Toe Hold from Top

⚠️ SAFETY: Toe Hold from Top targets the Ankle and knee ligaments (lateral ankle complex, medial collateral ligament). Risk: Ankle ligament tears (lateral collateral ligament complex). Release immediately upon tap.

The Toe Hold from Top is a fundamental leg lock submission that attacks the ankle and knee simultaneously through a figure-four grip configuration. This technique is particularly effective from various top leg entanglement positions including Ashi Garami, Outside Ashi, and 50-50 Guard. The toe hold creates a combined rotational and hyperextension force on the ankle while placing significant stress on the knee’s medial collateral ligament (MCL), making it one of the most versatile and dangerous leg attacks in modern Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Unlike straight ankle locks that primarily target the Achilles tendon, the toe hold’s rotational component affects multiple joint structures simultaneously, which is why it requires extremely careful application in training. The submission works by controlling the opponent’s leg with your legs (typically in an Ashi Garami configuration) while your arms create a figure-four grip around the foot. The finishing mechanism involves pulling the heel toward you while rotating the toe away from the opponent’s centerline, creating a spiraling pressure that attacks both the ankle’s lateral ligaments and the knee’s MCL.

The toe hold’s effectiveness comes from its ability to be applied from dominant top positions where you maintain postural control and can prevent the opponent from rolling or countering. This makes it a favored attack for competitors who specialize in leg lock systems, as it can be seamlessly integrated into sequences with heel hooks, knee bars, and ankle locks. Understanding the proper safety protocols and progressive training methodology is absolutely essential, as the toe hold can cause severe ankle and knee injuries if applied with competition speed or intensity during practice sessions.

Category: Joint Lock Type: Leg Lock Target Area: Ankle and knee ligaments (lateral ankle complex, medial collateral ligament) Starting Position: Inside Ashi-Garami Success Rates: Beginner 35%, Intermediate 50%, Advanced 65%

Safety Guide

Injury Risks:

Injury	Severity	Recovery Time
Ankle ligament tears (lateral collateral ligament complex)	High	4-8 weeks for grade 2 sprain, 3-6 months for complete tear
Medial collateral ligament (MCL) damage to knee	CRITICAL	6-12 weeks for grade 2 sprain, 4-9 months for complete tear, possible surgery
Talofibular ligament rupture	High	6-12 weeks, chronic instability possible
Peroneal nerve damage from excessive rotation	Medium	2-6 months, potential permanent numbness
Fibula fracture (rare but documented)	CRITICAL	3-6 months, surgical intervention required

Application Speed: EXTREMELY SLOW and progressive - 5-7 seconds minimum application time in training, with constant communication

Tap Signals:

• Verbal tap (primary safety signal)
• Physical hand tap on partner or mat
• Physical foot tap with free leg
• Any distress vocalization or signal
• Slapping mat repeatedly

Release Protocol:

1. Immediately stop all rotational pressure upon tap signal
2. Release figure-four grip completely before releasing leg entanglement
3. Allow opponent to externally rotate their foot back to neutral position
4. Maintain leg control but remove all pressure for 2-3 seconds
5. Only fully disengage after confirming opponent’s safety
6. Check with partner verbally after release

Training Restrictions:

• Never spike, jerk, or apply sudden rotational force to the submission
• Never use competition speed or intensity during training
• Always allow training partner access to tap with hands
• Never practice on partners with previous ankle or knee injuries without clearance
• Avoid practicing on new practitioners (white belts) until blue belt minimum
• Never combine with rapid positional transitions that increase torque

Key Principles

• Maintain superior leg position (Ashi Garami or variation) before attempting the submission to prevent opponent’s escape or counter-rotation
• Establish the figure-four grip with proper hand placement: palm-to-palm or gable grip, never finger-locked which can cause hand injuries
• Control the heel by pulling it toward your chest while simultaneously rotating the toe away from opponent’s centerline - this creates the dual-axis pressure
• Keep your hips close to opponent’s hip to prevent them from creating distance and relieving pressure on the ankle and knee
• Apply rotational pressure gradually and progressively, never with jerking or spiking motions that could cause catastrophic ligament damage
• Monitor opponent’s knee alignment constantly - if the knee elevates or twists excessively, reduce pressure immediately to prevent MCL injury
• Maintain postural control by keeping your head and shoulders elevated, preventing opponent from accessing your upper body for counters

