### Imanari Roll - Step by Step The **Imanari Roll** is an advanced and dynamic entry into the leg lock game famously used and popularized by Masakazu Imanari, a Japanese martial artist known for his leg lock finishes. #### Positions: - **Standing** - **Open Guard** #### Top/Bottom: - **Bottom** #### Japanese Name: - **Imanari Rooru** #### Step-by-Step Instructions: **1. Starting in a Standing Position:** - Begin standing in front of your opponent, maintaining proper distance. - Anticipate your opponent entering or reaching forward as they often do with aggressive movement or when engaging for grips. **2. Creating the Entry Angle:** - Use a slight sidestep to your right (or left) allowing you to move onto their opposite side. - Reach out with your left hand (or right) and pull their closest arm downward, encouraging them to lean that direction. **3. Initiating the Roll:** - Drop swiftly to your back while leading with your outside arm (e.g., right) under your body to catch behind their leg. - Simultaneously, kick your near foot (left) in between their legs as you begin your rolling motion. **4. Rolling Underneath:** - Continue the roll by tucking your head and rolling over your shoulder (usually your right) while keeping your weight distributed evenly. - Pull your body underneath their exposed leg, using your near hand to assist in posting on the mat and maintaining balance. **5. Securing the Leg:** - As you roll through, bring the leg closest to their body around the back of their knee. - Apply pressure by pinching your knees together, controlling their leg fully. **6. Achieving the Heel Hook Position:** - Use the momentum of the roll to come parallel to your opponent, rotating your hips in preparation to attack the heel. - Secure their heel with both hands to transition efficiently into a heel hook or other foot lock. - Position your forearm underneath their heel while cupping the ankle, aligning for leverage. **7. Executing the Technique:** - Hold firmly and rotate your upper body to lock the joint. - Ensure that the pressure is gradual to prevent injury, seeking a controlled finish. ### Tips and Considerations: - **Timing is crucial**: Initiate the roll when your opponent is committed to moving forward or reaching down to prevent them from escaping the entry. - **Confidence and control**: Execute with confidence ensuring body control for correct positioning of the leg. - **Safety and respect:** Always practice with a trusted partner under supervision to minimize injury risk where leg locks are concerned. The **Imanari Roll** is a show-stopping move that combines agility with the element of surprise. Mastery over the technique allows one to seamlessly blend into other transitions and finishes within Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and mixed martial arts competitions.