Toe Hold
Also known as figure-four foot lock, toe lock
A figure-four foot lock that controls the toes and ankle while rotating the foot relative to a controlled knee.
At a glance
- Family
- Submission
- Format
- Gi & no-gi
- Level
- Advanced
- Connections
- 4 techniques
Concept
What it is
The toe hold uses a figure-four grip on the foot, usually with one hand controlling near the toes and the other reinforcing at the wrist. The attack can appear during guard passing, leg entanglements, back takes, and scramble counters.
The foot is only one end of the lever. Safe, effective control also accounts for the knee and hip; twisting a free foot without controlling the leg creates unpredictable motion and injury risk.
Core mechanics
Key principles
- Control the knee and hip before rotating the foot.
- Connect the figure-four grip close to your body.
- Apply pressure gradually because small joints can be injured quickly.
- Use the grip positionally when the finishing direction is not aligned.
System map
How it connects
Jiu-jitsu techniques work in sequences. These are common conceptual routes in, productive next steps, and the defensive priorities that shape the exchange.
Common entries
50/50
Collect the far side of the foot while keeping the knee line controlled.
Guard pass
Attack a posted or exposed foot while maintaining top balance.
Kneebar defense
Counter-control the opponent's foot during a leg-lock exchange.
Next actions
Kneebar
Move to straight-leg control when the opponent extends the knee.
Sweep
Use the figure-four grip to disrupt base and come on top.
Back exposure
Follow the opponent's hip turn while maintaining leg control.
Defensive priorities
Hide the foot
Keep the toes and heel close to the opponent's body or mat.
Free the knee line
Recover leg mobility before turning the foot.
Hand fight
Separate the figure-four grip before attempting to pull away.
Competition connections
Athletes associated with Toe Hold
Keep exploring
Related techniques
Guard
50/50 Guard
A mirrored leg entanglement in which both athletes control a leg, creating battles over balance, knee line, heel exposure, and top position.
Submission
Kneebar
A straight leg lock that controls the hips and knee while extending the leg between the attacker's body and arms.
Submission
Straight Ankle Lock
A linear foot and ankle submission commonly attacked from straight ashi and related one-leg entanglements.
Submission
Inside Heel Hook
A rotational leg submission that controls the knee line and turns the exposed heel inward; it demands advanced supervision and early tapping.
Rules and reference sources
Rules evolve. The official organizer documents below are the source of truth for competition legality; the guide above explains the technique conceptually.