The Estima Lock Bottom Position represents a defensive leg entanglement scenario where the practitioner on bottom faces an inverted footlock threat targeting the ankle and Achilles tendon. This position typically occurs when attempting to pass or disengage from 50-50 guard, outside ashi, or other leg entanglement positions, and the opponent secures the characteristic Estima Lock grip configuration—inverting the foot while controlling the leg. Named after the Estima brothers who popularized this technique, the bottom position requires immediate defensive awareness and systematic escape protocols.
From bottom, the primary concern is preventing the completion of the submission while creating opportunities to escape the leg entanglement entirely. Unlike traditional straight ankle locks where the foot is attacked in its natural position, the Estima Lock’s inverted grip creates different defensive considerations and escape angles. The bottom player must balance protecting the ankle joint, preventing the opponent from increasing their positional control, and methodically working toward leg extraction or position reversal. Success in this position depends heavily on understanding the mechanical vulnerabilities of the lock, maintaining proper defensive posture, and executing timely escapes before the opponent can fully consolidate their control and finishing mechanics. The position demands calm technical execution under pressure, active use of the free leg for defensive leverage, and immediate recognition of when submission pressure has reached tap-worthy levels to preserve joint health and training longevity.
Position Definition
- Opponent controls the practitioner’s leg with hands gripping the foot in inverted position, applying pressure to the ankle and Achilles tendon through combined rotation and extension while maintaining figure-four grip configuration
- Bottom practitioner’s trapped leg is extended or semi-extended with foot inverted creating direct submission threat to ankle joint, surrounding ligaments, and Achilles tendon structures
- Bottom practitioner maintains free leg and both hands available for defensive frames, counter-grips, and escape initiation while protecting the trapped limb from increasing pressure
- Opponent’s body position typically features their chest and torso pressuring toward the trapped leg while their hips create the fulcrum for the footlock mechanics and prevent leg retraction
- Bottom practitioner’s upper body remains mobile with ability to post, frame, and adjust angles to reduce pressure on the trapped ankle and create escape opportunities through hip movement
Prerequisites
- Opponent has secured grip on foot with hands in inverted configuration
- Bottom practitioner’s leg is controlled and isolated from defensive support
- Submission threat is imminent requiring immediate defensive response
- Bottom practitioner has awareness of Estima Lock mechanics and danger
- Space exists for potential leg extraction or position change
Key Defensive Principles
- Immediately address the inverted foot position by counter-rotating the ankle to reduce strain on joint and ligaments
- Create frames with hands on opponent’s hips, shoulders, or head to generate space and prevent them from consolidating pressure
- Keep free leg active and mobile, using it to push opponent’s hips, hook their legs, or create angles for escape
- Maintain calm breathing and avoid explosive panic movements that can worsen the lock or create injury
- Systematically work toward leg extraction by addressing grips first, then positional control, then complete disengagement
- Recognize tap-worthy pressure immediately—preserving training longevity is more important than escaping every submission attempt
- Use hip movement and angle changes to reduce the mechanical advantage of the lock while setting up escape sequences
Available Escapes
Ashi Garami Escape → Open Guard
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 25%
- Intermediate: 40%
- Advanced: 55%
Leg Extraction → Seated Guard
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 20%
- Intermediate: 35%
- Advanced: 50%
Counter Sweep → Estima Lock
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 15%
- Intermediate: 25%
- Advanced: 40%
Saddle Defense → Half Guard
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 18%
- Intermediate: 30%
- Advanced: 45%
Technical Standup → Standing Position
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 12%
- Intermediate: 22%
- Advanced: 35%
Rolling Back Take → Back Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 10%
- Intermediate: 18%
- Advanced: 30%
Decision Making from This Position
If opponent has shallow grip on foot without full inversion control:
- Execute Immediate Leg Extraction → Open Guard (Probability: 60%)
- Execute Counter Rotation Escape → Seated Guard (Probability: 50%)
If opponent has deep grip with full inversion and hip pressure established:
