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A rolling entry toward a standing opponent's legs. The spectacular rotation catches the eye, but the connection to the leg attack is what makes it interesting.
Bernardo Faria BJJ Fanatics · Demonstration with English presentation
Watch Imanari demonstrate the entry from standing into a leg attack in this free public lesson.
Trouble playing? Watch on YouTube ↗The entry takes its name from Japanese fighter and leg-lock specialist Masakazu Imanari. ONE uses the name in reports of his fights, and UFC uses it when discussing Ryan Hall's entries.
The technique's reach goes beyond its namesake: other athletes use the same entry in MMA and grappling.
The Imanari roll brings you toward the opponent's legs. A heel hook is a submission you may attack afterward. Keeping the entry and finish separate makes the sequence easier to follow.
Think of three stages: enter with the rotation, establish control of the leg position, then attack. A completed rotation alone does not end the match. Watch how the athlete keeps hold of the legs afterward.
There are documented successes. Imanari submitted Kwon Won Il by heel hook in 53 seconds in 2019. Ryan Hall also submitted BJ Penn at UFC 232 using an entry UFC identifies as the Imanari roll.
The competition page includes Imanari's highlight, Castelle's no-gi finish, and an instructional breakdown of Hall's entry.
Watch the competition examples →Technical and rules references follow the Japanese edition’s review of October 19–20, 2026. Video language and availability depend on the publisher.