Knee Injury in Competitive Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Athletes: Implications for Training.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The "heel hook" is a debilitating, high-percentage submission move in Brazilian jiu jitsu. While evidence suggests that the heel hook can result in severe ligamentous damage to the knee and/or ankle, definitive data on injuries from this technique are lacking. The purpose of this study was to assess the safety of the heel hook by comparing the incidence of knee and ankle injuries in International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) competitions where the move was permitted versus banned.

Hypothesis

Knee and ankle injury incidence will be higher in those exposed to the heel hook relative to those not exposed to the heel hook during competition.

Study design

Cross-sectional.

Level of evidence

Level 4.

Methods

Using data from 303 adult (<30 ye

SUBMITTER: Piekarski M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12815628 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature