Unlocking the Secrets of Leg Locks with Masakazu Imanari
Masakazu Imanari, often hailed as the "leg lock wizard," has left an indelible mark on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), submission grappling, and mixed martial arts (MMA). Known for his unorthodox entries into heel hooks and other lower-body submissions, Imanari's innovative style has influenced generations of fighters. In this archived video interview, he opens up about his journey from Japan to the global stage, dissecting his techniques, training regimen, and even his preferred gear. Whether you're a white belt dreaming of competition or a seasoned pro refining your arsenal, Imanari's insights offer actionable gold for BJJ, no-gi grappling, MMA, and even wrestling transitions.
A Career Forged in Innovation and Resilience
Imanari's path began in the competitive judo scene of Japan, where he honed his foundational grappling skills. Transitioning to BJJ in the late 1990s, he quickly stood out by targeting the legs—a taboo in traditional gi grappling at the time. His breakthrough came in events like the ADCC World Championships, where he submitted elite competitors with lightning-fast heel hooks. In MMA, bouts in promotions such as PRIDE, Dream, and even a stint in the UFC showcased his adaptability, blending leg attacks with strikes and top control.
What sets Imanari apart is his persistence. Despite setbacks like injuries and losses to grappling giants, he evolved his game. Today, at over 50, he remains active, coaching and competing, proving that leg locks aren't just a young man's weapon. For MMA fighters, his story underscores the value of specializing in one area while maintaining a well-rounded skill set—crucial when transitioning from the mat to the cage.
Breaking Down the Imanari Roll and Heel Hook Entries
Central to Imanari's fame is the "Imanari Roll," a dynamic inversion from guard that exposes the opponent's legs for attacks. Here's how it works in detail:
- Setup from Open Guard: Start with your opponent in a standing posture over your guard. Control their far ankle with one hand while framing their knee with the other. Off-balance them backward by pulling the ankle and pushing the knee.
- The Roll: Shrimp your hips out explosively, roll backward onto your shoulder, and swing your legs up to trap their attacking leg between your thighs. Secure the heel with both hands.
- Finish the Heel Hook: Rotate your hips to torque the knee and ankle. In no-gi or MMA, add pressure with your forearms for a faster tap.
Imanari emphasizes timing and misdirection. "Don't telegraph the roll," he advises. Practice against resisting partners to build the explosiveness needed in live rolls. This technique shines in BJJ tournaments under IBJJF rules (where heel hooks are now legal in brown/black belt) and is devastating in MMA scrambles or Muay Thai clinch breaks.
He also discusses variations:
- Straight Ankle Lock from 50/50: Enter by isolating the heel and extending the leg while controlling posture.
- Toe Hold Integrations: For gi scenarios, weave your fingers for a figure-four grip.
- Defenses and Counters: Always scout opponents' leg lock awareness—modern wrestlers drill anti-inversions rigorously.
For kickboxers or Muay Thai practitioners incorporating grappling, these entries provide quick fight-enders from the bottom.
Training Philosophy: Consistency Over Intensity
Imanari's regimen blends daily drilling with live sparring. He trains 2-3 hours most days, focusing 60% on leg lock specifics:
- Positional Sparring: 5-minute rounds from bad positions (e.g., opponent passing to your legs).
- Flow Rolling: Emphasizes smooth transitions to build adaptability.
- Strength Work: Bodyweight circuits—pistols, shrimp drills, and hip escapes—to bolster the inversions required for his style.
He warns against overtraining legs early: "Build mobility first." Incorporate yoga or dynamic stretching to prevent injuries, a common pitfall for leg lock enthusiasts. In MMA contexts, pair this with cardio bursts mimicking cage scrambles. Wrestling enthusiasts can adapt by drilling single-leg defenses into offense.
Nutrition-wise, Imanari keeps it simple: high-protein Japanese staples like fish and rice, with recovery prioritized via sleep and ice baths post-session.
Gear Essentials for Leg Lock Specialists
As a veteran, Imanari knows gear impacts performance. His picks cater to durability and mobility:
- Rash Guards and Spats: He favors Scramble's no-gi line for their grip-resistant fabric, preventing sleeve drags during inversions. Tight spats protect knees during rolls—essential for BJJ or MMA grappling.
- Shorts: Loose hybrids allow leg freedom; avoid baggy ones that snag in heel hooks.
- Footwear: Minimalist wrestling shoes for mat traction, transitioning well to MMA camps.
For gloves in MMA sparring, he recommends brands like Hayabusa or Rival for wrist support during off-balance scrambles. In gi training, a sturdy Shoyoroll or Tatami reinforces pants prevent rips from aggressive grips.
Pro Tip: Test gear in live rolls. Ill-fitting spats can bunch and hinder heel control. At Apollo MMA, browse our collection of high-mobility rash guards and shorts designed for grapplers.
Advice for Aspiring Leg Lock Hunters
Imanari's wisdom is direct:
- Start Slow: White belts, drill entries 100x before live application.
- Study Footage: Analyze modern aces like Craig Jones or Lachlan Giles, but adapt to your body.
- Mindset: Embrace the bottom—leg locks thrive there.
- In MMA: Use feints to bait takedowns into your wheelhouse.
For competition prep, he suggests 4-week camps peaking with open mats. Beginners in kickboxing or wrestling: Integrate one leg lock weekly to surprise strikers.
Legacy and Modern Influence
Imanari's techniques revolutionized grappling, paving the way for the leg lock meta in ONE Championship and UFC. His influence extends to products like specialized knee pads from brands such as Fairtex for Muay Thai-BJJ hybrids.
Whether stacking opponents in BJJ, defending takedowns in wrestling, or hunting subs in MMA, Imanari's blueprint endures. Implement these today, and elevate your game. Find premium rash guards, spats, and training gear at Apollo MMA to support your journey.
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