Prerequisites

• Establish leg entanglement position (Ashi Garami, Outside Ashi, 50-50, or Saddle variation) with opponent’s leg controlled between your legs
• Control opponent’s trapped leg by clamping your knees together, preventing them from retracting their leg or creating space
• Secure inside position with your bottom leg hooking across opponent’s hip to prevent them from turning away or extracting their leg
• Break opponent’s defensive grips on their own foot or your legs - this often requires grip fighting and hand positioning work
• Position opponent’s knee in slight flexion (not fully extended) to maximize pressure on MCL while maintaining control
• Maintain hip-to-hip connection to prevent opponent from creating distance through posture or movement
• Establish proper angle so opponent’s foot is accessible for the figure-four grip without overextending your own position
• Ensure opponent cannot establish strong posting with their free leg that would allow them to elevate and escape

Execution Steps

1. Secure leg entanglement foundation: From your top position in Ashi Garami or Outside Ashi, clamp your knees tightly together around opponent’s trapped leg. Your bottom leg should hook across their hip (inside position) while your top leg crosses over their thigh. This creates the fundamental control structure that prevents leg extraction. Your hips should be close to their hip, eliminating space that would allow them to turn or escape. (Timing: Initial control phase: 2-3 seconds) [Pressure: Moderate]
2. Break opponent’s defensive grips: Most opponents will immediately grip their own foot or ankle to defend the toe hold. Use your hands to strip these grips by peeling their fingers away or by controlling their wrists and pulling them away from the danger zone. Alternatively, if they’re gripping your legs, break these grips using circular hand movements or by suddenly changing your leg position to compromise their grip strength. (Timing: Grip fighting phase: 3-5 seconds) [Pressure: Light]
3. Establish figure-four grip on the foot: Cup the ball of opponent’s foot with your hand closest to their foot (usually your right hand if controlling their right leg). Your palm should contact the metatarsal area while your fingers wrap around the top of the foot. Your other hand reaches under their ankle and grasps the wrist of your first hand, creating the figure-four configuration. Use either a palm-to-palm grip or gable grip - never interlace fingers as this can cause finger injuries during the finish. (Timing: Grip establishment: 2-3 seconds) [Pressure: Light]
4. Adjust hip position for optimal leverage: Before applying finishing pressure, slide your hips slightly forward and ensure they remain connected to opponent’s hip. Your body should form approximately a 90-degree angle to their trapped leg. This positioning maximizes your leverage for the rotational component while preventing them from sitting up or changing angles to relieve pressure. Keep your head and shoulders elevated, maintaining visual contact with their leg and knee. (Timing: Positional adjustment: 1-2 seconds) [Pressure: Moderate]
5. Initiate heel pull toward your chest: Begin pulling the opponent’s heel toward your chest by flexing your arms, as if performing a bicep curl. This creates the initial pressure on the ankle by hyperextending it. The pull should be smooth and controlled, not jerky. Your elbows should stay tight to your torso for maximum leverage. This phase alone can finish some opponents, especially if they have previous ankle injuries or limited ankle mobility. (Timing: Initial pressure application: 3-5 seconds in training) [Pressure: Moderate]
6. Apply external rotation to the toe: While maintaining the heel pull, begin rotating the toe away from opponent’s centerline by turning your wrists and forearms as if turning a steering wheel. This external rotation is what differentiates the toe hold from a straight ankle lock and creates the dangerous torque on the MCL. The rotation should be extremely gradual in training - imagine turning a dial rather than wrenching a bolt. Monitor opponent’s knee constantly during this phase. (Timing: Rotational pressure: 5-7 seconds minimum in training) [Pressure: Firm]
7. Combine heel pull and rotation for finish: The final finishing phase involves simultaneously pulling the heel toward your chest while continuing the external rotation of the toe. This creates a spiraling pressure that attacks the ankle’s lateral ligaments and the knee’s MCL simultaneously. In training, apply this pressure extremely slowly and progressively over 5-7 seconds minimum, constantly communicating with your partner and stopping at the first sign of discomfort. In competition, the finish can be faster but must still be controlled to avoid referee stoppage for dangerous technique application. (Timing: Final submission phase: 5-7 seconds in training, 2-3 seconds in competition) [Pressure: Maximum]

