The Estima Lock Top Position is an advanced leg attack position where the top practitioner controls the opponent’s foot and ankle, applying rotational pressure to the ankle joint through an inverted grip configuration. Named after the Estima brothers who popularized this technique in high-level competition, this position represents a specialized foot lock that combines elements of traditional ankle locks with unique rotational mechanics that distinguish it from conventional straight ankle attacks. From the top position, the practitioner maintains superior control while isolating the opponent’s leg, creating a direct path to submission through proper mechanical application.
This position is most commonly entered from leg entanglement positions like 50-50 Guard, Single Leg X-Guard, or during passing attempts where the opponent’s foot becomes exposed and accessible for the inverted grip. The top position offers significant advantages over the bottom variant, providing superior control and leverage through gravity assistance, stability in base, and the ability to apply pressure while maintaining balance. The Estima Lock is particularly effective in no-gi grappling where the opponent cannot use gi grips to defend, though it remains viable and dangerous in gi competition as well when properly executed with technical precision.
Success from the top position requires precise technical execution including proper figure-four grip configuration around the heel and forefoot, optimal hip positioning against the opponent’s lower leg to create the necessary fulcrum, and body angle management that maximizes rotational pressure while preventing counter-attacks. The position integrates seamlessly into comprehensive leg lock systems, offering natural transitions to toe holds, straight ankle locks, and saddle positions when the opponent defends. Understanding the anatomical mechanics of the ankle joint and applying pressure gradually and safely ensures both submission effectiveness and training partner safety during practice and competition application.
Position Definition
- Top practitioner controls opponent’s foot with both hands in figure-four configuration, securing the heel as a fixed point while the forearm positions across the top of the foot to create leverage for rotational pressure application
- Opponent’s leg is isolated and extended away from their body in inverted orientation with heel higher than toes, preventing them from recovering guard or establishing effective defensive frames
- Top practitioner maintains stable base with hips positioned over or against the opponent’s extended leg, distributing weight to prevent the opponent from retracting their foot while keeping control secure
- Opponent’s heel is controlled firmly and the toes are directed toward the opponent’s own body, creating the precise angular position necessary for the Estima Lock’s characteristic twisting motion and submission mechanics
Prerequisites
- Successful entry from 50-50 Guard, Single Leg X-Guard, or leg entanglement position
- Isolation of opponent’s foot away from their defensive posture
- Control of opponent’s ankle with both hands secured in inverted configuration
- Opponent’s leg extended and unable to retract or establish defensive frames
- Proper body angle established perpendicular or diagonal to opponent’s body
Key Offensive Principles
- Maintain constant two-handed control on the opponent’s foot throughout the position with figure-four grip securing heel and forefoot
- Position forearm blade across the top of the foot to maximize rotational leverage while hands control directional pressure
- Keep opponent’s leg extended and isolated, preventing them from recovering guard or creating defensive frames with free leg
- Apply gradual rotational pressure toward the opponent’s body while controlling the heel as fixed point for mechanical advantage
- Stabilize your own base to prevent the opponent from destabilizing you or escaping through rolling or scrambling
- Coordinate hand position with hip pressure against opponent’s calf to create optimal submission mechanics and control
- Be prepared to transition to alternative leg attacks if opponent defends successfully rather than forcing incomplete submissions
Available Attacks
Estima Lock → Won by Submission
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 20%
- Intermediate: 35%
- Advanced: 50%
Toe Hold → Toe Hold Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 25%
- Intermediate: 40%
- Advanced: 55%
Straight Ankle Lock → Straight Ankle Lock Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 30%
- Intermediate: 45%
- Advanced: 60%
Transition to Saddle → Saddle
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 25%
- Intermediate: 40%
- Advanced: 55%
Kneebar → Kneebar Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 20%
- Intermediate: 35%
- Advanced: 50%
Transition to Ashi Garami → Ashi Garami
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 35%
- Intermediate: 50%
- Advanced: 65%
Decision Making from This Position
If opponent’s foot is fully isolated and they are flat on their back:
- Execute Estima Lock → Won by Submission (Probability: 50%)
- Execute Toe Hold → Toe Hold Control (Probability: 40%)
If opponent begins sitting up or establishing frames with their free leg:
