Key Takeaways
- A comprehensive 6-volume deep dive into the straight ankle lock from the most systematic mind in Jiu-Jitsu
- The Ankle Lock John Danaher DVD covers everything from classical mechanics to advanced counter-attacking from leg entanglements
- Includes Danaher’s signature decision-tree approach to handle every common defensive response
- Features extensive material on cross ankle locks, Double Trouble entries, and heel hook integration
- Best suited for intermediate to advanced grapplers looking to build a complete ankle lock system
- Rating: 9/10
THE ANKLE LOCK JOHN DANAHER DVD FULL DOWNLOAD
The straight ankle lock has submitted world champions, decided ADCC matches, and proven itself as one of the most reliable lower-body attacks in grappling. Yet for most practitioners, it remains a one-dimensional move — grab a foot, squeeze, hope for the best.
The Ankle Lock John Danaher DVD changes all of that by treating the ankle lock not as a single technique, but as a fully interconnected system. Across six volumes and over six hours of instruction, Danaher delivers the kind of systematic, concept-driven breakdown that has made him the most influential coach in modern Jiu-Jitsu. If you’ve ever wondered why some grapplers finish ankle locks effortlessly while you struggle, this instructional has the answers.
A Look at BJJ Ankle Locks
The straight ankle lock occupies a strange place in BJJ. It’s one of the first submissions most white belts learn, yet it’s also one of the least understood at higher levels. Many grapplers treat it as a basic pain-compliance hold — grab the foot, pull toward the chest, wait for the tap.
In reality, the ankle lock is a mechanically rich submission with multiple finishing variations, entry systems, and positional contingencies. The rise of leg-lock-heavy competition over the past decade has shown that a well-developed ankle lock game can function as both a primary attack and a counter to heel hook entries.
Understanding the nuances of hip control, foot positioning, grip selection, and breaking mechanics separates those who occasionally hit ankle locks from those who build entire games around them. Danaher’s approach elevates the ankle lock from a basic hold to a complete lower-body attack system that can threaten opponents from virtually any leg entanglement.
John Danaher
John Danaher is widely regarded as the most influential coach in modern Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Born in Washington D.C. and raised in New Zealand, Danaher moved to New York in 1991 to pursue a Ph.D. in philosophy at Columbia University before being introduced to Jiu-Jitsu at the Renzo Gracie Academy.
He earned his black belt under Renzo Gracie in April 2002 and is now a 6th-degree black belt. Danaher first gained prominence coaching Georges St-Pierre through some of the most dominant years of his MMA career. He later founded the Danaher Death Squad, training a generation of elite grapplers including Gordon Ryan, Garry Tonon, Craig Jones, and Nick Rodriguez to multiple world titles across IBJJF and ADCC.
His systematic approach to leg locks revolutionized the sport, transforming heel hooks and ankle locks from niche techniques into essential components of elite grappling. Danaher now runs Kingswave Jiu-Jitsu in Austin, Texas with Gordon Ryan, where he continues to produce world champion athletes and bestselling instructional content. This one is just the latest piece of the super comprehensive Danaher leg lock system.
The Ankle Lock John Danaher DVD Review
The 6-volume structure of the Ankle Lock John Danaher DVD covers everything from foundational mechanics through advanced counter-attacking, and the decision-tree system gives practitioners a repeatable framework for finishing ankle locks against any defensive response.
Volume 1: The Classical Straight Ankle Lock
Volume 1 lays the foundation for everything that follows. Danaher begins with the classical straight ankle lock, examining its strengths and weaknesses in detail before introducing refinements that most practitioners have never considered. He covers the critical transition from an Achilles grip to the proper ankle lock grip, explains the best upper body grips for different scenarios, and dedicates significant time to the crucial second step of ankle locking — controlling and immobilizing the opponent’s hips.
From there, he introduces belly-down ankle locks, short ankle locks, and the four main finishing positions. A standout section covers the theory of three foot positions and how to solve the problem of the inverted foot, a common defensive tactic that neutralizes most basic ankle lock attempts.
The volume closes with a special topic on one-handed ankle locks, demonstrating that even with compromised grips, a well-versed practitioner can still finish.
Volume 2: Ankle Lock Decision Tree System
The next part is where Danaher’s system truly comes to life. Rather than teaching isolated techniques, he presents a complete decision tree that starts from the most common entry — half foot to outside hip — and branches out based on the opponent’s reactions.
Each defensive response triggers a specific counter. If the opponent tries to stand to a knee, Danaher covers the flat back butterfly ankle lock, short ankle lock, and inside knee edge finishes. If the opponent gets to two feet, he introduces the back sweep and overhead roll dilemma, plus the Caio Terra DLR ankle lock.