Opponent Defenses

• Gripping their own foot with both hands to prevent figure-four grip establishment (Effectiveness: High) - Your Adjustment: Focus on stripping one grip at a time using circular hand motions, or attack the heel hook temporarily to force them to release their defensive grips and defend the more dangerous attack, then transition back to the toe hold when their hands are occupied
• Rolling toward the toe hold direction to relieve rotational pressure (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Adjustment: Maintain tight hip connection and follow their roll while keeping the figure-four grip locked. Often their roll will actually increase the pressure if you maintain control. Alternatively, transition to heel hook as they expose it during the roll
• Pulling their trapped leg out by extending their hip and retracting their knee (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Adjustment: Tighten your knee clamp immediately and pull your hips closer to theirs to eliminate the space needed for leg extraction. If they create significant distance, transition to attacking their other leg or adjust to a different leg entanglement position
• Sitting up and attacking your upper body with collar grips or guillotine attempts (Effectiveness: Low) - Your Adjustment: Maintain elevated posture with head and shoulders high, making it difficult for them to reach your upper body. Use your free hand to frame against their chest or control their collar to prevent them from closing distance. The toe hold works effectively even if they sit up partially
• Using their free leg to push on your hip or shoulder to create distance (Effectiveness: High) - Your Adjustment: Triangle your legs tighter and drive your hips forward to counteract their pushing pressure. You can also temporarily release one arm from the figure-four to push their free leg away or control it, then re-establish the toe hold grip once the threat is neutralized
• Externally rotating their foot before you can apply internal rotation pressure (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Adjustment: If they beat you to the rotation, you can either follow their rotation and increase it beyond their comfortable range, or transition to straight ankle lock by adjusting your grip position to the Achilles tendon instead of maintaining the figure-four on the foot

Common Mistakes

• Mistake: Applying the rotational pressure too quickly or with jerking motions [CRITICAL DANGER]
  • Consequence: Catastrophic ankle ligament tears, MCL ruptures, or fibula fractures that can end training careers
  • Correction: In training, apply all rotational pressure over a minimum 5-7 second window with smooth, progressive force. Imagine slowly turning a dial rather than quickly wrenching a bolt. Always communicate with your training partner during application
• Mistake: Establishing the figure-four grip too far up the leg (on the shin instead of foot) [Low DANGER]
  • Consequence: Loss of submission leverage, inability to create sufficient rotational pressure, and potential for opponent to escape by simply retracting their leg
  • Correction: Ensure your hand cups the ball of the foot specifically (metatarsal area), not the ankle or lower shin. The figure-four should encircle the foot itself for maximum control and leverage
• Mistake: Allowing space to develop between your hips and opponent’s hip [Medium DANGER]
  • Consequence: Opponent can create distance and relieve pressure on the submission, or fully extract their leg to escape the entanglement entirely
  • Correction: Actively pull your hips forward to maintain hip-to-hip connection throughout the entire submission sequence. Think of this as ‘closing the door’ that would allow them to escape
• Mistake: Failing to control opponent’s free leg, allowing them to push and create leverage [Medium DANGER]
  • Consequence: Opponent uses their free leg to push on your hip, shoulder, or head to create distance and escape, or to turn into you and attack your upper body
  • Correction: Keep your legs triangled tightly and maintain elevated posture. If their free leg becomes problematic, use your free hand to push it away or control it temporarily before re-engaging the submission
• Mistake: Gripping with interlaced fingers in the figure-four configuration [High DANGER]
  • Consequence: Finger injuries when opponent resists or when you apply finishing pressure - fingers can hyperextend or dislocate
  • Correction: Always use either palm-to-palm grip or gable grip (thumb-side wrist to thumb-side wrist). Never interlace fingers in any leg lock submission
• Mistake: Focusing only on heel pull without incorporating rotational pressure [Low DANGER]
  • Consequence: The submission becomes essentially a weak straight ankle lock without the dangerous rotational component that makes the toe hold effective against high-level opponents
  • Correction: The power of the toe hold comes from the combination of heel pull AND toe rotation. Both components must be applied simultaneously during the finishing phase for maximum effectiveness
• Mistake: Attempting toe hold when opponent’s knee is fully extended [Medium DANGER]
  • Consequence: Reduced pressure on the MCL and decreased submission effectiveness, plus opponent can more easily extract their leg when fully extended
  • Correction: Ensure opponent’s knee maintains slight flexion (bent position) throughout the submission. This maximizes MCL vulnerability and maintains your positional control
• Mistake: Releasing leg control before fully establishing the figure-four grip [Low DANGER]
  • Consequence: Opponent immediately retracts their leg and escapes the entire position before you can threaten the submission
  • Correction: Maintain tight knee clamp and inside leg position throughout the grip establishment phase. Never loosen your leg control until the figure-four is completely locked in place

