Toe Hold from 50-50

⚠️ SAFETY: Toe Hold from 50-50 targets the Ankle, talocrural joint, and lateral ankle ligaments. Risk: Lateral ankle ligament tears (anterior talofibular, calcaneofibular). Release immediately upon tap.

The Toe Hold from 50-50 Guard is a sophisticated leg lock submission that targets the ankle joint through rotational pressure on the foot. This technique represents one of the most accessible finishing opportunities from the 50-50 position, particularly when heel hook opportunities are not available or are prohibited by competition rules. The submission works by isolating the opponent’s foot and applying inward rotation to attack the talocrural joint and lateral ankle ligaments, creating intense pressure that forces a quick tap when applied correctly.

Within the context of the 50-50 Guard, the toe hold offers a strategic advantage because it can be attacked from both top and bottom positions, making it a versatile weapon in the leg entanglement game. The position’s inherent structure—where both athletes have their inside legs trapped between their opponent’s legs—creates natural control that facilitates the foot isolation necessary for the toe hold. This submission is particularly effective against opponents who focus heavily on defending heel hooks, as it attacks from a different angle and can catch experienced grapplers off guard.

The toe hold from 50-50 has gained significant prominence in modern no-gi competition, especially in submission-only formats where time limits necessitate aggressive finishing attempts. Understanding this submission is essential for any practitioner studying leg locks, as it forms a critical part of the leg entanglement ecosystem and creates powerful dilemmas when combined with other leg attacks. The technique requires precise control, patient setup, and careful application to avoid injury while maximizing effectiveness.

Category: Joint Lock Type: Leg Lock Target Area: Ankle, talocrural joint, and lateral ankle ligaments Starting Position: 50-50 Guard Success Rates: Beginner 30%, Intermediate 50%, Advanced 70%

Safety Guide

Injury Risks:

Injury	Severity	Recovery Time
Lateral ankle ligament tears (anterior talofibular, calcaneofibular)	High	6-12 weeks with proper medical treatment
Ankle joint capsule damage	Medium	4-8 weeks
Talocrural joint subluxation or dislocation	CRITICAL	3-6 months, may require surgery
Achilles tendon strain from improper angle	Medium	2-6 weeks
Metatarsal stress fractures from excessive torque	High	8-12 weeks

Application Speed: EXTREMELY SLOW and progressive - minimum 5-7 seconds from initial grip to maximum pressure. Never spike or jerk the submission.

Tap Signals:

• Verbal tap (any vocal signal)
• Physical hand tap on opponent or mat
• Physical foot tap on opponent or mat
• Any distress signal or unusual movement
• Loss of resistance (partner goes limp)

Release Protocol:

1. Immediately release rotational pressure on the foot
2. Maintain positional control but release the grip on the toes
3. Allow partner to extract their leg at their own pace
4. Do not apply any counter-pressure during the release
5. Check with partner before continuing training
6. If any pain persists beyond 30 seconds, stop training and assess

Training Restrictions:

• Never apply competition speed or intensity in training
• Never spike, jerk, or apply sudden rotational force
• Always ensure partner has both hands free to tap
• Do not combine with rapid positional changes
• Beginners should only practice the entry and control phases without finishing
• Never practice on injured or previously compromised ankles
• Respect taps instantly without any additional pressure

Key Principles

• Isolate the foot completely before attempting rotation - control must be established at the ankle, not just the toes
• Hip positioning creates the primary control mechanism - your hips should pin the opponent’s knee while your upper body controls the foot
• Rotation must be inward toward the opponent’s midline to properly attack the lateral ankle ligaments and joint capsule
• The figure-four grip on the foot provides maximum control and distributes pressure across the entire foot structure
• Proper angle alignment is critical - the foot must be perpendicular to the opponent’s leg before rotation begins
• Maintain constant connection between your chest and the opponent’s foot to prevent escape and ensure controlled application
• Progressive pressure application allows your partner time to recognize danger and tap safely

Prerequisites

• Establish 50-50 guard position with inside legs trapped between opponent’s legs
• Secure control of opponent’s near leg with your inside leg hooking behind their knee
• Create space to access opponent’s foot by adjusting hip angle and leg positioning
• Block opponent’s hip movement by maintaining pressure with your outside leg across their hip
• Establish initial grip on opponent’s foot before they can withdraw or defend
• Ensure your own leg is safe from opponent’s attacks by maintaining proper 50-50 structure

