Issue 059

February 2010

Peter Irving is a professional welterweight fighter and Fighters Only’s resident fight expert. With a record of 10-6-1, Irving has fought in Europe and the USA, and currently holds the Strike & Submit European title. 

3 minute clinic

Posture

You must sit up and keep the leg tight to your chest. Lying back will enable the opponent to slip his foot out of your armpit, roll and escape.  

The Grip 

A gable grip provides a good fit against the heel, with the ridge of the thumb sitting in the pocket created by the ankle bones.  

The Triangle 

Triangling your own legs, although not essential, is often a good way to secure your opponent’s legs, prevent the roll-out escape, and protect your own feet from counterattack.  

The Finish 

Keeping your lower body immobile, rotate the torso rather than trying to pull with your arms. 

SAFETY

When drilling heel hooks in the gym it is imperative that you apply them slowly. Unlike armbars and kneebars, it is likely that you will not feel much pain until the very moment that the knee separates.  

Heel hook from attempted guard pass

Step 1: Pete stands above Rob’s open guard (maintaining a split stance to avoid the sweep) and controls Rob’s hooks. 

Step 2: Pete steps inside, placing his shin against Rob’s inner thigh and allowing the hooks to pass outside his hips. Pete wants Rob to believe he is attempting a guard pass.

Step 3: Pete steps his heel over to Rob’s hip and lies back. Pete’s heels traps Rob’s hip to the mat on the near side. With his other leg beneath Rob’s knee, Pete lifts Rob’s far leg. 

Step 4: This forces Rob’s hips to twist and exposes the heel. 

Step 4 (reverse): Pete locks his legs into a triangle position. 

Step 5: Pete slides his forearm underneath the heel and locks up a gable grip. 

Step 6: Pete finishes by rotating his torso over...

Step 6 (reverse): ...while keeping his legs locked tight to immobilize Rob’s legs.  

Heel hook from open guard

Step 1: Pete uses an open guard with both hooks behind Rob’s knees.

Step 2: Pete slips one leg behind Rob’s leg, wrapping his heel to Rob’s hip and twisting Rob’s knee to the floor. 

Step 3: As Pete kicks his leg straight he forces Rob to the mat, and triangles his legs to secure the position. 

Step 4: Pete secures Rob’s ankle by rotating his torso over the exposed ankle, using a gable grip to tighten the hold with the blade of his wrist beneath the heel. 

Step 5: Pete finishes by squeezing his grip and rotating his torso back over, applying the heel hook.