Understanding the Toehold
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A toe hold leglock involves torque force combining plantarflexion and inversion motion to the ankle which often results in ligament sprain. With sufficient force ligament rupture and ankle dislocation can occur.
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This leg lock primarily attacks two joints simultaneously that make up the ankle.
1️⃣Talocrural joint
2️⃣Subtalar joint
There are two ligaments that primarily prevent this movement:
1️⃣Anterior talofibular ligament 2️⃣Calcaneofibular ligament.
These are the same ligaments that are damaged from a typical rolled ankle (ankle sprain). .
✳️Note: This breakdown covers typical toe holds. Some variations of the toe hold may instead involve tibial internal rotation at the knee and not ankle movement.
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Here is perfect example of what happens when one does not tap to a Toe hold. The attacker, @jakecavallobjj , had his opponent in a leglock. After imparting a sufficient enough stress on the ligament (anterior talofibular ligament/ ATFL) it fails and gives way. .
Video credit: @mmincvideo