Heel Hook Rules by Organization

Heel hooks, while highly effective, are considered dangerous due to the torque placed on the knee. Some organizations, like ADCC and many no-gi professional events, allow them at all levels. Others, such as IBJJF, only permit them in advanced no-gi divisions for brown and black belts.

Competitors must carefully study the rules of their event to know whether heel hooks are legal. Attempting one in a division that bans them can lead to immediate disqualification, so rule awareness is crucial.