- Execute Frame and Hip Escape Sequence → Half Guard (Probability: 35%)
- Execute Tactical Tap → Lost by Submission (Probability: 65%)
If free leg can establish hooks or frames on opponent’s body:
- Execute Leverage Sweep to Top → Estima Lock (Probability: 40%)
- Execute Push and Extract → Open Guard (Probability: 45%)
If opponent transitions grip toward toe hold or other submission:
- Execute Capitalize on Grip Change → Ashi Garami (Probability: 55%)
- Execute Technical Standup Escape → Standing Position (Probability: 35%)
Escape and Survival Paths
Direct escape to safety
Estima Lock Bottom → Frame establishment → Hip escape → Open Guard → Guard consolidation
Counter-attack path
Estima Lock Bottom → Free leg hooks → Counter sweep → Estima Lock Top → Pass to dominant position
Defensive extraction sequence
Estima Lock Bottom → Grip break → Leg extraction → Seated Guard → Distance creation → Standing Position
Success Rates and Statistics
| Skill Level | Retention Rate | Advancement Probability | Submission Probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner | 15% | 20% | 5% |
| Intermediate | 25% | 35% | 10% |
| Advanced | 35% | 50% | 18% |
Average Time in Position: 15-45 seconds before tap or escape
Expert Analysis
John Danaher
The Estima Lock bottom position represents a critical junction in leg entanglement sequences where defensive precision determines whether you preserve your ankle joint or suffer a painful submission. The mechanical principle underlying effective defense is understanding that the Estima Lock’s power derives from the combination of foot inversion and hip extension—therefore, your defensive priority must be disrupting one or both of these components. I emphasize to my students that the free leg is your most valuable defensive asset in this position; it serves as both a pushing tool to create distance and a hooking tool to off-balance your opponent. The systematic approach involves first establishing defensive frames to prevent your opponent from consolidating their hip pressure, then using calculated hip escapes to create the angles necessary for leg extraction. Many practitioners make the error of fighting only the hand grips while neglecting their overall body position—this is tactically flawed. Address the structural components first through intelligent hip positioning and frame creation, and the grip breaks become far more accessible as natural consequences of superior positioning.
Gordon Ryan
In competition, the Estima Lock bottom is a position you absolutely cannot afford to linger in because the submission can come on fast and there’s no points to be scored from bottom of a leg entanglement. My approach is aggressive and immediate—the moment I recognize the grip configuration, I’m working my escape sequence without hesitation. The free leg is everything here; I use it to push on their hips constantly, creating enough space to rotate my trapped leg and change the angle of attack on my ankle. One thing I’ve learned through experience is that you can’t be tentative or wait to see what happens—that’s how you get caught. I drill the counter-rotation of the trapped foot combined with a simultaneous hip escape toward the trapped leg side, which typically opens up the extraction window. If the lock is deep and I feel it’s locked in tight, I have zero ego about tapping quickly. I’ve seen too many guys try to tough it out and end up with ankle injuries that sideline them for months. In the gym, I use this position as an opportunity to sharpen my leg lock defense, but in competition, my goal is to not end up here at all through better leg entanglement passing and awareness.
Eddie Bravo
The Estima Lock from bottom is gnarly because it attacks the ankle in that inverted position that most people aren’t used to defending. In the 10th Planet system, we emphasize staying mobile and using that free leg like it’s your third arm—constantly creating problems for the top player. What I teach my guys is to think about creating a dilemma for your opponent: if they focus on finishing the lock, you use your free leg to hook and sweep; if they defend the sweep, you use that moment to extract your trapped leg. The key is staying active and not letting them settle into a controlling rhythm. I also coach my students to develop a feel for when the lock is actually dangerous versus when it’s just uncomfortable. There’s a big difference, and knowing that distinction lets you stay calm and work your escapes technically instead of panicking. We drill a lot of scenarios where you’re using your hands to push their head or shoulder to create an angle while your free leg is working to establish a butterfly hook or push their hip. It’s all about that combination of movements happening simultaneously. And honestly, if you find yourself here frequently in rolling, it means you need to tighten up your leg entanglement passing game and not give up that foot control in the first place.