Overview
The Woj lock is a rotational foot lock popularized by American grappler Chris Wojcik. Typically applied from 50/50 or cross ashi garami variations, the submission targets the ankle and knee by isolating the foot and creating a sharp rotational torque while controlling the opponent’s hip line. This twist places pressure on both the ankle joint and the connective structures of the knee.
Mechanically, the Woj lock works by trapping the opponent’s foot across the midline, securing the toes, placing the heel against the chest, and rotating the foot. The motion resembles an outside heel hook style rotation, functioning almost as the inverse of the Aoki lock. When applied with a stabilized entanglement, this torque produces rapid breaking pressure, making the Woj lock a fast, dangerous, and effective finish. Its reliability in 50/50 exchanges and transitional leg entanglements has made it a valuable counterattack in modern no-gi grappling.