Mastering Leg Locks: Masakazu Imanari's Essential Techniques for BJJ and MMA

Introduction to Masakazu Imanari and His Leg Lock Legacy

Masakazu Imanari, often called the 'heel hook wizard,' has revolutionized Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) with his relentless pursuit of leg locks. A multiple-time world champion and pioneer in lower-body submissions, Imanari's techniques have influenced modern grappling across BJJ, MMA, and submission wrestling. His approach emphasizes aggressive entries from inferior positions, making his system ideal for fighters who want to turn defense into offense.

In MMA contexts, like UFC or ONE Championship bouts, Imanari-style leg locks shine in scrambles and transitions. Whether you're rolling on the mats in a gi or competing no-gi, mastering these moves requires precise control and flexibility. Pairing this knowledge with quality gear—such as supportive rash guards and compression shorts from Apollo MMA—enhances your training by preventing grips from slipping and reducing skin tears during intense leg entanglements.

This guide breaks down Imanari's core techniques, from foundational entries to devastating finishes. We'll cover step-by-step progressions, common mistakes, and tips for integration into your game, whether for BJJ tournaments, MMA sparring, or Muay Thai clinch escapes.

The Imanari Roll: Signature Entry from Turtle Position

The Imanari Roll is Imanari's trademark move, inverting from turtle to attack the heel. It's a high-percentage option when opponents posture up or attempt stacks.

Step-by-Step Breakdown:

1. Start in Turtle: As your opponent drives forward or grabs your hips, keep your head tight to their body and elbows in. 2. Initiate the Inversion: Explode your near leg across their shin while framing their hip with your far hand. Rotate your hips aggressively toward their leg. 3. Secure the Heel: Once inverted, trap their ankle between your calf and bicep. Pull their toes toward your chest to off-balance them. 4. Finish the Heel Hook: Rotate your hips away, torquing the knee while controlling the foot. Speed is key—finish before they base out.

Pro Tip: In no-gi MMA, use 4-oz grappling shorts for better leg control. Avoid baggy shorts that hinder your inversion. Train this 10x per side daily to build the explosive hip rotation needed.

Common Errors to Avoid:

Lifting your head too early, exposing your back.

Neglecting far-side control, allowing escapes.

Ashi Garami Entries: The Gateway to Leg Entanglements

Ashi Garami (Japanese for 'leg weave') is the hub for Imanari's attacks. From standing or guard, transition here to threaten knees, ankles, and heels.

Key Entries:

From Closed Guard: Shrimp out, insert your knee inside their thigh, then weave to inside ashi. Use your gi lapel (or rash guard grip no-gi) for control.
From Single Leg Defense: When shooting for a takedown defense, drop to ashi instead of sprawling. Circle your leg over theirs for the entry.
Scramble Recovery: In chaotic MMA scrambles, prioritize ashi over top control—it's faster to submit from here.

Once in ashi, you branch to 50/50, saddle, or inside heel hook positions. Imanari stresses 'pain compliance'—constant pressure forces reactions you exploit.

Gear Integration: Apollo MMA's grappling tights provide the grip and durability for maintaining ashi against sweaty opponents, crucial in long rolls or humid gyms.

Heel Hook Variations: Inside, Outside, and 50/50 Attacks

Heel hooks target the knee's ligaments via foot rotation. Imanari's versions are compact and transition-heavy.

Inside Heel Hook from Ashi Garami:

1. Control the far knee with your instep. 2. Figure-four your legs around their heel. 3. Rotate your hips back sharply while squeezing.

50/50 Heel Hook:

Equal leg investment creates mutual vulnerability, but Imanari finishes faster.

1. From 50/50, attack their near heel while defending yours. 2. Stack slightly, then roll to isolate the foot. 3. Torque with short, sharp twists.

Outside Heel Hook from Saddle:

Saddle (knee on stomach variant for legs) leads to this power finish.

1. Secure the calf slice. 2. Weave under for the figure-four. 3. Hip escape to increase torque.

Training Drill: Partner resistance—have them defend slowly, then full speed. Incorporate into wrestling warm-ups for MMA applicability.

Safety Note: Heel hooks demand mat awareness. Start slow in class; they're banned in white belt divisions in many BJJ federations.

Kneebar and Toe Hold Complements

Imanari rounds out his arsenal with knee bars and toe holds for versatility.

Kneebars from 50/50:

Extend their leg across your hips.
Bridge explosively while pulling the foot.
Ideal against flexible opponents in kickboxing cross-training.

Toe Holds:

From ashi, isolate toes for wristlock-like control.
Great setup for sweeps or re-entries.

Integrating Imanari Leg Locks into Your MMA Game

For MMA fighters, leg locks neutralize strikers. Use them post-takedown denial or in guard recovery. In BJJ gi training, leverage lapels for entries; no-gi relies on underhooks and wedges—stock up on grippy Apollo MMA spats.

Progression Plan:

Week 1-2: Positional sparring from turtle/ashi.

Week 3-4: Live rolls with leg lock hunting.

Advanced: Chain with back attacks (e.g., roll to back take).

Competition Tips: Scout opponents' leg defense. Imanari thrived against stack-happy wrestlers—adapt similarly.

Gear Recommendations for Leg Lock Training

Rash Guards: Long-sleeve for grip fighting.
Shorts/Spats: Friction materials prevent slips.
Mouthguards & Ankle Supports: Protect during torque.

Browse Apollo MMA for premium options tailored to grapplers.

Mastering these techniques elevates your bottom game, making you a threat from anywhere. Drill consistently, respect the danger, and watch your submissions soar.

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