Cross Ashi Garami Bottom | BJJ Position Guide | BJJ Graph

Cross Ashi Garami Bottom

bjjstateleg-lockashi-garamiadvancedbottom

State Description

Cross Ashi Garami Bottom is an advanced offensive leg entanglement position featuring a crossed legs configuration where the bottom player’s outside leg crosses over and inside leg hooks under the opponent’s trapped leg, creating reversed entanglement that enables outside heel hook attacks. With a point value of 0 (neutral entanglement position), this position is classified as highly offensive with primary focus on submission rather than points. It is particularly effective in no-gi competition where leg locks are legal and against opponents unfamiliar with modern leg lock defensive strategies.

This position emphasizes aggressive submission hunting with outside heel hook as the primary attack, supplemented by kneebar entries and sweeps. The crossed legs configuration provides unique control mechanics compared to standard ashi garami, offering different angles for heel attacks and enabling transitions to saddle position or backside 50-50. The hip-to-hip connection is the most critical control element—lose this and the position fails rapidly. Unlike standard ashi’s parallel leg structure, cross ashi’s reversed configuration creates specific vulnerabilities to forward pressure and smash defenses.

Cross Ashi Garami excels when the bottom player maintains tight hip connection and crossed legs tension while possessing advanced leg lock technical knowledge. The position’s strength lies in its high submission rate—properly executed cross ashi converts to submission at 50-70% for advanced practitioners. However, it carries significant risks including vulnerability to aggressive forward pressure, high energy cost limiting sustainability to 1-2 minutes, and requirement for technical proficiency to prevent self-injury. The position demands respect for safety protocols and should only be practiced with qualified instruction.

Visual Description

You are on your back or side with your legs crossed in reversed configuration around opponent’s trapped leg—your outside leg crosses over their leg while your inside leg hooks underneath, creating cross-shaped entanglement. Your opponent is standing, kneeling, or seated defending the leg lock, with one leg trapped between your crossed legs and other leg posted for balance. Your hips are positioned close to or connected with opponent’s hip, eliminating distance that would enable leg extraction. Your inside leg hooks their knee or thigh from underneath providing additional control point, while your outside leg crosses over applying downward pressure on their trapped leg. Your upper body is free with both arms available for grips on their ankle, heel, or lower leg, shoulder blades maintaining mat contact for base.

The spatial relationship creates tight entanglement where your crossed legs clamp opponent’s leg between them in reversed parallel configuration compared to standard ashi. Your hip proximity or connection prevents them from creating escape distance while your leg tension maintains constant control pressure. The pressure distribution places clamping force through your crossed legs while your inside hook prevents their knee from straightening or posting. Your head is free and mobile, positioned to maintain balance and adjust to opponent’s defensive movements. The geometric configuration creates specific angle for outside heel hook rotation and provides transition points to saddle inversion or backside 50-50 roll.

This creates high-threat environment where opponent must constantly defend submission attempts while seeking leg extraction, making position extremely uncomfortable and forcing defensive priority over offensive actions.

Key Principles

• Hip Connection Priority: Maintaining hip-to-hip proximity or connection is the most critical control element—distance creation is opponent’s primary escape path and must be prevented through constant pressure and grips
• Crossed Legs Tension Maintenance: Constant tension through crossed legs configuration provides primary entanglement control with outside leg applying downward pressure and inside leg hooking upward, creating clamping effect
• Heel Hook Technical Proficiency: Proper outside heel hook mechanics including correct grip, controlled rotation, and safety awareness are essential for both effectiveness and training partner safety
• Proactive Transition Recognition: Understanding when cross ashi is failing (distance created, top leg cleared, forward smash) and transitioning to saddle or standard ashi before position is lost preserves offensive control
• Inside Hook Engagement: Maintaining inside leg hook on opponent’s knee or thigh provides additional control point that prevents posting and complements crossed legs primary control
• Submission-First Mentality: Cross ashi is offensive finishing position rather than control position—prioritize submission attempts while maintaining control, using sweeps only when submission is not available
• Safety and Communication: High-risk nature of position demands constant awareness of training partner’s safety, slow progressive application, immediate tap response, and qualified instructional guidance

Offensive Transitions

From this position, you can execute:

Submissions

• Won by Submission via Outside Heel Hook (Success Rate: Beginner 35%, Intermediate 50%, Advanced 70%)

  • Primary submission using crossed legs control and hip connection to apply rotational pressure on heel for outside heel hook finish

• Kneebar Control (Success Rate: Beginner 30%, Intermediate 45%, Advanced 60%)

  • Alternative submission when heel is hidden, transitioning grip to knee with hip extension for kneebar finish

Position Advancements

• Saddle Position (Success Rate: Beginner 40%, Intermediate 55%, Advanced 70%)

  • Invert legs over opponent’s leg to achieve inside position when they create distance or clear top leg

