglement doesn’t just control the arm - it also limits their ability to create the angles needed for most escapes. We drill this position extensively with resistance teaching students to read the opponent’s defensive energy and flow with it rather than fighting against it. If they roll you roll to back control. If they turn away you follow to truck. If they freeze up you finish the lock. The key is staying relaxed and maintaining your control points while reading their movement patterns. This position represents the evolution of no-gi grappling where we’re integrating concepts from different submission systems to create new hybrid positions.