Execution Steps

1. Establish Initial Control: From 50-50 position, use your inside leg to hook behind opponent’s knee while your outside leg controls their hip. This creates the foundational structure that prevents them from escaping while you attack the foot. Ensure your hips are slightly elevated to create the angle needed for foot access. (Timing: 2-3 seconds for solid establishment) [Pressure: Moderate]
2. Access the Foot: Reach across with your outside arm (arm furthest from their head) to grab the toes of their trapped foot. Your grip should be on the ball of the foot and toes, not just the toes alone. Simultaneously, use your inside arm to control their ankle or lower shin, creating a frame that prevents them from yanking their foot away. (Timing: 1-2 seconds) [Pressure: Light]
3. Establish Figure-Four Configuration: Bring your inside arm underneath their foot and grab your own wrist or forearm, creating a figure-four grip structure. This configuration locks the foot in place and prevents rotation of their ankle relative to your body. Your outside hand should maintain control of the toes while your inside forearm creates a shelf under the heel and Achilles tendon area. (Timing: 2-3 seconds to secure properly) [Pressure: Moderate]
4. Adjust Foot Angle: Before applying rotation, ensure the foot is positioned perpendicular to their leg. The toes should point toward the ceiling (if you’re on bottom) or toward the mat (if you’re on top). This perpendicular alignment is critical for proper joint mechanics and ensures the rotation attacks the lateral ligaments rather than hyperextending the ankle incorrectly. (Timing: 1-2 seconds for angle adjustment) [Pressure: Light]
5. Connect Chest to Foot: Pull the foot toward your chest while simultaneously driving your chest toward the foot, eliminating all space between them. Your sternum should make contact with the top or inside blade of their foot. This connection is essential for controlled application and prevents the foot from slipping out during the finish. Maintain this connection throughout the submission. (Timing: 1-2 seconds) [Pressure: Moderate]
6. Apply Controlled Rotation: Keeping the foot pinned to your chest, rotate your entire upper body inward (toward your opponent’s midline) while maintaining the figure-four grip. The rotation should be smooth and progressive, not sudden. Your outside elbow drives down and inward while your inside arm pulls the heel toward you. The pressure builds gradually on the lateral ankle ligaments and talocrural joint. (Timing: 3-5 seconds minimum for safe application) [Pressure: Firm]
7. Finish with Hip Extension: If needed to complete the submission, extend your hips slightly while maintaining the rotational pressure and chest-to-foot connection. This hip extension adds final torque to the ankle joint. However, this step should rarely be necessary in training if proper setup and rotation were achieved. Always apply this incrementally and be prepared for immediate tap. (Timing: 1-2 seconds if necessary) [Pressure: Maximum]

Opponent Defenses

• Foot yanking and explosive withdrawal attempt (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Adjustment: Anticipate this by establishing the figure-four grip before they recognize the threat. Once figure-four is secured, their pulling actually assists your finish. Maintain chest-to-foot connection and follow their movement rather than resisting it.
• Rolling or spinning with the pressure to alleviate torque (Effectiveness: High) - Your Adjustment: This is the most effective defense. Counter by using your leg hooks to control their hip and prevent full rotation. If they begin to succeed, transition to heel hook or switch to attacking the opposite leg rather than fighting against their spin.
• Attacking your trapped leg with their own toe hold or straight ankle lock (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Adjustment: Ensure your 50-50 structure is sound before committing fully to your attack. If they begin their attack first, you may need to abandon your finish and defend, or race to finish first if your control is superior. This is the primary risk in 50-50 exchanges.
• Crossing their free foot over their trapped knee to block access (Effectiveness: High) - Your Adjustment: Address this defense early by controlling their free leg with your outside leg. If they establish the cross, use your free hand to strip their foot away or transition to a different attack like outside heel hook from the available leg.
• Hand fighting to prevent figure-four grip establishment (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Adjustment: Use your initial outside-arm grip on the toes as a distraction while your inside arm sneaks underneath for the figure-four. If they defend the inside arm, switch to a same-side toe hold configuration or use two-on-one grip control to overpower their hand fighting.