Variations

Toe Hold from Outside Ashi Garami: From Outside Ashi position where your outside leg crosses over opponent’s thigh, establish the toe hold using the same figure-four mechanics. This variation provides excellent control and prevents opponent from rolling into you to escape. (When to use: When opponent defends inside Ashi by turning their knee away, or when you’ve entered leg entanglement from a leg drag or knee cut passing position)

Toe Hold from 50-50 Guard: In the 50-50 position where both practitioners have their legs entangled symmetrically, the toe hold can be applied while simultaneously defending opponent’s attacks on your leg. This creates a race situation common in competition. (When to use: When engaged in 50-50 guard battles, particularly in no-gi competition where heel hooks may be illegal but toe holds are permitted)

Toe Hold from Saddle Position: From the Saddle position where opponent’s leg is between yours in a crossed configuration, the toe hold serves as an alternative to the heel hook. Often used when opponent successfully defends their heel by hiding it. (When to use: When in Saddle position but opponent effectively hides their heel using defensive positioning, making heel hook difficult to access)

Belly-Down Toe Hold: After establishing the figure-four grip from top position, turn your body belly-down while maintaining the foot control. This variation adds significant pressure and makes it nearly impossible for opponent to sit up and counter-attack. (When to use: When opponent is defending by sitting up and attacking your upper body, or when you need maximum pressure for a finish against a flexible opponent)

Toe Hold from Headquarters Position: While passing opponent’s knee shield or from headquarters position, trap their bottom leg and establish the toe hold as a submission rather than completing the pass. This catches opponents who are focused on guard retention. (When to use: When passing half guard or knee shield and opponent extends their bottom leg in an attempt to re-guard, creating toe hold opportunity)

Rolling Toe Hold Entry: From standing or during scrambles, dive underneath opponent’s leg and establish the toe hold while rolling through. This dynamic entry is common in modern leg lock systems. (When to use: During scrambles, when opponent is standing and you’re seated, or when transitioning from failed guard passing attempts)

Test Your Knowledge

Q1: What are the two primary joint structures that the toe hold attacks, and why does this make it more dangerous than a straight ankle lock? [SAFETY-CRITICAL] A: The toe hold attacks both the ankle’s lateral ligament complex AND the knee’s medial collateral ligament (MCL) simultaneously through its combined hyperextension and rotational mechanism. Unlike a straight ankle lock which primarily targets the Achilles tendon and ankle in one plane of motion, the toe hold’s rotational component creates spiraling force that affects multiple joint structures at once, making injury more likely if applied with excessive speed or force.

Q2: Why must rotational pressure in the toe hold be applied extremely slowly during training, and what is the recommended minimum application time? [SAFETY-CRITICAL] A: Rotational pressure must be applied slowly (minimum 5-7 seconds in training) because the ankle and knee ligaments can tear catastrophically with sudden rotational force. Unlike chokes where there’s a gradual progression of discomfort before unconsciousness, or joint locks with clear pain feedback, the toe hold can cause severe ligament damage before the opponent feels significant pain due to the rotational mechanics affecting multiple structures. Slow, progressive application allows training partners to feel the danger and tap safely before injury occurs.

Q3: Describe the proper hand positioning for the figure-four grip in a toe hold, and explain why interlacing fingers is dangerous? A: The proper figure-four grip involves one hand cupping the ball of the opponent’s foot (metatarsal area) while the other hand reaches under the ankle and grasps the wrist of the first hand, using either a palm-to-palm or gable grip configuration. Interlacing fingers is dangerous because when finishing pressure is applied or when the opponent resists, the fingers can hyperextend or dislocate. The palm-to-palm or gable grip provides secure control while protecting the fingers from injury during the intense forces involved in the submission.

