The Ankle Pick — Efficient, Precise, and Built on Kazushi
The ankle pick is one of the most efficient takedowns in grappling — quick to learn, low-risk, and built on posture control and timing, not power.
Why it Works
Everything hinges on kazushi — breaking balance before grabbing the ankle. Push, pull, or redirect their posture so their weight settles onto the target leg. Then drop your level, step in, and pick the ankle as you drive their upper body the opposite way.
Key Points
- Base: stay balanced until the moment you shoot.
- Posture: break their posture by twisting their upper body
- Connection: control the upper body so your movement affects theirs.
When timed right, it’s a smooth chain — kazushi → step → pick → pin. I finished one in 18 seconds using that exact sequence.
Efficient Ankle Pick
Letter from high school athletic director to the newspaper for the fastest pin in the state that year.
Drills
- Weldon Drill – teaches timing and off-balancing rhythm.
- Alternate left/right to stay ambidextrous and unpredictable.
- Finish under control (clear the leg in Jiu Jitsu or stay in between in wrestling)
Perfect for Technical Grapplers
If you’re smaller, older, or rely on leverage over muscle, the ankle pick should be in your A-game. It’s quick, clean, and converts directly into dominant positions.
Watch & Learn
Other Helpful resources:
No-Gi ankle pick setup, finish, and warning about letting go of the head
Gi ankle pick setup and finish while passing the guard
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