In the world of grappling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), leg locks are a crucial aspect of submission techniques. One of the most effective setups for leg locks is the honey hole, a position that allows for various submissions while maintaining control over your opponent. This is also called the 411 position or saddle, offering exceptional control over an opponent's leg.
The honey hole is a versatile position that can lead to multiple leg lock submissions, including heel hooks and knee bars. This leg configuration method can be applied from multiple angles to get the required results. Within the honey hole, a controlling grappler takes up one of the opponent's legs through a series of leg entanglements that deny him mobility. By mastering the steps outlined in this guide and understanding the importance of control, you can effectively execute leg locks and counter your opponent’s defenses. The key to successfully executing techniques from this position lies in maintaining head control and wrist control over your opponent.
Taking control of the legs is not an easy task, the fighter needs to make a sturdy base for the execution of the Honey Hole. It is often termed as a most painful submission control, that can make the fighter taps for it. Inside Sankaku is the painful hook on the leg that can leave a sore.
Understanding the Fundamentals
In the martial arts of Brazilian jiu-jitsu, the fighters use the technique and methods of control, and positioning the opponent. The ground sport is based on the leverage method, which can be applied to the bigger or oversized contender. The honey hole is also the submission method, which involves the use of leg locks. The leg locks can work from various positions to submit the grappler.
The honey hole position concerns leg locks and positional dominance over the opponent. Leg and hand joints help control the opponent. Different angles apply these leg locks to finish the opponent or the grappler on the ground. If you’re looking to improve your Leg Lock game (or even if you just started developing it), then you simply have to learn how to enter into Leg Lock positions, such as the Honeyhole… Even when you’re starting from standing and your training partner/opponent from seated guard.
The honey hole submission method is the most effective leg lock that is the safest position as well. It can be applied by grabbing or targeting the hips of the opponent with the position of the legs. The fighter is required to use the hands to grip the lower body of the opponent mainly the ankle. After that, the next move is to grab the leg of the opponent and lift it. Use the leg and place it under the leg of the opponent.
Step-by-Step Guide to Entering the Honey Hole
Here's a breakdown of how to enter the honey hole position effectively:
- To begin, step in aggressively while securing head control and wrist control.
- Once you have established control, perform a knee slice by stepping back and bringing your knee to knee with your opponent.
- Sit back and grab their far leg, ensuring that your head is positioned as far away from their hands as possible.
- With your head control and wrist control in place, uppercut the far leg to disrupt your opponent’s defense. As you do this, fall back while maintaining your grip on their far leg.
The back step position is considered the basic or ideal way to get inside the honey hole or 411 position. The fighter is required to grab the knee of the opponent in this way the fellow fighter considers that you are going for the guard pass method.
The top guard has a high percentage for the entry of the honey hole. The first step is to take a knee to create space for yourself. Then you are required to change the side by switching the side of the hips. The next step is to lock the opponent in a particular position by making a triangle over the legs.
As the fighter approaches to take control over the legs of the opponent, the fighter needs to make a frame with the use of the legs which stops the movement of the hips. The opponent will find a way to escape from it by taking the standing position. The opponent will struggle to release his leg and meanwhile, you can attack with the method of the kneebar. Try to take control over the strong side of the opponent, after which he can not escape from the leg lock.
Submissions from the Honey Hole
Once you've secured the honey hole, you have several submission options:
- Heel Hook: To execute the heel hook, ensure that your balls are on their knee and your toes are in their armpit. This positioning maximizes your leverage and control.
- Knee Bar: If you find yourself in a position to transition to a knee bar, turn around and place the opposite leg underneath your opponent’s leg. Zip tie your legs together and step over, ensuring that you maintain control over their knee.
In this position of the honey hole, the fighter targets the legs of the opponent. The pressure is exerted on the knee part of the fighter that is done by the other foot, make sure not to rotate the foot so much. In the position of the honey hole, you can add the methods of the heel hook and kneebar. The pressure can be applied with the shoulders to secure the grip.
Defending and Countering
As you execute the honey hole technique, be prepared for your opponent to attempt to escape or counter your moves.
- If they sit up to free their leg, you can shoot your leg under your lock, trapping their foot and transitioning into a triangle.
