Toe Hold

The toe hold is a rotational foot lock that involves gripping the opponent's foot and twisting it by applying a figure-four grip around the toes and forefoot. The twisting force attacks the ankle and knee simultaneously, making it more dangerous than a straight ankle lock. The toe hold can be applied from various leg entanglement positions including 50/50, single leg X, and ashi garami.

In IBJJF competition, the toe hold is restricted to brown and black belt adults only — it is illegal for purple belts and below and for all juvenile and youth divisions. This makes it one of the more restricted submissions in the IBJJF ruleset. NAGA allows toe holds for advanced adult competitors. AGF permits them at intermediate-to-advanced adult levels. Grappling Industries follows a similar pattern of restricting them to experienced adult divisions.

The toe hold is restricted in most organizations because, like the heel hook, it applies rotational force to the knee. However, unlike the heel hook, the toe hold does provide some pain feedback before ligament damage occurs, which is why it is permitted at a slightly lower threshold than the heel hook in some rulesets. For youth and beginner adult competitors, the toe hold is universally banned. Coaches should ensure their students understand the distinction between a straight ankle lock (often legal) and a toe hold (usually restricted) to avoid accidental disqualification in competition.