Cross Ashi-Garami Top (also known as Cross Ashi or Outside Ashi-Garami in some systems) is a leg entanglement position where the top player controls their opponent’s leg by positioning it across their body, creating a crossed configuration. The attacking practitioner sits facing their opponent with one leg hooking inside the opponent’s trapped leg while the other leg crosses over the outside, creating a figure-four-like configuration around the lower leg. This position provides exceptional control over the opponent’s hip and knee alignment, making it one of the premier positions for heel hook attacks and leg lock finishing sequences.
The mechanical advantage of Cross Ashi-Garami Top comes from the ability to control the opponent’s hip rotation while simultaneously isolating the ankle and heel. The crossed leg configuration prevents the opponent from sitting up or turning into the entanglement, forcing them to defend from a compromised position. Unlike standard Ashi-Garami where the legs run parallel, the crossed configuration creates additional torque on the knee joint and limits the opponent’s defensive options significantly.
This position is fundamental to modern leg lock systems, particularly those developed by John Danaher and his students. It serves as both a powerful finishing position and a transitional hub to other leg entanglements like Saddle (Honey Hole) and Inside Ashi-Garami. The position’s effectiveness has made it a staple in high-level no-gi competition, where practitioners must understand both its offensive potential and defensive counters to compete successfully in the contemporary meta-game.
Position Definition
- Top player sits facing opponent with their inside leg (same side as trapped leg) hooking inside opponent’s trapped leg, with the foot positioned near or behind opponent’s hip, creating inside leg control that prevents opponent from squaring up or turning into the position
- Top player’s outside leg crosses over opponent’s trapped leg at shin level, with the shin or calf making contact across the outside of opponent’s lower leg, completing the crossed configuration that gives this position its name and mechanical advantage
- Opponent’s trapped leg is extended and isolated between top player’s legs with the foot captured and controlled, preventing opponent from retracting the leg or creating defensive frames with their knee
- Top player maintains upper body control by gripping opponent’s trapped ankle and heel with both hands in a cupped configuration, creating the connection necessary for heel hook application while preventing opponent from clearing the grip
- Opponent sits or lies on their side facing the top player with their free leg available for framing but unable to effectively post or create separation due to the leg entanglement controlling their hip alignment
Prerequisites
- Successful entry from standing position, single leg X-guard, or another leg entanglement position
- Control of opponent’s leg with inside hook established before completing cross configuration
- Opponent’s trapped leg extended and isolated away from their body
- Top player in seated position facing opponent with hip mobility to cross legs
- Grip established on opponent’s ankle and heel before securing full position
Key Offensive Principles
- Maintain constant tension on the trapped leg by keeping it extended and preventing opponent from retracting the knee toward their body
- Control opponent’s hip rotation by angling your body perpendicular to their torso, limiting their ability to turn into or away from the entanglement
- Keep your inside hook deep behind opponent’s hip to prevent them from sitting up or establishing upper body frames
- Position your outside leg’s cross strategically based on finish selection - higher cross for heel hooks, lower cross for knee attacks
- Grip the heel with both hands in preparation for submission while maintaining leg positioning, creating simultaneous control and finishing threat
- Stay compact and connected to opponent’s body, avoiding separation that allows them to create defensive space or clear the entanglement
- Transition quickly between heel hook, straight ankle lock, and toe hold based on opponent’s defensive reactions and grip adjustments
Available Attacks
Heel Hook → Won by Submission
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 30%
- Intermediate: 50%
- Advanced: 70%
Outside Heel Hook → Won by Submission
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 25%
- Intermediate: 45%
- Advanced: 65%
Straight Ankle Lock → Straight Ankle Lock Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 40%
- Intermediate: 55%
- Advanced: 70%
Toe Hold → Toe Hold Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 20%
- Intermediate: 35%
- Advanced: 55%
Saddle Entry from Top → Saddle
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 35%
- Intermediate: 50%
- Advanced: 70%
Inside Ashi Entry → Inside Ashi-Garami
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 40%
- Intermediate: 55%
- Advanced: 70%
Kneebar from Top → Kneebar Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 25%
- Intermediate: 40%
- Advanced: 60%
X-Guard to Ashi Transition → Ashi Garami
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 30%