Common Mistakes

• Mistake: Gripping only the toes without controlling the ankle or foot blade [Low DANGER]
  • Consequence: Opponent easily extracts their foot, and you lose control of the position entirely. Toes alone provide insufficient leverage for the submission.
  • Correction: Always establish a grip that encompasses the ball of the foot and toes together, and use your figure-four to create a shelf under the heel. Think of controlling the entire foot as a unit, not just the toes.
• Mistake: Applying rotation before establishing chest-to-foot connection [Medium DANGER]
  • Consequence: Foot slips out of your grip, or pressure is applied inefficiently, requiring excessive force that increases injury risk.
  • Correction: Follow the sequence strictly: grip, figure-four, angle adjustment, chest connection, then rotation. Each step must be completed before progressing to the next.
• Mistake: Rotating the foot away from opponent’s midline (outward rotation) [High DANGER]
  • Consequence: This attacks the wrong anatomical structures and is both less effective and potentially more dangerous, as it can hyperextend the ankle in an unnatural direction.
  • Correction: Always rotate inward toward opponent’s centerline. Your outside elbow should drive down and in, not out. The opponent’s pinky toe should move toward their opposite hip.
• Mistake: Spiking or jerking the rotation instead of applying progressive pressure [CRITICAL DANGER]
  • Consequence: CRITICAL INJURY RISK. Sudden application can cause severe ligament tears, joint dislocation, or capsule rupture before partner can tap safely.
  • Correction: Apply rotation slowly and progressively over minimum 3-5 seconds. Feel for resistance and stop immediately at any tap signal. In training, never apply maximum pressure.
• Mistake: Neglecting hip and leg position maintenance during the finish [Medium DANGER]
  • Consequence: Opponent escapes the 50-50 position entirely, or worse, establishes their own leg attack on you while you’re focused on their foot.
  • Correction: Your legs must continue to control their hip and knee throughout the entire submission sequence. The toe hold is only safe to attempt when your positional control is rock solid.
• Mistake: Failing to adjust foot angle to perpendicular before rotation [High DANGER]
  • Consequence: Reduced effectiveness and increased risk of injuring wrong anatomical structures. The submission becomes a crude ankle crank rather than a technical toe hold.
  • Correction: Take the time to position the foot perpendicular to their leg. Toes should point toward ceiling (from bottom) or mat (from top) before any rotation begins.
• Mistake: Continuing to apply pressure after partner taps or shows distress [CRITICAL DANGER]
  • Consequence: CRITICAL INJURY RISK. This is the primary cause of serious ankle injuries in training. Permanent ligament damage can occur in under one second after a tap.
  • Correction: Release immediately upon any tap signal. There is never a reason to hold pressure for even a fraction of a second after tap. Practice release protocol regularly.

Variations

Outside Toe Hold from 50-50: Instead of attacking the inside leg, switch your focus to the opponent’s outside leg by using your outside leg to trap their hip and your arms to access their far foot. This variation requires different hip positioning but uses the same rotational mechanics. (When to use: Use when opponent is heavily defending their inside leg or when their outside leg becomes available due to positional shifting. Particularly effective when opponent crosses their feet defensively.)

Toe Hold Entry from X-Guard or Single Leg X: From X-Guard or Single Leg X positions, transition to 50-50 specifically to set up the toe hold. Use your X-Guard hooks to elevate and off-balance the opponent, then as they post their free leg, slide into 50-50 while simultaneously gripping their trapped foot. (When to use: Excellent when opponent is defending against sweeps from X-Guard. The transition to 50-50 can catch them off-guard, and the toe hold grip can be established during the position change.)

Toe Hold to Heel Hook Chain: When opponent defends the toe hold by rotating with the pressure, maintain your leg control and switch your grip configuration to attack the heel hook. Your figure-four grip position is already close to heel hook configuration, requiring only minor adjustment. (When to use: Use as a backup when opponent demonstrates good toe hold defense through rotation. This creates a powerful dilemma where defending one submission opens the other.)

Same-Side Toe Hold Configuration: Instead of the figure-four grip, use both hands on the same side of the foot with your inside hand controlling toes and outside hand controlling the ankle. Rotation is achieved by turning your shoulders rather than rowing with the figure-four. (When to use: Useful when opponent is preventing your inside arm from reaching underneath for the figure-four. This configuration is slightly less powerful but can be established faster when opponent is hand fighting.)

Toe Hold from Top 50-50: When in top position of 50-50, the mechanics remain similar but your chest pressure is directed downward into their foot rather than pulling it toward you. Your body weight adds additional finishing pressure. (When to use: Natural when you achieve top position in 50-50. The downward pressure can make the submission feel tighter, but be extremely cautious as the added body weight increases injury risk if applied carelessly.)

