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
What is Outside Ashi-Garami (Bottom)?
- 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
What do you need before playing Outside Ashi-Garami (Bottom)?
- 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
What are the key principles for defending Outside Ashi-Garami?
- 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
What should you do from Outside Ashi-Garami (Bottom)?
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%)
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