How to Do the Leg Knot in BJJ
The leg knot is a creative calf slicer variation applied from mount by threading your foot behind the opponent's knee and using your body weight to compress the calf. When the bottom player bends their legs during mount escapes, you can trap the leg and finish with painful crushing pressure.
✓ Key Details to Master
- 1 From mount, when opponent bends their leg, insert your foot behind their knee
- 2 Hook their ankle with your foot and slide it behind their knee joint
- 3 Sit back slightly while maintaining mount-like pressure
- 4 Your shin acts as a fulcrum crushing their calf against your leg
- 5 Add pressure by leaning back and straightening your hips
✗ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ⚠️ Not timing the foot insertion when the leg bends
- ⚠️ Inserting the foot too shallow behind the knee
- ⚠️ Losing top position while setting up the submission
- ⚠️ Not using body weight effectively to generate crushing pressure
- ⚠️ Attempting against a fully straightened leg
🔄 Variations
- → From side control
- → With lockdown transition
- → Transition to kneebar
🛡️ Counters & Defenses
- → Keep legs straight in mount
- → Kick the foot free immediately
- → Bridge and roll before it is locked
- → Push the foot out from behind the knee
Track Your Leg Knot Progress
Log every time you practice the Leg Knot and watch your proficiency grow. MatTime helps you build muscle memory by tracking what you actually drill.
Related Techniques
More Submissions
View all →Rear Naked Choke
The rear naked choke (RNC) is one of the most high-percentage submissions in BJJ and MMA. Applied fr...
Triangle Choke
The triangle choke is a signature BJJ submission where you use your legs to form a triangle around y...
Guillotine Choke
The guillotine is a front headlock choke that can be applied standing or on the ground. It's particu...
Bow and Arrow Choke
The bow and arrow choke is one of the tightest collar chokes in BJJ. From back control, you use the ...
Frequently Asked Questions
What belt level should I be to learn the Leg Knot? ▼
The Leg Knot is typically introduced at the purple belt level. However, higher belts continue to refine this technique throughout their BJJ journey. Refining your personal game. Developing expertise in preferred positions.
Does this work in both gi and no-gi? ▼
The Leg Knot works in both gi and no-gi, though grip adjustments may be necessary. In no-gi, focus on body control and underhooks instead of gi grips.
How do I set up the Leg Knot? ▼
The Leg Knot is typically executed from mount. Key setups include controlling your opponent's posture and creating the right angle. Practice the entry repeatedly before focusing on the finish.