Test Your Knowledge

Q1: What is the primary anatomical target of the toe hold from 50-50, and why is inward rotation critical? [SAFETY-CRITICAL] A: The primary target is the talocrural joint and lateral ankle ligaments (specifically the anterior talofibular and calcaneofibular ligaments). Inward rotation is critical because it places maximum stress on these lateral structures while the foot is locked in place. Outward rotation would attack different anatomical structures ineffectively and dangerously. The inward rotation creates a rotational force that the ankle joint is not designed to withstand, leading to ligament strain and joint capsule pressure that forces the tap.

Q2: Why is the figure-four grip configuration superior to gripping with both hands on the same side? A: The figure-four grip creates a closed system where the hands connect to each other, making it nearly impossible for the opponent to break the grip or extract their foot. This configuration also distributes pressure more evenly across the entire foot structure, from toes to heel, preventing slippage. Additionally, the figure-four allows you to use your inside forearm as a fulcrum or shelf under the heel and Achilles area, which enhances control and provides more mechanical advantage for the rotation. The connected hands create a stronger, more stable grip than two independent hands.

Q3: What should you do immediately if opponent taps or shows any distress signal during toe hold application? [SAFETY-CRITICAL] A: Release all rotational pressure on the foot immediately—within a fraction of a second of recognizing the tap. Do not hold pressure for even one additional moment. Maintain positional control with your legs to prevent sudden movements, but completely release the grip on the toes and stop all rotation of the foot. Allow your partner to extract their leg at their own pace without applying any counter-pressure. Check verbally with your partner before continuing training, and if pain persists beyond 30 seconds, stop training completely and assess for injury. This immediate release protocol is non-negotiable for safe training.

Q4: Describe the proper sequence of steps for establishing the toe hold from 50-50 bottom position? A: The sequence is: (1) Establish solid 50-50 control with inside leg hooking behind opponent’s knee and outside leg controlling their hip. (2) Access the foot by reaching with outside arm to grip the ball of foot and toes. (3) Establish figure-four by bringing inside arm underneath foot to grab your own wrist. (4) Adjust foot angle to perpendicular position relative to their leg. (5) Connect your chest to their foot by pulling foot to chest while driving chest to foot. (6) Apply controlled inward rotation slowly over 3-5 seconds minimum. (7) If necessary, extend hips slightly for final pressure. Each step must be completed before progressing to ensure proper control and safety.

Q5: What are the most effective opponent defenses against the toe hold from 50-50, and how should you counter them? A: The most effective defenses are: (1) Rolling or spinning with the pressure to alleviate torque—counter by using leg hooks to prevent full rotation or transition to heel hook. (2) Crossing the free foot over the trapped knee to block access—counter by controlling the free leg early or stripping it away with your free hand. (3) Hand fighting to prevent figure-four establishment—counter by using the initial toe grip as a distraction while sneaking the inside arm underneath, or using two-on-one control. (4) Counter-attacking your trapped leg with their own toe hold—counter by ensuring your 50-50 structure is sound before committing to your attack. Understanding these defenses allows you to anticipate them and adjust your approach accordingly.

Q6: Why is progressive pressure application over 3-5 seconds critical in training, and what can happen if pressure is applied too quickly? [SAFETY-CRITICAL] A: Progressive pressure application is critical because ankle ligaments and joint structures can be severely damaged very quickly—often in under one second of maximum pressure. Applying pressure slowly gives your training partner adequate time to recognize the danger, feel the pressure building, and tap safely before any damage occurs. Sudden or spiked application can cause immediate ligament tears (particularly the anterior talofibular and calcaneofibular ligaments), joint capsule rupture, or even joint dislocation before the partner can physically respond with a tap. In training, there is never a need for competition-speed application. The goal is technical mastery and safe repetition, not proving toughness or catching partners off-guard.

Q7: How does proper hip and leg positioning in 50-50 contribute to both your toe hold attack and your defense against opponent’s attacks? A: Proper hip and leg positioning creates the foundation for safe and effective toe hold attacks. Your inside leg hooking behind opponent’s knee prevents them from pulling their leg free, while your outside leg controlling their hip prevents them from rotating or escaping the position. This positional control must be maintained throughout the entire toe hold sequence—if you lose hip control while focused on the foot, the opponent can escape entirely or worse, establish their own leg attack on you. Strong 50-50 structure also protects your own trapped leg from attack, as your inside leg position makes it difficult for them to access your foot while your outside leg creates distance. The leg positioning is the defense while the arm positioning is the offense; both must be maintained simultaneously.

