For the past ten years, we have seen a vast evolution in leg locks. One in particular that has proven massively effective is the Aoki lock.
Here’s our beginner’s guide for understanding and executing one of the best leg locks for grappling.
The Aoki Lock: Origin and Development
The Aoki Lock, named after Japanese MMA fighter Shinya Aoki, is a unique submission in grappling and MMA that combines elements of a toe hold and a heel hook.
Known for its versatility and effectiveness, this technique targets the opponent’s ankle and foot, creating significant pressure on the ligaments and joints.
Since Aoki developed this submission, it has evolved rapidly within Jiu-Jitsu. There are now numerous entries and setups to hit this effective leg lock.
The Aoki Lock vs. Traditional Straight Ankle Locks
An Aoki lock looks almost identical to a traditional straight ankle lock. However, some key details set these techniques apart.
Foot Placement
Your arm is wrapped around your partner’s achilles in a traditional ankle lock. Their foot is trapped between your arm and your ribs with no space given.
With the Aoki lock, you place your partner’s heel on the side of your rib cage. Their toes are also slightly pointed outward, rather than directly under your armpit, with a straight ankle lock.
Fulcrum vs. Twisting
The motion of finishing a straight ankle lock is the same as a fulcrum movement. You tighten up and arch your body backward to flex your partner’s foot.
The movement of an Aoki is more of a twisting motion than cranking straight backward. Since the angle of the foot is different, the toes move outward, and the heel goes inward when you crank.
The submission feels like a mixture of an ankle lock, heel hook, and toe hold all in one.
How to Execute the Aoki Lock
The Aoki lock is easy to learn and effective, but you must remember the essential details. Here’s every step you need to know to execute this submission.
Control the Leg
Start from a position where you can access your opponent’s leg—this could be from half guard, an open guard, or even when they attempt to stand up or disengage.
The best position to get the Aoki is from a double butterfly hook. Your outside foot hooks under your partner’s knee, and your inside foot hooks under your top leg for support.
This leg entanglement allows you to flex your partner’s knee outward and create an angle for the submission.
Foot Positioning
The Aoki has a specific foot positioning that is different from a regular ankle lock. Your partner’s heel needs to be placed on the side of your ribs while their toes are angled slightly to the outside.
You also need to trap your partner’s toes with your arm to keep the foot in place.
The Grip
You can use whatever grip is more comfortable for you, such as a palm-on-palm, hand-on-wrist, or figure-four grip.
One great grip variation that you can use is the v-grip. Putting a v-grip on your partner’s heel with your inside hand will prevent them from lifting their heel up and alleviating pressure.
The Finish
Finishing the Aoki lock requires two essential details. Your outside butterfly hook flexes your partner’s knee as your body twists inward.
When you do the submission correctly, it feels like a combination of a toe hold, heel hook, and ankle lock.
The Legality of the Aoki Lock
The legality of the submission in IBJJF competition can be tricky. This question was asked on The Reddit r/bjj forum, and luckily, an IBJJF referee gave a great answer.
“IBJJF ref here, this is how I judge the position after I asked for clarification. If you sit straight back and finish the Aoki lock, it attacks the inner ankle joint/foot(legal). If you rotate the foot outward during the finish, it’s an inside heel hook(illegal).-RazorFrazer
Practicing Safely
Leg locks, especially the Aoki Lock, can cause serious injury if applied too forcefully. Make sure to communicate with training partners about tap limits, and always err on the side of caution when applying pressure in drills.
Working with experienced instructors and partners who are familiar with leg locks can make practicing the Aoki Lock safer and more effective.
Bobby is martial artist for almost 20 years with a BJJ black belt under Professor Sergio Miranda. He is also a karate black and former combat sports athlete, who loves all things grappling.