Toe Hold Control Top is an advanced leg entanglement position where the top practitioner controls the opponent’s leg with the goal of executing a toe hold submission. This position is characterized by the top player securing the opponent’s foot in their armpit while establishing control over the lower leg, creating a direct path to the toe hold finish. The position requires precise ankle isolation and proper grip configuration to prevent escapes while maintaining the structural integrity needed for submission application. As a top-side leg entanglement position, Toe Hold Control Top offers significant offensive advantages through the combination of postural control and isolated joint attack. The top player maintains superior leverage by controlling the opponent’s leg across their body while using their bodyweight and arm configuration to create rotational pressure on the ankle joint. This position is frequently entered from various ashi garami variations, saddle positions, or during leg entanglement transitions when the opponent’s foot becomes exposed. Success in this position depends on maintaining proper distance management to prevent the opponent from sitting up while simultaneously securing the mechanical advantage necessary for the toe hold finish. The position exemplifies modern leg lock methodology where control precedes submission, emphasizing positional dominance before attempting the finish.
Position Definition
- Top player’s chest positioned over opponent’s lower leg with bodyweight creating downward pressure preventing leg extraction while maintaining forward pressure on the knee line
- Opponent’s foot secured deeply in top player’s armpit with the toes pointing toward the ceiling, blade of the foot pressed against the lateral ribs for maximum rotational control
- Top player’s arms wrapped around opponent’s ankle and foot with hands clasped in a figure-four or gable grip configuration, creating a closed system that isolates the ankle joint from the rest of the leg
- Opponent’s knee oriented either inward or outward depending on the toe hold variation being pursued, with the top player’s hip positioning controlling the knee line to prevent rotational escape
- Top player’s base distributed across their knees and hips with sufficient weight distribution to prevent opponent from sitting up while maintaining mobility for angle adjustments
Prerequisites
- Successful entry from ashi garami position with foot isolated from hip control
- Opponent’s foot exposed and accessible for grip establishment
- Top player has established superior angle preventing immediate leg extraction
- Proper distance management achieved to control opponent’s upper body posture
- Initial control of opponent’s leg preventing immediate defensive rotation
Key Offensive Principles
- Maintain deep foot positioning in armpit with consistent pressure against the ribcage to maximize rotational leverage on the ankle joint
- Control opponent’s knee line through hip positioning and body angle to prevent rotational escape and maintain structural integrity of the leg entanglement
- Establish tight grip configuration around ankle with elbows close to body, eliminating space that allows foot extraction or grip breaking
- Distribute bodyweight strategically to prevent opponent from sitting up while maintaining enough mobility to adjust angles for submission finishing
- Keep opponent’s leg isolated from their hip by maintaining proper distance and angle, preventing them from generating defensive power through hip extension
- Monitor opponent’s free leg positioning constantly to defend against counters and transitions while maintaining primary leg control
- Progress control systematically from position establishment to grip refinement to submission application, never rushing the finish before control is absolute
Available Attacks
Toe Hold → Won by Submission
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 35%
- Intermediate: 55%
- Advanced: 75%
Outside Ashi Entry → Outside Ashi-Garami
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 50%
- Intermediate: 65%
- Advanced: 80%
Inside Ashi Entry → Inside Ashi-Garami
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 45%
- Intermediate: 60%
- Advanced: 75%
Saddle Entry from Top → Saddle
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 40%
- Intermediate: 55%
- Advanced: 70%
Straight Ankle Lock → Straight Ankle Lock Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 45%
- Intermediate: 60%
- Advanced: 75%
Kneebar from Top → Kneebar Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 30%
- Intermediate: 45%
- Advanced: 65%
Decision Making from This Position
If opponent maintains flat posture and cannot sit up:
- Execute Toe Hold → Won by Submission (Probability: 75%)
- Execute Outside Ashi Entry → Outside Ashi-Garami (Probability: 65%)
If opponent sits up and begins to extract their leg:
- Execute Saddle Entry from Top → Saddle (Probability: 70%)
- Execute Inside Ashi Entry → Inside Ashi-Garami (Probability: 60%)
If opponent extends leg and pushes away with straight leg:
- Execute Kneebar from Top → Kneebar Control (Probability: 65%)
- Execute Straight Ankle Lock → Straight Ankle Lock Control (Probability: 60%)
If opponent rotates knee outward and attempts to clear entanglement:
- Execute Outside Ashi Entry → Outside Ashi-Garami (Probability: 70%)