Training Progressions

Technical Understanding (Week 1-2) (2 weeks)

• Focus: Learn the mechanical structure of the toe hold and proper grip configurations without applying any pressure. Study the anatomy of the ankle joint and understand which structures are being attacked. Practice establishing 50-50 position and accessing the foot with compliant partners.
• Resistance: None
• Safety: Partner must have full freedom to tap and extract their leg at any time. Focus is exclusively on understanding positioning, grip mechanics, and foot angle. No rotational pressure should be applied whatsoever. Instructor supervision is mandatory.

Slow Controlled Application (Week 3-4) (2 weeks)

• Focus: Begin applying very light rotational pressure with extremely slow progression over 7-10 seconds minimum. Partner should tap early—well before feeling significant discomfort—to build the habit of early tapping. Practice release protocol repeatedly to develop instant release reflexes.
• Resistance: Zero resistance
• Safety: Both partners must communicate verbally throughout. Applier asks ‘okay?’ before each pressure increase. Defender taps at first sensation of pressure, not waiting for pain. Practice release protocol after every repetition. Maximum 3-5 repetitions per training session to prevent cumulative stress on ankle tissues.

Positional Integration (Week 5-8) (4 weeks)

• Focus: Practice entering the toe hold from various 50-50 configurations (top, bottom, after scrambles) and combining it with other leg attacks like heel hooks and straight ankle locks. Learn to recognize when toe hold is available versus when other attacks are better options. Build the complete positional system.
• Resistance: Mild resistance
• Safety: Partner provides mild resistance to grips and positioning but still taps early once figure-four and chest connection are established. Focus on smooth entries rather than forcing the submission. Continue verbal communication and limit repetitions on same ankle (switch legs frequently).

Defense and Counter Development (Week 9-12) (4 weeks)

• Focus: Both partners learn proper defensive techniques including foot extraction, rotation with pressure, counter-attacks, and escape sequences. Understand what defenses work and why. Learn to recognize when you’re caught and should tap versus when escape is still possible.
• Resistance: Realistic resistance
• Safety: This is the highest injury-risk phase as both partners are learning limits. Maintain slow application speed despite realistic defense. Defender must tap if escape attempt fails rather than enduring pressure. Attacker must release instantly at tap even if defense was almost successful. Instructor supervision recommended.

Live Training Integration (Week 13+) (Ongoing)

• Focus: Incorporate toe hold attempts into regular positional sparring from 50-50 and leg entanglement positions. Use the technique in live rolling with trusted partners who understand the safety protocols. Continue refining entries, timing, and combinations with other leg attacks.
• Resistance: Full resistance
• Safety: NEVER apply competition-speed finishing pressure in training, regardless of skill level. Always maintain 3-5 second minimum application time. Both partners must have established trust and communication. Avoid training toe holds when fatigued or with unknown partners. Respect all taps instantly without exception.

Advanced Application and Teaching (Ongoing) (Ongoing after 6+ months)

• Focus: Develop subtle variations, entries from unconventional positions, and dilemma creation by chaining toe hold with heel hook and other leg attacks. Begin teaching the technique to junior students under supervision, which deepens your understanding of safety protocols and mechanics.
• Resistance: Full resistance
• Safety: As an advanced practitioner, you have special responsibility for safety of training partners. Model perfect safety habits including slow application, instant releases, and early tapping when roles reverse. When teaching, emphasize safety over effectiveness. Never pressure students to train through discomfort or ignore early tap habits.

From Which Positions?