Q4: What is the purpose of maintaining hip-to-hip connection during toe hold application, and what happens if this connection is lost? A: Maintaining hip-to-hip connection prevents the opponent from creating distance between their hip and yours, which is essential for two reasons: First, if space develops, the opponent can relieve pressure on the submission by changing the angle of their leg relative to your body. Second, and more critically, space allows them to fully extract their leg from your entanglement and escape the position entirely. The hip connection ‘closes the door’ on their primary escape route while maximizing your leverage for the rotational finishing mechanics.

Q5: Explain the biomechanical difference between the heel pull and toe rotation components of the toe hold, and why both must be applied simultaneously for maximum effectiveness? A: The heel pull component creates hyperextension of the ankle by pulling the heel toward your chest, primarily attacking the anterior ankle structures and Achilles tendon. The toe rotation component externally rotates the foot, creating torsional stress on the ankle’s lateral ligaments and the knee’s MCL. When applied simultaneously, these two forces create a spiraling pressure that attacks multiple joint structures from different angles, making the submission extremely difficult to defend and highly effective even against flexible opponents. Using only one component significantly reduces the submission’s effectiveness.

Q6: How should you respond when an opponent defends the toe hold by gripping their own foot with both hands, and why is this defense initially effective? A: When opponent grips their own foot, they create a barrier preventing you from establishing the figure-four grip and can also reduce the rotational pressure even if you do secure the position. The effective counter is to strip one grip at a time using circular hand motions to break their hold, or to temporarily threaten a heel hook which forces them to release their defensive grips to defend the more dangerous attack. Once their hands are occupied defending the heel hook, you can transition back to the toe hold. This defense works initially because their arm strength combined with their ability to monitor exactly where you’re gripping gives them a significant advantage in the hand fighting battle.

Q7: What are the immediate steps you must take upon receiving a tap signal during toe hold application, and why is the sequence of release important? [SAFETY-CRITICAL] A: Upon receiving a tap signal, you must: (1) Immediately stop all rotational pressure, (2) Release the figure-four grip completely while still controlling the leg with your legs, (3) Allow the opponent to externally rotate their foot back to neutral position, (4) Maintain leg control but remove all pressure for 2-3 seconds, (5) Fully disengage only after confirming opponent’s safety, and (6) Check verbally with your partner. This sequence is important because releasing the leg control before releasing the figure-four grip can cause the opponent’s leg to snap back suddenly, potentially causing injury. Allowing them to return their foot to neutral position under their own control prevents additional rotational stress during the release phase.

Training Progressions

Technical Understanding Phase (Week 1-2)

• Focus: Learning proper grip mechanics, understanding injury mechanisms, and developing safety awareness. Practice establishing figure-four grip on compliant partner without applying any finishing pressure. Study anatomy of ankle and knee to understand which structures are vulnerable.
• Resistance: None
• Safety: Memorize all tap signals and release protocols. Discuss injury risks with instructor and training partners. Practice grip establishment slowly with constant verbal communication. No rotational pressure applied during this phase - focus is purely on positional mechanics and safety awareness.

Slow Technical Practice Phase (Week 3-4)

• Focus: Begin applying very light rotational pressure with 7-10 second application time. Partner should tap early at first sign of discomfort. Practice from stable top positions (Ashi Garami, Outside Ashi) with partner in defensive posture. Emphasize smooth, progressive pressure application.
• Resistance: Zero resistance
• Safety: Partner must tap at 20-30% of maximum pressure tolerance. Practice verbal communication throughout: attacker should announce ‘applying pressure now’ before beginning rotation. Both partners should develop awareness of what safe pressure application feels like. Never exceed light pressure during this phase.