- Execute Transition to Ashi Garami → Ashi Garami (Probability: 55%)
- Execute Backstep to Saddle → Saddle (Probability: 45%)
If opponent successfully extracts their foot or creates significant space:
- Execute Leg Drag Pass → Side Control (Probability: 50%)
- Execute Standing Pass → Standing Position (Probability: 40%)
If opponent attempts to counter with their own leg attack:
- Execute Clear the Leg → Half Guard Pass (Probability: 45%)
- Execute Transition to 50-50 → 50-50 Guard (Probability: 35%)
Optimal Submission Paths
Direct Estima Lock Finish
50-50 Guard → Estima Lock Top → Estima Lock → Won by Submission
Estima to Toe Hold Chain
Single Leg X-Guard → Estima Lock Top → Toe Hold Control → Toe Hold → Won by Submission
Ashi Garami to Estima Transition
Ashi Garami → Estima Lock Top → Estima Lock → Won by Submission
Saddle Backstep to Estima
Saddle → Estima Lock Top → Estima Lock → Won by Submission
Success Rates and Statistics
| Skill Level | Retention Rate | Advancement Probability | Submission Probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner | 35% | 25% | 20% |
| Intermediate | 50% | 40% | 35% |
| Advanced | 65% | 55% | 50% |
Average Time in Position: 30-60 seconds
Expert Analysis
John Danaher
The Estima Lock Top Position represents a sophisticated understanding of leg entanglement mechanics where rotational force is applied to the ankle joint through a specific grip configuration that differs fundamentally from conventional ankle attacks. The key to this position lies in understanding that the forearm acts as a fulcrum across the dorsal surface of the foot, while the hands control the heel and create the rotational vector through coordinated pressure application. From the top position, you have superior mechanical advantage because gravity assists your pressure and the opponent’s defensive options are severely limited by their supine position and leg isolation. The technical execution requires precise hand placement where one hand cups the heel creating a fixed point while the other reinforces the wrist, forming a frame that allows the forearm to bite into the foot’s instep with maximum efficiency. This is not merely a foot lock but a comprehensive control position that opens multiple submission pathways including toe holds, straight ankle locks, and transitions to more dominant leg entanglements like the saddle position. The position’s effectiveness multiplies when integrated into systematic leg attack sequences where each defensive reaction creates new offensive opportunities.
Gordon Ryan
In competition, the Estima Lock Top Position is a high-percentage attack when you’ve already established leg entanglement dominance and your opponent is defending conventional ashi garami attacks. I use this primarily as a finishing position when I’ve broken down the opponent’s leg defense structure and they’re flat on their back trying to extract their foot without success. The top position gives you complete control because you can use your body weight to pin their leg while attacking the ankle with both mechanical advantage and gravitational assistance. What makes this effective at the highest levels is that it’s often unexpected—most opponents are defending against heel hooks and knee bars with their mental focus there, so when you switch to the Estima Lock mechanics, they’re not prepared for the rotational pressure and the submission comes on quickly. The key is commitment—once you establish the grips with proper configuration, you must be decisive in applying pressure because hesitation allows them to sit up and counter or create escape opportunities. I typically hunt for this after successful leg drag passes or when transitioning through 50-50 positions where their foot becomes exposed during exchanges.
Eddie Bravo
The Estima Lock Top Position fits perfectly into the 10th Planet philosophy of always having multiple submission options from any control position and keeping opponents guessing about your next attack. What I love about this attack is that it’s completely unconventional and most traditional BJJ practitioners don’t train to defend it specifically, which creates massive opportunities in no-gi competition where innovation wins matches. From the top, you’re in a dominant position where you can maintain pressure while hunting for the finish, and if they defend the Estima Lock by turning their foot, you’ve got immediate transitions to toe holds waiting; if they try to sit up to create frames, that opens the backstep into the saddle position for heel hook attacks. The rotational mechanics of the Estima Lock also make it an excellent setup for creating reactions—when they feel that unique ankle pressure building from the inverted grip, they’ll often turn their foot away which opens up the toe hold perfectly, or they’ll try to sit up aggressively which gives you the saddle entry with minimal resistance. This position embodies the concept of systematic leg attacking where every defense creates a new offensive opportunity and opponents are constantly solving problems. Train it extensively because in live rolling, people freeze when they feel that unique ankle pressure from the inverted configuration—it’s unlike anything else they’ve experienced.