Why is ashi garami illegal?
James Craig
Published Jan 22, 2026
Like the Kawazu-gake (One-leg entanglement drop), the Ashi-garami (Entangled leg lock) Waza poses a high risk of injury to the leg joints, and is therefore listed as one the forbidden Waza.
Is ashi garami legal?
Turning towards the knee is illegal. The positions from which white belts may perform the straight ankle lock are the straight ashi garami, outside ashi garami, and the 50/50 guard. Knee reaping is illegal in gi competition at all belt levels.
Is ashi garami reaping?
Brown and black belt adults will now be able to apply reaping techniques in no-gi competition. This rule change opens up several previously forbidden positions, including variations of inside ashi garami.
What does ashi garami mean in Japanese?
"Ashi garami" simply means "leg entanglement", which has lead to a lot of confusion about what specific position it refers to in jiu-jitsu. Unfortunately, the Japanese aren't much help as their traditional leglock positions aren't at all like the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu ones.
Are straight ankle locks legal?
Like white belts, adult blue and purple belts may only apply straight ankle locks in IBJJF competition. When performing a straight ankle lock, the blue or purple belt competitor must turn away from the knee of the ankle he or she is attacking. Turning towards the knee is illegal.
19 related questions foundAre Footlocks legal BJJ?
For gi competition, the IBJJF is the predominant rule set and heel hooks are illegal (at all belt levels) with straight foot locks, knee bars and toe holds allowed at different belt levels. If you compete, it is your duty to understand what is legal and what could get you disqualified before stepping onto the mats!
What is an Estima lock?
The Estima Lock is the name given to a specific footlock developed by two well known Brazilian Jiu Jitsu competitors, commonly known as the 'Estima bros' (Victor and Braulio), during the late 2000's.
What is De La Riva guard?
The De La Riva Guard is a form of open guard with origins in judo that was popularized by Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) legend Ricardo De La Riva. The De La Riva guard involves the bottom player hooking the top player's front leg from the outside with his or her leg.
Why is it called Mata Leao?
Mata leão, meaning 'lion killer' in Portuguese, is the name of a popular strangle or choke-hold in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. This same position is named hadaka jime in Judo, and rear naked choke in the American grappling circuit, although John Danaher and his students call it the 'Rear Naked Strangle'.
What language is jiu jitsu?
The word “jiu jitsu” derives from the Japanese “Jū” meaning “gentle” and “Jutsu” meaning “art”; essentially, jiu jitsu is the “gentle art”.
Why are heel hooks banned in BJJ?
Heel hooks do impose a danger. And this is one reason IBJJF has not allowed them. When a grappler doesn't respond properly when trying to escape, they can cause damage to the knee. However, proponents of heel hooks argue that so do other submissions which involve a rotation of the joint, like kimuras.
Is Honey Hole legal IBJJF?
It is illegal. Its a stupid but because the leg is going from the outside in, it's a reap.
Can you reap the knee in IBJJF?
Knee reaping is illegal in the IBJJF and the UAEJJF.
It is not allowed due to the perceived level of harm and injury that can (and does) occur to the knees when it is performed. However, there are some competitions like ADCC and other such no-gi grappling tournaments that do allow knee reaping.
Are toe holds legal at blue belt?
Blue Belts & Purple Belts
Grappling Industries will now allow toe-holds and knee bars from blue belt and intermediate No-Gi competitions.
Are ankle locks allowed in UFC?
Bear in mind that wrist-locks and ankle-locks are allowed in MMA, but they're often mistakenly categorised as illegal.
Are leg locks legal in IBJJF?
In addition to twisting leg locks and leg reaping, the new rules also allow competitors to apply outside pressure on toeholds and turn toward the non-attacked leg when applying a straight footlock. The new leg entanglement and submission rules apply only to the adult brown and black belt divisions.
What does OOS mean in Portuguese?
Thus, whenever a Sensei asks or informs of something, the response is "OSS!" It is the response that will signify understanding or confirm understanding. Many Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners use as a sign of respect.
What does Garami mean in Japanese?
Ashi garami (Japanese: 足緘) is a joint lock in judo that targets an opponent's leg.
What does OSS mean in Portuguese?
The first definition of “OSS” as an abbreviation for Onegai Shimasu, which translates into a request, a solicitation, an invitation like “please”, “if you may” or “with your permission”, much used when inviting a partner to train.
What is randori BJJ?
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has its roots in Japan. There are still Japanese words we use in BJJ. For example, a jiu-jitsu uniform, or “gi” is also more traditionally called a kimono. Another example is the word “randori.” Randori is a term used in jiu-jitsu to describe live training, also known as rolling.
What is butterfly guard BJJ?
A highly offensive Guard position in BJJ is the Butterfly Guard. The Butterfly Guard allows you to quickly attack your opponent with sweeps and transitions. The Butterfly Guard will also allow you to defeat a much larger and stronger opponent.
Who invented Berimbolo?
Berimbolo Creator, Samuel Braga Explains How The Position Was Created. The famous berimbolo technique is making its 14th anniversary since it was first spotted on a major tournament at the black belt level.
Is the Estima lock legal?
Bjj Eastern Europe – The Infamous 'Estima Footlock' Now Legal At All Belts Under IBJJF Rules. If you were unsure about the legality of “The Estima Footlock” at all belts, rest assured that it can be used for all belts (including white) under IBJJF rules.
Is the Estima lock a toe hold?
Like the heel hook, the ankle lock, and the toe hold, the estima lock is a devastating lock that requires the use of hands.