Straight Ankle Lock

What is the Straight Ankle Lock? (Definition & Historical Context)

The straight ankle lock, also known as the Achilles lock, straight foot lock, or "Botinha," is a linear leg submission in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) that targets an opponent's ankle joint and Achilles tendon. Despite the term "lock," this submission specifically attacks the ankle rather than the arm or knee. Historically, traditional BJJ emphasized positional dominance, chokes, and arm locks, placing less importance on leg submissions. However, early pioneers like Helio Gracie effectively utilized the straight ankle lock in 1930s vale tudo matches. Practitioners from the Oswaldo Fadda lineage also prominently employed foot locks during the 1950s. Around 2010, the technique experienced a significant resurgence due to innovations introduced by Rodrigo Cavaca, who popularized the refined "Botinha" variation, incorporating lapel grips from the 50/50 Guard.

Biomechanics of the Straight Ankle Lock

The straight ankle lock targets the talocrural joint by forcing the opponent's foot into excessive plantarflexion (pointing the toes downward). This submission primarily affects the Achilles tendon, ankle ligaments, and joint capsule. The attacker's forearm serves as a fulcrum positioned just above the opponent's heel, while the opponent's foot acts as the lever. When executed correctly, the straight ankle lock can cause ligament tears or even ankle dislocation. Effective application requires removing all slack from the joint before applying forceful anterior pressure with the hips, destabilizing the ankle joint and compelling submission.

Step-by-Step Guide: Applying the Straight Ankle Lock from Ashi Garami

1. Establish the Ashi Garami (Single Leg X Guard) by placing your outside foot firmly on your opponent's hip and threading your other leg around their trapped leg to control their knee and hip.
2. Secure a tight grip by positioning the blade of your forearm just above your opponent's heel, directly against their Achilles tendon.
3. Clamp your armpit tightly over your opponent's foot, ensuring the top of their foot is deeply tucked under your arm.
4. Fall slightly onto your side or belly-down, dropping your shoulder toward the mat to maximize leverage.
5. Finish the submission by arching your back, driving your hips forward, and pulling your grip upward toward your chest, applying intense pressure to the ankle joint.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying the Straight Ankle Lock

Incorrect Forearm Placement

Placing your forearm too high on the calf or too shallow reduces leverage and effectiveness. Always position the blade of your forearm just above your opponent's heel.

Lack of Knee and Hip Control

Failing to isolate your opponent's knee and hip allows them to escape or counter. Maintain tight leg entanglement and consistent knee control throughout the submission.

Poor Upper Body Posture

Attempting the lock while lying flat on your back or sitting upright weakens the submission. Angle your body sideways or belly-down for maximum leverage.

Telegraphing the Attack

Slow or obvious entries give opponents time to react and defend. Execute entries smoothly and decisively.

Improper Foot Positioning

Incorrect placement of your outside foot—such as crossing the centerline or positioning too high on your opponent's body—risks penalties or counter-attacks. Keep your foot firmly on your opponent's hip without crossing inward.

Defending and Escaping the Straight Ankle Lock

Clearing the Knee Line

Quickly free your knee from your opponent's leg entanglement to significantly reduce their leverage.

Distance Management

Create distance by pushing away or close distance by stacking forward to disrupt your opponent's hip extension.

"Booting" the Foot

Actively dorsiflex your foot (pulling toes toward your knee) to resist plantarflexion pressure.

Hand Fighting and Grip Breaking

Use your hands or free foot to disrupt or peel away your opponent's grip, relieving pressure on your ankle.

Intelligent Rotation

Slightly rotate your trapped foot or roll your hips in the direction of the pressure to alleviate tension and initiate escape opportunities.

Gi vs. No-Gi Considerations and Rule Variations

In gi BJJ competitions under IBJJF rules, the straight ankle lock is legal for all adult belt levels and is the only leg lock permitted for white belts. However, strict rules against knee reaping (placing your leg across your opponent's hip line with inward knee pressure) apply, requiring careful foot placement. In contrast, no-gi competitions such as ADCC 2022 and EBI allow knee reaping and heel hooks, providing fewer positional restrictions and enabling more aggressive setups. Notably, IBJJF updated its rules in 2021 to permit reaping and heel hooks in advanced no-gi divisions, though reaping remains prohibited in gi competitions. Consequently, the straight ankle lock's setups and frequency vary significantly between gi and no-gi contexts.

Evolution and Strategic Usage in Modern BJJ

The straight ankle lock evolved significantly around 2010 due to Rodrigo Cavaca's "Botinha" variation, which incorporated innovative lapel grips from the 50/50 Guard. Cavaca's innovation allowed him to secure multiple submissions at the 2010 IBJJF World Championship, sparking widespread adoption. Today, practitioners strategically apply the straight ankle lock from leg entanglement positions such as Single Leg X Guard and 50/50 Guard. It serves both as a primary submission and as a setup for other leg attacks, including heel hooks and toe holds. Notable practitioners renowned for their effective use of the straight ankle lock include Rodrigo Cavaca, Marcus "Buchecha" Almeida, Luiz Panza, Caio Terra, and Dean Lister.