Outside Ashi-Garami Bottom is a leg entanglement position where you control your opponent’s right leg from the outside while on your back or side, with your legs creating a figure-4 configuration that isolates and controls their leg. This position is foundational in modern leg lock systems, particularly in no-gi and submission-only formats, offering multiple heel hook and ankle lock opportunities.
The position is characterized by your outside leg (left leg) crossing over their thigh while your inside leg (right leg) triangles underneath their knee, creating a locked configuration. Your upper body is typically perpendicular or angled to your opponent, with grips controlling their leg and preventing their hip rotation.
From this position, the practitioner has access to outside heel hooks, straight ankle locks, and transitions to more dominant leg entanglements. The position represents a neutral starting point in the leg entanglement game where both practitioners are working to improve their position or finish submissions. Understanding outside ashi is essential for modern no-gi competition, as it serves as the gateway to more advanced leg lock positions like saddle and inside ashi.
Position Definition
- Your legs form figure-4 around opponent’s right leg with left leg crossing over their thigh and right leg hooking underneath their knee, creating a tight triangular lock that isolates the limb
- Hip angle maintained perpendicular or diagonal to opponent (45-90 degrees), positioning your torso facing toward their trapped leg to maximize leverage for submissions and control
- Opponent’s trapped leg controlled and isolated with both upper body grips preventing hip rotation - typically one hand controlling heel/foot and other controlling knee/thigh to lock their leg in place
- Your right foot actively pulls back toward your buttocks to tighten the figure-4 configuration, eliminating all space between your legs and their trapped leg
Prerequisites
- Understanding of leg entanglement mechanics and risks, including knowledge of when positions become dangerous and proper tapping protocols
- Knowledge of heel hook anatomy and safety protocols, specifically understanding the rotational nature of heel hooks and their potential for rapid injury
- Experience with inside ashi garami or basic leg lock positions to understand fundamental leg control concepts before attempting outside ashi
- Training in leg lock-legal environments (no-gi, submission-only, ADCC rules) where heel hooks are permitted and training partners understand risks
- Proper instruction from qualified instructor experienced in modern leg lock systems and safety awareness
Key Defensive Principles
- Leg triangle must be tight with no space between your legs and opponent’s leg - squeeze constantly and adjust configuration to eliminate gaps
- Hip angle is critical - maintain perpendicular or diagonal angle (45-90 degrees) to opponent to create optimal leverage for submissions and prevent them from stacking
- Control opponent’s hip rotation by preventing external rotation of their knee - use hand grips on knee/thigh to block their escape attempts
- Upper body grips dictate attacks - heel control enables heel hooks, ankle control enables ankle locks, knee control prevents escapes
- Active legs create control - squeeze figure-4 configuration constantly, adjust pressure based on opponent movement, never remain static
- Threaten submissions to prevent escapes - constant submission pressure keeps opponent defensive and limits their ability to work escapes
- Transition mindset - view outside ashi as entry position to more dominant entanglements rather than primary finishing position
Decision Making from This Position
If opponent attempts to rotate hip externally (turning knee outward) to escape:
- Execute Inside Ashi Entry → Inside Ashi-Garami (Probability: 60%)
- Execute Outside Heel Hook → game-over (Probability: 40%)
Else if opponent leans back or attempts to stand creating distance:
- Execute Saddle Entry from Top → Saddle (Probability: 65%)
- Execute Inside Ashi-Garami to Cross Ashi → Cross Ashi-Garami (Probability: 35%)
Else if opponent remains static with leg trapped:
- Execute Straight Ankle Lock → Straight Ankle Lock Control (Probability: 50%)
- Execute Outside Heel Hook → game-over (Probability: 50%)
Else if opponent drives forward attempting to stack or smash:
- Execute Inside Ashi Entry → Inside Ashi-Garami (Probability: 55%)
- Execute Kneebar Setup → Kneebar Control (Probability: 45%)
Test Your Knowledge
Q1: What is the primary weight distribution and body angle for maintaining control in Outside Ashi-Garami Bottom? A: Your body should maintain a perpendicular or diagonal angle (45-90 degrees) to your opponent’s leg line, with your torso facing toward their trapped leg. Weight distribution centers on your hips, which should be slightly elevated off the mat to create tension. The figure-4 leg configuration bears most of the positional load, with constant squeezing pressure through both legs to eliminate space.
Q2: What are the essential grips for maintaining this position and what does each control? A: The two essential grips are heel/foot control and knee/thigh control. The heel grip (typically near-side hand cupping the Achilles with fingers toward toes) enables heel hook and ankle lock attacks. The knee/thigh grip (typically far-side hand on their knee or upper thigh) prevents hip external rotation and escape. Both grips must be maintained simultaneously for effective control.
Q3: Your opponent begins rotating their knee outward to escape - what adjustment do you make? A: Immediately increase pressure with your knee/thigh grip to block the external rotation. Simultaneously tighten your leg triangle by pulling your inside foot closer to your buttocks. This external rotation attempt is also an opportunity - if you cannot stop it, flow with their rotation into an inside ashi entry or use the rotational momentum to finish an outside heel hook before they complete the escape.
Q4: Why is maintaining constant submission pressure important for position retention? A: Constant submission pressure keeps your opponent in a defensive mindset, limiting their ability to execute systematic escapes. When you remain static without threats, the opponent has time to work their escape sequence methodically. Flowing between heel hook and ankle lock setups forces them to continually address immediate danger rather than focusing on positional escape.
Q5: How do you prevent an opponent from using their free leg to establish base and stand? A: Monitor their free leg positioning constantly and adjust your body angle to prevent strong posting. When they attempt to post with their free leg, angle your hips away from that side to reduce their leverage. You can also use your leg configuration to crowd their free leg or transition toward saddle to control both legs. Their free leg positioning often telegraphs escape attempts.
Q6: Your opponent is driving forward aggressively to stack or smash - what options do you have? A: Forward pressure actually creates opportunities. Their forward drive exposes their far leg for inside ashi entry (higher percentage than outside ashi). Alternatively, their driving momentum can be redirected into a kneebar setup as their knee extends. Do not fight their pressure directly - use it to facilitate transitions. The worst response is lying flat and absorbing the stack.
Q7: What determines whether you should finish from outside ashi or transition to a more dominant entanglement? A: Outside ashi is primarily a transitional position rather than a primary finishing position. Finish from outside ashi when the opponent is static and presents their heel cleanly, or when you have perfect hip angle and leg configuration. Transition to inside ashi or saddle when the opponent is actively escaping, when their heel is protected, or when they create angles that make outside ashi less effective. Advanced practitioners treat outside ashi as a gateway position.
Q8: How do you manage energy expenditure to maintain the position over extended periods? A: Energy management centers on using skeletal structure rather than muscular effort. The figure-4 leg configuration should lock in place without requiring constant squeeze - position your legs so the triangle holds naturally. Maintain grips efficiently using finger hooks rather than death grips. Flow between submission threats rather than holding any single position. Let your opponent’s escape attempts create your offensive opportunities rather than constantly attacking.
Success Rates and Statistics
| Metric | Rate |
|---|---|
| Retention Rate | 60% |
| Advancement Probability | 60% |
| Submission Probability | 42% |
Average Time in Position: 30-60 seconds before transition or escape