He also details how to follow inside and outside spins with your legs, keeping you attached and attacking as the opponent scrambles. This volume transforms ankle locking from guesswork into a predictable, repeatable process.
Volume 3: Straight Ankle Lock as a Counter Lock
In part 3, the Ankle Lock John Danaher DVD shifts focus from attacking to counter-attacking. Danaher teaches how to use the straight ankle lock as a counter to standard Ashi Garami, demonstrating that you don’t always need to chase heel hooks to punish leg entanglements.
John covers countering the leg lace in two parts, counter ankle locks from 50/50, and even shows how to counter a short ankle lock with an ankle lock of your own. This volume is particularly valuable for practitioners who want to add another layer to their defensive leg lock game — the ability to reverse the threat rather than just survive it.
Volume 4: Double Trouble Ankle Locks
Volume 4 introduces the Double Trouble system, covering the leg lace ankle lock and the ankle lock from the Z lock. These are the positions where you control both of the opponent’s legs while attacking one ankle, creating a dilemma where defending the ankle lock exposes you to leg lace attacks and vice versa. While shorter than the other volumes, this section packs concentrated value for grapplers looking to add finishing power to their Double Trouble entries.
Volume 5: The Cross Ankle Lock
The penultimate volume is a deep dive into the cross ankle lock, a variation that has become increasingly important in modern No-Gi grappling. Danaher covers how to achieve the half position in cross ankle locks, the role of outside Ashi Garami, and three distinct finishing positions.
He explains how to win the inside hip battle — the decisive factor in most cross ankle lock exchanges — and introduces the one-handed cross ankle lock variant and the reverse figure-four grip. A simple mechanical cue near the end of the volume promises to add finishing power to all your ankle locks, regardless of the specific variation you’re using.
Volume 6: Ankle Locks & Heel Hooks
The final portion of the Ankle Lock John Danaher DVD explores the relationship between ankle locks and the modern heel hook systems that Danaher himself helped pioneer. He covers entries into Ashi Garami from various positions — kneeling opponents, one-knee opponents, standing opponents — and shows how to transition between ankle locks and heel hooks depending on the available space and control.
The volume includes a top-entry approach to Ashi Garami controlling two legs, bridging the gap between passing and leg locking. For anyone who wants their ankle lock game to integrate seamlessly with their overall leg lock strategy, this volume provides the connective tissue.
How to Master the Move
This is not a casual watch. With six volumes of material, Danaher’s ankle lock system demands dedicated study. The recommended approach is to work through one volume per week, drilling the core concepts on both sides before moving on.
Volume 1 should be mandatory for everyone — the mechanics of hip control and foot positioning form the foundation for everything else. From there, intermediate grapplers can focus on Volumes 2 and 5, while advanced leg lock practitioners will get the most out of Volumes 3, 4, and 6.
Positional sparring from the specific starting points shown in each chapter will yield faster results than passive watching. Expect 8–12 weeks of dedicated study to integrate the material into rolling.
GET THE MASTER THE MOVE: THE ANKLE LOCK JOHN DANAHER DVD
Who Is This For?
The Ankle Lock John Danaher DVD is best suited for intermediate to advanced grapplers — purple belt and above — who already have a basic understanding of leg entanglement positions. The material assumes familiarity with Ashi Garami, 50/50, and basic leg lock concepts.
White belts and early blue belts will find value in Volume 1’s mechanical breakdowns but may struggle with the later decision-tree material. The primary audience is No-Gi grapplers, though the core mechanics of the straight ankle lock translate directly to the Gi.
Competitors preparing for ADCC or sub-only events will find the most immediate application, while hobbyists who enjoy deep positional study will appreciate the systematic approach.
Pros & Potential Drawbacks
Pros:
- Unmatched systematic depth — Danaher’s decision-tree approach eliminates guesswork from ankle locking
- Exceptional coverage of counters and defensive transitions, making it useful for both offense and defense
- Clear progression from fundamental mechanics through advanced competition scenarios
- Strong integration with modern heel hook systems, bridging the gap between ankle locks and Ashi Garami
- Volume 5 on cross ankle locks is essentially a standalone mini-course worth the price of admission for No-Gi players
Potential Drawbacks:
- The depth and volume count (six volumes) can be overwhelming for casual practitioners who prefer shorter instructionals
- Beginners without exposure to leg lock positions may find portions of the decision tree material hard to follow
- Primarily focused on No-Gi applications; pure Gi players may not extract full value from the heel hook crossover sections
Ankle Locks for Everyone!
The Ankle Lock John Danaher DVD is exactly what you’d expect from the most systematic mind in Jiu-Jitsu — thorough, conceptually rigorous, and immediately applicable for those willing to put in the work. While the depth may exceed what casual hobbyists need, intermediate and advanced grapplers will find this to be one of the most complete ankle lock resources ever produced.
