🥋 Techniques

What is Heel Hook in BJJ?

Also known as: Inside heel hook, Outside heel hook

Quick Definition

A devastating leg lock attacking the knee by rotating the heel.

Full Explanation

The heel hook attacks the knee ligaments (ACL, MCL, LCL) by controlling the leg and rotating the heel. It's the most dangerous submission in BJJ because damage can occur before pain is felt. There are inside heel hooks (more dangerous, attacking internal knee ligaments) and outside heel hooks. Legal only at brown/black belt in IBJJF but allowed at all levels in ADCC and many no-gi competitions. Tap early!

Examples in Context

"He caught me in a heel hook before I could react"

"Heel hooks are illegal until brown belt in IBJJF"

Related Terms

Leg Lock

A submission attacking the legs, including ankle locks and heel hooks.

Submission

A technique that forces your opponent to tap out due to a choke or joint lock.

Ashi Garami

A leg entanglement position used to control and attack the legs.

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