A Toe Hold submission attacks the ankle right, but how does it work?
There are multiple joints working at the ankle complex, particularly the talocrural joint and the subtalar joint.
The talocrural joint allows the foot to lift up and push down (dorsiflexion and plantarflexion). This is the joint that is primarily targeted by an ankle lock.
The subtalar joint allows the foot to fold in and out (inversion and eversion).
The toe hold submission targets both joints (talocrural and subtalar) simultaneously by folding the foot down and in (combining plantarflexion and inversion).
There are two ligaments that prevent this movement: anterior talofibular ligament and calcaneofibular ligament.
These are the same ligaments that are damaged from a typical rolled ankle (ankle sprain).
Stay tuned for my next post differentiating a traditional ankle lock from an achilles compression.
Dr. Mike Piekarski, DPT
BJJ Brown Belt
Former MMA Fighter