• Backside 50-50 (Success Rate: Beginner 35%, Intermediate 50%, Advanced 65%)

  • Roll opponent’s leg over your body to achieve backside 50-50 configuration during their defensive movement

• Ashi Garami via Standard Ashi Recovery (Success Rate: Beginner 45%, Intermediate 60%, Advanced 75%)

  • Uncross legs and transition to standard ashi when opponent defends cross position or drives forward pressure

Sweeps

• Top Position via Sweep from Cross Ashi (Success Rate: Beginner 25%, Intermediate 40%, Advanced 55%)
  • Use leg entanglement to off-balance and sweep opponent when distance prevents immediate submission

Defensive Responses

When opponent has this position against you (you are defending), available counters:

• Standing Position via Hidden Leg Extraction (Success Rate: 45%)

  • Clear top leg and extract trapped leg using limp leg mechanics and hip movement

• Top Position via Smash Cross Ashi Defense (Success Rate: 40%)

  • Drive knee across body and flatten opponent’s crossed legs to escape entanglement

• X-Guard via Hip Control Counter (Success Rate: 35%)

  • Maintain hip distance and prevent opponent from securing tight control, transitioning to offensive position

• Top Position via Roll Out Escape (Success Rate: 30%)

  • Roll over shoulder away from control direction to extract leg from entanglement

Decision Tree

If opponent’s leg is fully controlled with hip close:

• Execute Outside Heel Hook → Won by Submission (Probability: 50%)
  • Reasoning: Tight control with hip connection enables heel hook mechanics with crossed legs providing stable control platform
• Or Execute Kneebar Entry → Kneebar Control (Probability: 45%)
  • Reasoning: Secure position allows transition to kneebar if heel hook is defended or heel is hidden

Else if opponent creates hip distance or leg becomes loose:

• Transition to Saddle Position (Probability: 55%)
  • Reasoning: Inversion achieves tighter inside control when cross position loosens due to distance
• Or Execute Standard Ashi Recovery → Ashi Garami (Probability: 60%)
  • Reasoning: Uncrossing legs maintains control while adapting to opponent’s escape progress

Else if opponent attempts to clear top leg:

• Execute Backside 50-50 Transition → Backside 50-50 (Probability: 50%)
  • Reasoning: Rolling over opponent’s leg achieves backside configuration as they clear top leg
• Or Transition to Saddle Position (Probability: 55%)
  • Reasoning: Their clearing motion facilitates inversion to saddle’s inside position

Else (opponent defending but not escaping):

• Execute Outside Heel Hook → Won by Submission (Probability: 50%)
  • Reasoning: Apply primary submission when opponent is static in defense without creating escape distance
• Or Execute Sweep from Cross Ashi → Top Position (Probability: 40%)
  • Reasoning: Off-balance opponent to improve position when immediate submission is not available

Expert Insights

John Danaher: “Cross Ashi Garami represents a specific angular approach within the ashi garami family that provides unique mechanical advantages for outside heel hook attacks. The crossed legs configuration is not arbitrary—it creates specific control geometry that facilitates heel rotation while providing backup control should the primary inside hook fail. The critical principle is hip connection maintenance; once distance is created, the position’s effectiveness drops precipitously. Study the position hierarchically: cross ashi should lead systematically to saddle when defended, creating a progression rather than isolated technique. The safety consideration cannot be overstated—this position requires technical mastery and training partner awareness to prevent injury.”

Gordon Ryan: “In competition, cross ashi is money for outside heel hooks if you can maintain the hip connection. I use it heavily after getting to single leg X or standard ashi when I see the outside heel hook angle. The key in no-gi is not letting them create any distance—you lose that hip-to-hip contact and they’re escaping. I focus on the saddle transition when they defend well, as that’s your backup plan that keeps you in the leg entanglement game. Against experienced leg lockers, you need to be quick to either finish or transition because they know the counters. Train it extensively, but always with safety first—outside heel hooks are devastating and you can’t rush the finish.”

Eddie Bravo: “Cross ashi is part of the leg lock revolution and it’s a game-changer when you understand the geometry. The way the legs cross creates this trap that’s different from standard ashi—different angle, different finish. I teach it as part of a system where you’re flowing between positions rather than forcing one. If cross ashi is defended, boom, you’re inverting to saddle. If they smash, boom, you’re in standard ashi with a kneebar. It’s all connected. The creativity comes in reading their defense and adapting instantly. But listen—this is advanced stuff requiring serious training and partner awareness. Leg locks demand respect and knowledge. Train smart, tap early, keep your partners healthy.”