- If your opponent manages to free their leg and kicks it under your locked triangle, they may attempt to hit a triangle of their own. In this scenario, it is crucial to pass your foot to the other side quickly.
The 50/50 to Inside Sankaku Transition
The 50/50 to Inside Sankaku technique is a transitional move that involves manipulating the position from the 50/50 guard to the Inside Sankaku (also known as the Honey Hole). To improve your understanding and execution of this technique, it is recommended to study instructional videos specifically dedicated to this transition.
Yes, there are a few common mistakes to avoid. One mistake is failing to secure a strong grip on your opponent's leg during the transition, which can lead to losing control and missing the opportunity for the Inside Sankaku position. Another mistake is not maintaining proper balance and control throughout the transition, which can make it easier for your opponent to counter or escape.
Additional Techniques and Strategies
Switch to the honey hole if your opponent is trying to pass your guard. The honey hole is an excellent guard-passing technique that can be a tremendous tool when applied perfectly on a submission attempt.
The honey hole is an attacking formation that can defend against an opponent trying to beat the guard. The player can use it in both an attacking and a defense role.
From this position:
- Get an inside leg hooked to yours from this position. You can even be in an underhook on their upper half to create more control.
- Use your arms to frame off the opponent's shoulders or hips. Rotate the hips away from the opponent and lock the inside leg.
- Draw a straight line behind your foot, then step back and sideways with the outside leg relative to your opponent. Keep the outside knee of your leg on the ground beside your opponent's leg. Keep your hips low so you are in good balance for shot-shooting.
- As you step backward, line up your body so that the leg of your opponent you have pinned is between yours. Reach around with your hands and pin down their knee or ankle.
- Sweep across your opponent's leg and pin it with your hip, shutting off his mobility and range to respond.
- During this execution, maintain the center low to prevent him from getting unbalanced.
The control of one of your opponent's freedom of his leg movements or the possibility of him running away, thus keeping him at your tempo.
Expert Instruction
Atos HQ Head Black Belt Andre Galvao teaches a Honey Hole Set Up From Shin-to-Shin - including submissions like Straight Ankle Lock, Knee Bar, and Heel Hook, and options to Calf Slice or take the Back - during the Advanced class on 02/11/2021. He received his black belt from Luis “Careca” Dagmar, having also worked extensively with Fernando Terere.
Andre Galvao is one of the greatest BJJ athletes of all time, with 6 IBJJF World Championship titles, 10 IBJJF Pan American Championships, and 6 ADCC World Championship titles (4x as the ADCC Super Fight Champion).
10th planet black belt and ADCC Vet Jon “Thor” Blank looks to give you an inside look at one of the most effective positions to launch leg attacks, the Honey Hole! In this 3-part series you will be exposed to the essentials honey hole, including basic introductory concepts as well as tournament-tested techniques.
Entering into honey hole is one of the most crucial concepts covered in Blank’s Honey Hole Hacks. Jon covers a wide range of entries from both top and bottom scenarios. Blank is known for being a finisher, and in his latest instructional he dives deep on securing submissions from the honey hole. Eventually, honey hole will be the last stop for your opponents. Not only will you learn next-level controls, but breaking mechanics as well.
If you are looking for a clear-cut system of entering into honey hole, controlling opponents, and securing submissions then Honey Hole Hacks is for you!
Leg locks are a fundamental part of the martial art of jiu-jitsu. The performance of an athlete is dependent on the application of the submission method and how the submission is applied. A honey hole, sankaku, or the 411 is the proven leg entanglement that can be an effective and essential tool in the BJJ arsenal.
With time, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu becomes more advanced, and integrating the honeyhole position will make your grappling more strategic. The honey hole position in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a technical and efficient move that can give its user the best control over the opponent’s leg. One needs to have skills in how technical moves and how strategic this position is. With this intricate and technical position, people will be able to understand further the extent and essence of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, whether for practical use or competition.
The honey hole position, also called 411 or saddle, is one of the most formidable leg entanglement positions in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
Here is a table summarizing key aspects of the honey hole position:
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Position Name | Honey Hole, 411, Inside Sankaku, Saddle |
| Type | Leg Entanglement |
| Primary Submissions | Heel Hook, Knee Bar |
| Key Control Points | Head Control, Wrist Control, Leg Positioning |
| Main Use | Offensive and Defensive |