{"id":20949,"date":"2023-12-26T11:13:40","date_gmt":"2023-12-26T17:13:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rollingaroundbjj.com\/?p=20949"},"modified":"2023-12-26T11:38:47","modified_gmt":"2023-12-26T17:38:47","slug":"aoki-lock","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rollingaroundbjj.com\/aoki-lock\/","title":{"rendered":"Aoki Lock (Devasating BJJ Ankle Lock Submission)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The world of BJJ leg locks is vast, and the scales can tip in both directions instantly. One interesting leg lock<\/a> that can be used as a counter, even if you are caught in a bad position or when you are in a dominant one, is the Aoki lock. But what is it?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Aoki lock is a foot lock that works similarly to an inside heel hook by turning the foot outward and the heel inward. The applied linear and rotational pressure creates immense tension both in the ankle and knee of the attacked leg.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Aoki lock is a crafty and unfertilized submission with almost the same potential as the inside heel hook but offers better control and looks more like an ankle lock. Not to mention, it’s one of the most annoying ways to get submitted while controlling someone from the Ashi Garami.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>What Is An Aoki Lock<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Aoki lock is a leg lock attacking the ankle and the knee. The Aoki lock is a distinct submission in that the attacked foot position is externally rotated, the toes are under your armpit, and the heel is on your chest or ribs. By bridging slightly and applying rotation force, you force the ankle to twist in two directions, eliciting a tap or a severe leg injury.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While the Aoki lock looks like a straight ankle lock on the surface, the mechanics of the move are quite different. The straight ankle lock<\/a> is a linear submission that works by hyperextending the foot and putting pressure on the Achilles tendon. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Depending on how the lock is applied and the anatomy of both players, the pain and damage can be done to both or either.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the other hand, the Aoki lock is not a linear submission, and it works more like an inside heel hook than a straight ankle lock. The rotation element of the Aoki lock makes the move so powerful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Putting the ankle in an outwardly rotated position, even if one applies a linear force, such as a straight ankle lock, simultaneously transforms the move into a rotational ankle submission and a knee lock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Depending on how much linear and rotational force is applied in the Aoki lock, damage can be done to the medial ankle ligaments (due to linear force) and the MCL and ACL in the knee when the rotational force is greater.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aoki Lock Setups<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Aoki lock can be set as a reactive movement or an active attack. A common way to get the Aoki lock is as a counter to the opponent’s standard Ashi Garami ankle lock attempt. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While they are trying to finish you, the nature of the leg entanglement leaves their outside leg hooked on the front of your hip and ripe for the Aoki lock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is a simple yet extremely potent way to counter the Ashi Garami straight ankle lock and can even be finished if you are caught in a single-leg X guard\/vertical ashi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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