09/18/2026
Heel hooks are an important part of modern BJJ, but they’re also a technique that demands respect and control.
At our gym, we drill heel hooks with safety as the priority:
• Controlled reps first — we focus on positioning, mechanics, and awareness rather than speed or finishing power.
• Clear communication — partners agree on expectations before drilling and communicate immediately if something feels wrong.
• Tap early — there’s no prize for seeing how close you can get to the limit. If you’re caught, tap. If your partner taps, release immediately.
• No ego — drilling is about building skill and trust, not proving who can withstand more pressure.
• Progressive training — we build from controlled technical drills toward live situations as students develop the necessary awareness and experience.
The goal isn’t to make heel hooks scary. It’s to make sure everyone understands the responsibility that comes with training them.
Technical. Controlled. Respectful. Safe. 🤝🥋