• 50-50 Guard
• Ashi Garami
• Inside Ashi-Garami
• Outside Ashi-Garami
• X-Guard
• Single Leg X-Guard
• Saddle
• Honey Hole

Related Submissions

• Toe Hold
• Toe Hold Variations
• Heel Hook
• Inside Heel Hook
• Outside Heel Hook
• Straight Ankle Lock
• Kneebar from 50-50
• Achilles Lock
• Estima Lock
• Calf Slicer from 50-50
• Kneebar
• Straight Footlock

Additional Related Content

• 50-50 Guard - Primary starting position for this submission - understanding 50-50 structure is prerequisite
• Heel Hook - Primary alternative attack from 50-50 - creates dilemma when chained with toe hold
• Inside Heel Hook - Natural transition when opponent defends toe hold by rotating with pressure
• Toe Hold - General toe hold principles apply - this is specific 50-50 variation
• Toe Hold Variations - Other toe hold entries and configurations for comparison and systematic development
• Straight Ankle Lock - Lower-risk leg lock alternative from 50-50 when toe hold is not available
• Ashi Garami - Related leg entanglement position with similar foot access
• Outside Ashi-Garami - Transition position that can lead to 50-50 toe hold opportunities
• Kneebar from 50-50 - Alternative finishing option from 50-50 when opponent defends foot attacks
• Saddle - Advanced transition from 50-50 when toe hold is defended - escalates to saddle position
• Danaher Leg Lock System - Systematic framework that contextualizes toe hold within complete leg attack system
• X-Guard - Entry position that can transition to 50-50 for toe hold setup

Expert Insights

• Danaher System: The toe hold from 50-50 represents a critical component of a complete leg lock system because it attacks anatomical structures that are distinct from those targeted by heel hooks and knee bars. When we examine the biomechanics, the toe hold applies rotational stress to the talocrural joint and lateral ankle ligaments—specifically the anterior talofibular and calcaneofibular ligaments—which have limited capacity to resist rotational forces. The figure-four grip configuration is mechanically superior because it creates a closed kinetic chain where the hands connect to each other, making grip breaks nearly impossible and allowing maximum force transmission from the large muscle groups of your torso to the relatively small structures of the opponent’s ankle. The critical technical detail that most practitioners miss is the necessity of establishing chest-to-foot connection before rotation; without this connection, the force vector is poorly aligned and much of your rotational power is wasted. In training, we must emphasize progressive pressure application over a minimum of 3-5 seconds, as ankle ligaments can rupture in under one second of maximum pressure—there is never an excuse for rapid application in a training environment where the goal is technical development, not injury.
• Gordon Ryan: From a competition perspective, the toe hold from 50-50 is one of my highest-percentage finishes in no-gi grappling, particularly in submission-only formats where aggressive leg attacks are rewarded. The reason it’s so effective at the highest levels is that most elite grapplers are heavily focused on defending heel hooks, which means their defensive positioning often exposes their foot to toe hold attacks—they’re so concerned about their heel that they forget about their toes. In competition, I use the toe hold to create dilemmas: if opponent defends their foot by rotating with my pressure, I immediately switch to inside heel hook since their rotation actually helps my heel hook finish. If they keep their foot rigid to defend the toe hold, then I have all the time I need to perfect my figure-four grip and finish the toe hold itself. The key competition detail is establishing the figure-four grip extremely quickly—in under 2 seconds—because elite opponents will recognize the threat and begin their escape or counter-attack immediately. However, and this is critical, even in competition I apply the finishing rotation progressively over 3-4 seconds because ankle injuries end careers and I need my training partners healthy for my own development. In the training room, I treat every toe hold like it could permanently injure my partner, because it absolutely can. The distinction between training and competition pressure is non-negotiable.
• Eddie Bravo: The toe hold from 50-50 is a perfect example of how the modern leg lock game has evolved beyond traditional limitations—old-school BJJ avoided leg locks, but now they’re essential tools that can win matches in seconds if you understand the system. What I love about the 50-50 toe hold is how it fits into the 10th Planet philosophy of creating multiple attack chains from entangled positions. We don’t just attack one submission; we’re setting up sequences where defending one thing opens another, constantly putting opponent into bad choices. From 50-50, if they defend the toe hold, we can hit the vaporizer sweep or transition to the saddle for heel hooks. If they defend the heel hook, we come back to the toe hold. It’s a constant cycle of dilemmas. One innovation we emphasize at 10th Planet is using the toe hold setup to off-balance opponents in 50-50 even when we don’t finish the submission—just the threat of the toe hold makes them react, and those reactions open up sweeps and transitions. But here’s the thing that’s absolutely non-negotiable: in training, everyone taps early and everyone releases instantly. I don’t care how tough you think you are—damaged ankles don’t heal quickly and they can affect your game permanently. We’ve built one of the strongest competition teams in the world, and part of that success is keeping our athletes healthy through intelligent training culture where safety comes first, even with dangerous submissions like toe holds.