Cross Ashi-Garami Bottom is a defensive leg entanglement position where you are on your back with your opponent controlling one of your legs in a cross-configuration ashi garami grip. This position emerged from modern leg lock systems and represents a critical defensive scenario where the bottom player must manage heel hook threats while seeking to escape or counter-attack. Unlike standard ashi garami where the attacker’s legs are on the same side, cross ashi features the top player’s legs crossing over to the opposite side, creating different leverage angles and escape requirements.
The position is characterized by the opponent having your leg trapped between their legs with their hips turned perpendicular to your body, creating a powerful control structure for heel hooks and toe holds. As the bottom player, you must maintain defensive leg positioning, control distance with frames, and understand the mechanics of both escaping and entering your own leg attacks. This position is common in no-gi competition and requires sophisticated understanding of leg entanglement theory to navigate safely.
Cross Ashi-Garami Bottom is considered a medium-risk position because while heel hook submissions are available to the top player, the bottom practitioner has multiple pathways to escape, enter their own leg attacks, or transition to more favorable positions. Success in this position depends on remaining calm under pressure, maintaining proper defensive leg configuration, and capitalizing on the opponent’s positional adjustments to create escape or counter-attack opportunities.
Position Definition
- Bottom player is on their back with one leg trapped between opponent’s legs in a crossed configuration, with the opponent’s legs positioned on the opposite side of the trapped leg creating cross-body entanglement
- Top player’s hips are perpendicular or angled to bottom player’s hips with feet positioned to control the trapped leg’s movement and create heel hook or toe hold finishing mechanics
- Bottom player’s free leg remains mobile and positioned to create frames, push on opponent’s hips or shoulders, and prevent the opponent from achieving optimal finishing position
- Bottom player’s upper body is free to post on elbows or sit up to create defensive frames and manage distance, with hands actively controlling opponent’s grips or pushing on their body to limit submission threats
Prerequisites
- Opponent has established leg entanglement from standing, guard passing, or transition from another leg lock position
- Bottom player’s leg is secured between opponent’s legs in cross configuration
- Top player has achieved perpendicular hip positioning relative to bottom player
- Bottom player is on their back or side with compromised base
Key Defensive Principles
- Keep your trapped leg’s knee flexed and heel pulled toward your hip to prevent full leg extension and heel hook finishing mechanics
- Use your free leg to create frames on opponent’s hips, shoulders, or head to manage distance and prevent them from settling into optimal finishing position
- Maintain upper body posture by sitting up or posting on elbows to create active defensive frames rather than lying flat on your back
- Control opponent’s hands and wrists to prevent them from securing deep heel hook grips or locking their grip configuration
- Stay calm and systematic in your escape attempts rather than explosive movements that can lead to injury or worse position
- Recognize opportunities to enter your own leg attacks when opponent adjusts position or loosens control
- Always be aware of tap-worthy positions and submit early if a heel hook is locked in to prevent serious injury
Available Escapes
Ashi Garami Escape → Open Guard
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 30%
- Intermediate: 45%
- Advanced: 60%
Inside Ashi Entry → Inside Ashi-Garami
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 25%
- Intermediate: 40%
- Advanced: 55%
X-Guard to Ashi Transition → X-Guard
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 20%
- Intermediate: 35%
- Advanced: 50%
Saddle Defense → Single Leg X-Guard
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 25%
- Intermediate: 40%
- Advanced: 55%
Outside Ashi Entry → Outside Ashi-Garami
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 20%
- Intermediate: 35%
- Advanced: 50%
Technical Standup → Standing Position
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 15%
- Intermediate: 30%
- Advanced: 45%
Decision Making from This Position
If opponent secures deep heel hook grip with figure-four configuration locked and begins external rotation:
- Execute Tap Out → Lost by Submission (Probability: 95%)
If opponent has cross ashi control but hands are not yet secured in heel hook grip:
- Execute Ashi Garami Escape → Open Guard (Probability: 50%)
- Execute Inside Ashi Entry → Inside Ashi-Garami (Probability: 35%)
If opponent loosens leg control to transition to saddle or adjust position:
- Execute Saddle Defense → Open Guard (Probability: 55%)
- Execute X-Guard to Ashi Transition → X-Guard (Probability: 40%)
If opponent’s inside leg becomes exposed during adjustment or grip change:
- Execute Inside Ashi Entry → Inside Ashi-Garami (Probability: 50%)
- Execute Outside Ashi Entry → Outside Ashi-Garami (Probability: 35%)
Escape and Survival Paths
Escape to Guard Reset Path
Cross Ashi-Garami Bottom → Ashi Garami Escape → Open Guard
Counter-Attack to Inside Ashi Path
Cross Ashi-Garami Bottom → Inside Ashi Entry → Inside Ashi-Garami → Inside Heel Hook → Won by Submission
Defensive Transition to Sweep Path
Cross Ashi-Garami Bottom → X-Guard to Ashi Transition → X-Guard → X-Guard Sweep → Mount
Success Rates and Statistics
| Skill Level | Retention Rate | Advancement Probability | Submission Probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner | 30% | 25% | 5% |
| Intermediate | 45% | 40% | 15% |
| Advanced | 60% | 55% | 30% |
Average Time in Position: 20-45 seconds