Best Leg Lock Instructionals for BJJ

The Leg Lock Revolution

Before John Danaher and the Danaher Death Squad, leg locks were considered low-percentage, unsystematic attacks used primarily by unorthodox competitors. That perception changed completely starting around 2015-2016 when Gordon Ryan, Garry Tonon, Eddie Cummings, and other Danaher students began submitting world-class grapplers consistently with heel hooks and other leg attacks. Today, no serious no-gi competitor can afford to ignore the leg lock game.

The good news: the instructionals that drove this revolution are available to everyone.

#1: John Danaher — Leg Lock Anthology: Enter the System

This is the definitive leg lock instructional. Period. Danaher's "Leg Lock Anthology" covers the entire leg attack system from first principles: why the ashi garami positions create mechanical advantage, how to enter leg entanglements from standing and from guard, how to finish heel hooks, straight ankle locks, and kneebars with correct body mechanics, and how to deal with the defensive reactions that modern leg lock defenders use.

It's long. Very long. But every minute rewards serious students. This is graduate-level instruction that requires mat time to process — expect to return to it multiple times as your leg lock game develops.

#2: Craig Jones — Z-Guard and Leg Attacks

Craig Jones is one of the best leg lock competitors in the world and arguably the most entertaining instructor in BJJ. His Z-guard (half guard variation with knee shield and leg lock entries) series is outstanding — showing how to connect the position to heel hooks, kneebars, and calf slicers with natural, flowing transitions. Jones' casual, humorous style makes complex material more digestible than Danaher's lecture format.

His "Leg Lock Formula" instructional is particularly strong for students who've already grasped the basics and want to learn how to chain leg lock attempts into complete offensive sequences.

#3: Lachlan Giles — The High Percentage Heel Hook

Lachlan Giles became famous at ADCC 2019 when, in a single night, he submitted three opponents in the absolute division using heel hooks — including much larger opponents who were ranked higher. His heel hook instructional documents exactly the system he used that night: outside heel hook entries, body positioning to prevent escapes, and the finishing mechanics that make his heel hooks so reliable.

This is technically excellent instruction with clear biomechanical reasoning behind every detail.

#4: Gordon Ryan — Attacking the Guard with Leg Locks

Gordon Ryan's leg lock instruction focuses on how to enter leg attacks from guard passing situations — a critical skill that most leg lock instructionals don't address. He covers how passing attempts can be converted into leg entanglements, how to use the backstep to create inside heel hook positions, and how to close out heel hooks against experienced defenders who understand the escape mechanics.

Understanding Leg Lock Positions

Before studying finishing mechanics, you need to understand the foundational leg entanglement positions:

• Straight ashi garami (outside ashi) — The most accessible leg entanglement, enables straight ankle lock and kneebar.
• Inside sankaku (inside heel hook position) — The most dangerous entanglement; creates inside heel hook access.
• Outside heel hook position — Created via backstep or outside ashi; enables outside heel hook.
• 50/50 guard — Symmetrical leg entanglement; both athletes have equal heel hook access. Requires understanding the tie-breaking hierarchy.
• Honey hole (saddle) — One of the most secure inside heel hook positions; very difficult to escape.

Safety First: Leg Locks and Training Culture

Heel hooks — especially inside heel hooks — can injure training partners before they feel pain, because the damage to the knee is often ahead of the tap. Train these techniques with experienced, trustworthy partners. Use slow, controlled finishing pressure and give verbal warnings when approaching the finish. Establish clear training agreements about leg lock intensity before rolling.

Many academies have a structured leg lock curriculum with safety guidelines. If yours doesn't, advocate for one.

AIBJJ's training journal lets you note which training partners you're comfortable going leg locks with and at what intensity — useful context for planning training sessions.

Leg Lock Defense Instructionals

Defense is as important as offense. Dean Lister's early leg lock defense instructionals and Lachlan Giles' guard retention work contain excellent defensive sections. Key defensive concepts: don't straighten your leg when caught, learn the "roll" exit from straight ashi, and understand the heel hook escape window before the position is too deep.

Gi Leg Locks

Heel hooks are illegal in most gi competitions (IBJJF rules). Gi leg locks are primarily straight ankle locks and kneebars (allowed at brown/black belt in IBJJF). The toehold, while legal at some levels, requires specific technique to avoid knee damage. If you compete in IBJJF-format gi tournaments, focus your leg lock study on straight ankle locks and kneebar entries rather than heel hooks.

How Long Does It Take to Develop a Leg Lock Game?

Most students with consistent mat time can develop functional straight ankle locks within a few months. Inside heel hooks require more positional understanding and typically take 6-12 months of focused work to use reliably at a competitive level. The Danaher system rewards patient, systematic study — rushing through it to get to the "cool" heel hooks is a mistake. Build the positions before the finishes.