- Execute Toe Hold → Won by Submission (Probability: 55%)
Optimal Submission Paths
Direct finish path from established control
Toe Hold Control Top → Toe Hold → Won by Submission
Ashi variation adjustment path
Toe Hold Control Top → Outside Ashi-Garami → Toe Hold → Won by Submission
Saddle transition path for resistant opponents
Toe Hold Control Top → Saddle Entry from Top → Saddle → Toe Hold → Won by Submission
Straight ankle backup path
Toe Hold Control Top → Straight Ankle Lock Control → Straight Ankle Lock → Won by Submission
Extended leg exploitation path
Toe Hold Control Top → Kneebar Control → Kneebar from Top → Won by Submission
Success Rates and Statistics
| Skill Level | Retention Rate | Advancement Probability | Submission Probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner | 45% | 35% | 30% |
| Intermediate | 60% | 55% | 50% |
| Advanced | 75% | 70% | 65% |
Average Time in Position: 20-45 seconds
Expert Analysis
John Danaher
The toe hold control position represents a critical node in the leg entanglement hierarchy where the practitioner has achieved ankle isolation but must maintain systematic control before attempting the finish. The common error is rushing to the rotational pressure without establishing absolute positional dominance, as control must always precede submission in leg lock methodology. The key mechanical principle is understanding that the toe hold requires not just grip configuration but proper body positioning that prevents the opponent from sitting up and generating hip extension power. Your chest pressure over their lower leg creates the postural control that makes the ankle vulnerable, while your arm configuration isolates the joint from the protective musculature. The position demands understanding of the relationship between knee line control and ankle vulnerability, if you cannot control where their knee points, you cannot reliably finish the submission. This is why systematic practitioners emphasize the progression from entry to control to finish, with each phase requiring complete mastery before advancing to the next. The toe hold control position teaches the fundamental principle that submission positions are not static endpoints but dynamic control scenarios where your body positioning and grip refinement determine success far more than strength or speed of rotation.
Gordon Ryan
In competition, toe hold control top is one of the highest percentage leg lock positions because most opponents don’t understand the hierarchy of escapes and make critical errors trying to pull their leg straight back. When I have someone in toe hold control, I’m looking for one of two reactions: either they stay flat and I finish the toe hold directly, or they sit up and I transition to saddle where I have even better control. The key to making this position work at the highest levels is understanding that your chest pressure is what prevents them from sitting up, if you’re too upright, they’ll escape every time. I keep my weight distributed forward over their lower leg while maintaining enough base to adjust angles when they try to rotate. Against high-level opponents, I rarely finish the toe hold from the initial entry position, instead I use their defensive reactions to move into outside ashi or saddle where my control is more absolute. The position is incredibly effective because even if they escape the immediate toe hold danger, I’m collecting their leg and entering my leg lock system where I have multiple attacking options. In training, focus on keeping your grips tight and your elbows close to your body, the space you allow in your arm configuration is directly proportional to their escape probability. Time management is also critical in competition, if you have 30 seconds left and toe hold control, go for the finish immediately, but if you have 2 minutes, be patient and use their defensive movements to improve your position.
Eddie Bravo
Toe hold control from top is one of those positions that separates the leg lock players who just know techniques from the ones who understand the system. In 10th Planet methodology, we approach this position as part of the saddle entry sequence rather than an isolated submission position, it’s a transitional control point where you’re forcing the opponent to react so you can advance. The beautiful thing about toe hold control is that it creates instant panic in opponents who don’t train leg locks regularly, and that panic leads to explosive movements that open up back takes and position improvements. When I’m teaching this, I emphasize the importance of staying mobile and ready to flow, you’re not trying to muscle the toe hold, you’re using it as a threat that makes them give you something better. If they pull their leg back hard, you’re coming up into saddle. If they try to kick free, you’re transitioning to a kneebar. If they rotate the wrong way, you’re moving to outside ashi. The position is about creating a dilemma where every defensive option they choose gives you a different attacking opportunity. We also use toe hold control as an entry point for calf slicer setups when we’re in the truck position, it’s not just about ankle locks. The innovation in modern leg locking is understanding that these positions are interconnected, and toe hold control sits at a critical junction where you can flow in multiple directions based on what the opponent gives you.