Positional Integration Phase (Week 5-8)

• Focus: Practice entering toe hold from various leg entanglement positions including transitions from other leg attacks. Begin addressing basic defenses like grip fighting and leg retraction. Maintain slow application (5-7 seconds minimum) but practice full submission sequence including grip breaks and positional adjustments.
• Resistance: Mild resistance
• Safety: Partner provides light defensive resistance (gripping their own foot, attempting to create distance) but still taps early. Continue communicating throughout the technique. Begin recognizing the difference between position control and submission finishing - never rush the finishing phase even when position is secure.

Defensive Integration Phase (Week 9-12)

• Focus: Partner begins using realistic defensive strategies including rolling, sitting up, and attacking upper body. Practice maintaining control and finishing despite increased movement. Begin drilling from scramble situations and during transitions. Application time can reduce to 5 seconds minimum as both partners develop better awareness.
• Resistance: Realistic resistance
• Safety: Even with realistic defensive resistance, finishing pressure must remain slow and controlled. Partners should tap when they feel pressure building rather than waiting for pain. Practice recognizing when opponent’s defensive movement actually increases submission danger (like rolling into the toe hold) and reduce pressure immediately when this occurs.

Competitive Application Phase (Week 13+)

• Focus: Practice toe hold during positional sparring focusing on leg entanglements. Allow full resistance but maintain safety-first mindset. Begin recognizing when to abandon toe hold attempt in favor of position retention or other attacks. Develop timing for toe hold attacks within broader leg lock sequences.
• Resistance: Full resistance
• Safety: During live training, both partners must maintain heightened safety awareness. Attacker should still apply pressure progressively (3-5 second minimum) and defender must tap early rather than testing their pain tolerance. Instructor supervision recommended during this phase. Both partners should err on the side of caution - better to release a submission early than to injure your training partner.

Ongoing Mastery and Teaching Phase (Ongoing)

• Focus: Refine finishing mechanics, develop setups from dynamic situations, integrate toe hold into complete leg lock system including heel hooks and knee bars. Begin teaching technique to junior students with emphasis on safety protocols. Study competition footage to understand high-level application while maintaining training safety standards.
• Resistance: Full resistance
• Safety: As skill level increases, safety awareness must also increase proportionally. Advanced practitioners should model perfect safety behavior for junior students. Never demonstrate or practice techniques in ways that could normalize unsafe behavior. Remember that competition application differs from training application - in competition you finish faster, but in training you must always prioritize partner safety over submission completion. Experienced practitioners should check in with training partners before and after practicing leg locks to ensure no lingering discomfort or injury.

From Which Positions?

• Inside Ashi-Garami
• Outside Ashi-Garami
• 50-50 Guard
• Saddle
• Cross Ashi-Garami
• Single Leg X-Guard
• Headquarters Position
• Knee Shield Half Guard
• Deep Half Guard
• Reverse De La Riva Guard

Related Submissions

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

Additional Related Content

• Inside Ashi-Garami - Primary starting position for toe hold application with fundamental leg control structure
• Outside Ashi-Garami - Alternative starting position providing excellent toe hold control and preventing opponent’s counter-rotation
• Saddle - Advanced leg entanglement position where toe hold serves as alternative to heel hook when heel is defended
• 50-50 Guard - Symmetrical entanglement position where toe hold can be applied in competitive race situations
• Heel Hook - More dangerous leg lock that shares similar positions and can be used to set up or chain with toe hold attacks
• Straight Ankle Lock - Related foot lock submission that can be transitioned to from toe hold if rotation is unsuccessful
• Kneebar from Top - Alternative leg lock that attacks same leg from similar positions, often used in combination sequences
• Leg Entanglement - Conceptual framework for understanding the positional control required before attempting toe hold
• Danaher Leg Lock System - Systematic approach to leg locks that integrates toe hold within broader attacking sequences and positional hierarchy
• Craig Jones Leg Lock System - Modern leg lock methodology emphasizing toe hold as part of complete leg attack system with dynamic entries

