When should I learn leg locks in BJJ?

The old school approach of ignoring leg locks until brown belt has been largely replaced by a more progressive view. At white belt, learning the straight ankle lock from ashi garami teaches proper positioning and finishing mechanics with minimal risk. Understanding leg entanglement positions defensively protects you from training partners who do attack legs. At blue belt, learning inside and outside heel hooks with a trusted instructor in a controlled environment is appropriate. The key is proper instruction that emphasizes the danger of these techniques and the importance of tapping early. Heel hooks are particularly dangerous because ligament damage can occur before significant pain is felt. Some gyms follow IBJJF rules and restrict heel hooks in training until higher belts, while others allow them earlier with proper supervision. Regardless of your gym rules, understanding how leg locks work helps you avoid dangerous positions even if you are not actively studying them.