- Intermediate: 45%
- Advanced: 60%
Decision Making from This Position
If opponent attempts to turn toward entanglement to hide heel:
- Execute Inside Ashi Entry → Inside Ashi-Garami (Probability: 65%)
- Execute Saddle Entry from Top → Saddle (Probability: 55%)
If opponent attempts to clear outside leg cross by kicking or pushing:
- Execute Saddle Entry from Top → Saddle (Probability: 70%)
- Execute Heel Hook → Won by Submission (Probability: 60%)
If opponent establishes strong inside position with free leg:
- Execute X-Guard to Ashi Transition → Ashi Garami (Probability: 50%)
- Execute Technical Standup → Standing Position (Probability: 45%)
If opponent attempts to sit up or establish upper body frames:
- Execute Heel Hook → Won by Submission (Probability: 65%)
- Execute Straight Ankle Lock → Straight Ankle Lock Control (Probability: 55%)
If opponent flexes knee strongly to defend heel:
- Execute Kneebar from Top → Kneebar Control (Probability: 60%)
- Execute Toe Hold → Toe Hold Control (Probability: 50%)
Optimal Submission Paths
Shortest Path to Submission
Cross Ashi-Garami Top → Heel Hook → Won by Submission
High-Percentage Finishing Sequence
Cross Ashi-Garami Top → Saddle Entry from Top → Saddle → Inside Heel Hook → Won by Submission
Ankle Lock Pathway
Cross Ashi-Garami Top → Straight Ankle Lock Control → Straight Ankle Lock → Won by Submission
Kneebar Conversion
Cross Ashi-Garami Top → Kneebar Control → Kneebar → Won by Submission
Advanced Entanglement Chain
Cross Ashi-Garami Top → Inside Ashi Entry → Inside Ashi-Garami → Saddle Entry from Top → Saddle → Heel Hook → Won by Submission
Success Rates and Statistics
| Skill Level | Retention Rate | Advancement Probability | Submission Probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner | 50% | 40% | 30% |
| Intermediate | 65% | 55% | 50% |
| Advanced | 80% | 70% | 70% |
Average Time in Position: 30-90 seconds before submission or transition
Expert Analysis
John Danaher
Cross Ashi-Garami represents a critical control position in the leg lock hierarchy because it provides exceptional mechanical control over your opponent’s hip alignment while simultaneously exposing the heel for attack. The crossed configuration of your legs creates a ratcheting effect where any defensive movement by your opponent actually tightens your control rather than loosening it. The key mechanical principle is understanding that the inside hook controls hip rotation while the outside cross controls lower leg position - these two points of control work synergistically to create a position from which escape becomes extraordinarily difficult. Most practitioners make the error of viewing this as purely a finishing position, but its true value lies in being a transitional hub that connects to Saddle, Inside Ashi, and multiple submission options. Master the ability to flow between these connected positions and you transform leg entanglements from isolated techniques into a comprehensive systematic approach.
Gordon Ryan
In competition, Cross Ashi-Garami Top is one of my highest percentage positions because it gives me complete control while keeping my opponent in a weakened defensive posture. The moment I establish this position, I’m already thinking three steps ahead - heel hook if they’re flat, transition to Saddle if they turn away, Inside Ashi if they turn in. What makes this position so effective at the highest levels is that every defensive option your opponent has actually creates a different offensive opportunity for you. They can’t win the position battle, they can only choose which submission threat they want to defend against. I focus heavily on maintaining constant tension with my inside hook - that’s what prevents them from sitting up and establishing frames. Once you allow them to establish upper body position, the entanglement loses most of its effectiveness. Keep them flat, keep them defensive, and finish quickly before they can systematically work their escape sequence. Time favors the defender in leg locks, so strike while you have the advantage.
Eddie Bravo
Cross Ashi-Garami, or what some people call Outside Ashi, is a beautiful position because it breaks all the traditional rules about staying on top and passing the guard. You’re willingly going to the ground with your opponent, but you’re doing it in a way that gives you all the control and all the finishing options. What I love about this position is how it exemplifies the modern no-gi game - it’s not about points or traditional positional hierarchy, it’s about creating a dominant position through leg entanglement that leads directly to the finish. The key innovation in my system is understanding how Cross Ashi connects to the Saddle and how both positions create that dilemma we’re always talking about. Your opponent has to defend the heel, but defending the heel creates the Saddle entry, and the Saddle creates an even worse heel hook scenario. That’s the chess match - not just getting the position, but understanding the entire network of threats that flow from it. Train the transitions between these positions until they’re completely automatic, because in a real match you need to flow like water through the leg lock game.