Expert Insights

• Danaher System: The toe hold represents a fascinating study in biomechanical efficiency and joint manipulation theory. What makes this submission particularly dangerous - and thus requiring our utmost respect in training - is its dual-axis attack mechanism. While a straight ankle lock creates force primarily along one vector (hyperextension of the ankle), the toe hold adds a second vector through external rotation, creating what I describe as a ‘spiraling pressure system’ that attacks both the ankle’s lateral ligament complex and the knee’s medial collateral ligament simultaneously. This is why the toe hold can succeed even against extremely flexible opponents who might easily escape straight ankle locks. From a systematic perspective, the toe hold serves as the ‘connector’ in our leg lock hierarchy - it bridges the gap between relatively safe straight ankle locks and the extremely dangerous heel hooks. In our system, we teach students to use the toe hold threat to create defensive reactions that open up heel hook opportunities, or conversely, to transition to toe hold when the heel hook is well-defended. The key technical point that most practitioners miss is the absolute necessity of maintaining hip-to-hip connection throughout the submission sequence. Without this connection, you lose both positional control and finishing leverage. In training, I insist on 7-10 second application times minimum for the rotational component, as ankle and knee ligaments can rupture before pain signals adequately warn the defender. The toe hold should be taught as a master class in controlled aggression - devastating in its effectiveness when properly applied, but requiring surgical precision and ethical responsibility in its practice.
• Gordon Ryan: In competition, the toe hold is one of my highest-percentage finishes from leg entanglement positions because it works against every skill level when executed correctly. What makes it competition-viable is that you can maintain dominant position while finishing - unlike some leg locks where you’re in more neutral or even disadvantaged positions. From Outside Ashi specifically, I can apply the toe hold while completely controlling my opponent’s ability to counter or escape, which is why it’s been successful for me in ADCC and other high-level competitions. The mistake I see most competitors make is they try to rush the finish, which actually reduces your success rate because the opponent can feel the jerky pressure and defend or roll with it. Even in competition where time is limited, I apply the toe hold with smooth, progressive pressure - just faster than in training (2-3 seconds versus 5-7 seconds). The setup is everything: if you’re fighting to maintain the leg entanglement while trying to finish, you’re already behind. I establish dominant position first, break their defensive grips systematically, then finish when they have no defensive options remaining. Against elite opponents who defend their heels really well, the toe hold becomes even more valuable because they often over-commit to heel protection and neglect their toe hold defense. I’ve finished multiple black belt world champions with toe holds simply because they were so focused on hiding their heel. One critical competition detail: watch the opponent’s free leg religiously. If they get that leg into position to push your hip or shoulder effectively, you lose the finish. I often use my free hand to post against their free leg or even triangle my legs differently to neutralize this threat before committing fully to the submission. In training versus competition, the difference is application speed and commitment level - in training I’m extremely cautious and tap my partners early before full pressure, but in competition I’m finishing the toe hold with maximum committed pressure the instant I feel it locked in properly.
• Eddie Bravo: The toe hold is absolutely crucial in the 10th Planet system, especially in no-gi where everything is more slippery and dynamic. What I love about this submission is how it complements our leg lock game in situations where heel hooks might be illegal or when we need a quick finish from scramble positions. In our system, we emphasize entering the toe hold from unconventional angles that opponents don’t typically train for - like hitting it during the transition from Lockdown half guard when they’re trying to pass, or catching it during a failed Electric Chair attempt. The creativity comes from recognizing that any time opponent’s foot is isolated and you have any kind of leg control, there’s potential for a toe hold finish. We teach variations like the belly-down toe hold which adds tremendous pressure and makes it almost impossible for opponent to sit up and counter, which is huge in 10th Planet’s philosophy of maintaining dominant control throughout submissions. Safety-wise, this is one technique where we’re absolutely militant about slow application in training. I’ve seen too many ankle and knee injuries from people cranking toe holds, and it’s completely unnecessary. In our gym, we drill toe holds with the understanding that this is a finishing technique in competition but a learning technique in training - meaning we focus on achieving the position and feeling the mechanics rather than testing our partner’s pain tolerance. One innovation we’ve developed is chaining the toe hold with other leg attacks in rapid sequences: threaten the toe hold to get a defensive reaction, then immediately switch to a kneebar or calf slicer when they defend. The toe hold also works beautifully when combined with our Twister system - if they defend the Twister by straightening their legs, you can often snatch a toe hold on the bottom leg. The key is to be creative and opportunistic, always looking for that foot isolation moment, but to balance that aggression with absolute respect for your training partner’s safety. We’re not trying to hurt people in practice; we’re trying to develop wickedly effective techniques that work under competition pressure while keeping everyone healthy enough to train consistently.