Common Errors

Error: Failing to maintain hip-to-hip connection

• Consequence: Distance between hips is opponent’s primary escape path, allowing them to extract leg once separation occurs. Loss of hip connection reduces submission success by -25% modifier and dramatically increases escape probability. Position becomes ineffective without tight hip proximity.
• Correction: Constantly pull opponent’s hip close using both arm grips on their lower leg or hip, engage crossed legs to draw them toward you, and maintain pressure preventing backward movement. Use inside leg hook to prevent them posting away. If distance begins developing, immediately transition to saddle rather than losing position entirely.
• Recognition: If you feel gap developing between your hip and opponent’s hip, or if they’re able to move backward even slightly, hip connection is failing. Should feel hip-to-hip contact or immediate proximity throughout.

Error: Allowing crossed legs tension to become loose or passive

• Consequence: Loose crossed legs enable opponent to slip leg free, eliminate submission control, and reduce effectiveness of entire position. Primary control mechanism fails when leg tension is not maintained, making escape significantly easier.
• Correction: Maintain constant active tension through both legs with outside leg applying downward pressure and inside leg hooking upward. Think of crossed legs as active clamp continuously squeezing, not passive barrier. Re-tension legs frequently and adjust as opponent moves.
• Recognition: If opponent’s leg feels mobile within your entanglement, or if they can move leg significantly despite your control, tension is insufficient. Properly tensioned cross ashi should feel like their leg is completely trapped.

Error: Attempting cross ashi without proper leg lock training

• Consequence: Inadequate technical knowledge leads to ineffective submissions, training partner injuries, and self-injury from improper mechanics. Outside heel hooks are dangerous submissions requiring expertise. Attempting without training creates serious injury risk.
• Correction: Only practice cross ashi after receiving qualified instruction in leg lock mechanics and safety, training extensively in safer positions first (standard ashi), understanding heel hook rotation mechanics thoroughly, and developing awareness of safety protocols. Always train with aware partners who know leg lock defense.
• Recognition: If you’re unsure about heel hook mechanics, haven’t received formal leg lock instruction, or your training partners lack leg lock experience, you’re not ready for this position. Seek qualified instruction before attempting.

Error: Holding failing cross position instead of transitioning

• Consequence: Stubbornly maintaining compromised cross ashi as opponent creates distance or clears legs results in complete position loss rather than preserving control through transition. Wasted energy fighting losing position instead of adapting to better option.
• Correction: Learn to recognize when cross ashi is failing: hip distance developing, top leg being cleared, or forward smash collapsing legs. Immediately transition to saddle (if inverting available), standard ashi (if forward pressure), or backside 50-50 (if rolling available). Proactive transition preserves control.
• Recognition: If you’re fighting to maintain position but it’s clearly deteriorating, and you haven’t transitioned yet, you’re being too stubborn. Successful leg lockers flow between positions rather than forcing failing control.

Error: Neglecting inside leg hook maintenance

• Consequence: Lost inside hook eliminates secondary control point, enables opponent to post and create base, makes leg extraction significantly easier, and reduces overall position control by approximately -15%. Inside hook complements crossed legs primary control.
• Correction: Maintain active inside leg hook on opponent’s knee or thigh throughout position, constantly re-engaging hook if it slips, and using hook to prevent them straightening leg or posting. Hook should feel active and pulling rather than passive.
• Recognition: If opponent can straighten their trapped leg easily, or if they’re able to post away creating distance, inside hook is likely lost. Should feel constant hooking pressure on their leg.

Error: Applying heel hook with ripping motion instead of controlled rotation

• Consequence: Ripping heel hook instead of controlled rotation causes serious knee injuries including ligament tears, creates unsafe training environment, damages training partners, and demonstrates lack of technical proficiency. Heel hooks require slow controlled pressure.
• Correction: Apply heel hook with slow progressive rotation, never jerking or ripping motion. Rotation should take 3-5 seconds minimum with constant communication. Stop immediately when partner taps, even beginning of tap. Practice control before power. Technical precision over speed.
• Recognition: If training partners are hesitant to train leg locks with you, or if you’ve injured partners previously, your application is too aggressive. Controlled heel hooks should be smooth, progressive, and safe.

Error: Ignoring opponent’s counter leg lock threats

• Consequence: While attacking from cross ashi, opponent may have counter leg lock opportunities if you overcommit or lose positional awareness. Mutual leg entanglement creates two-way danger requiring constant awareness.
• Correction: Maintain positional awareness of your own leg exposure while attacking, keep your free leg safe and retracted when possible, and don’t overcommit to attacks that expose you to counters. Position-over-submission applies even in offensive leg locks.
• Recognition: If opponent is able to establish controls on your leg while you attack, or if you feel vulnerable to counter, your awareness is insufficient. Should maintain defensive consciousness while attacking.

Training Drills

Drill 1: Cross Ashi Entry and Hip Connection

Partner starts standing with one leg available. You establish standard ashi garami, then transition to cross ashi by crossing outside leg over their leg while maintaining inside hook. Focus exclusively on achieving tight hip-to-hip connection after crossing legs. Partner provides progressive resistance: 0% (standing still), 25% (slight movement), 50% (attempting to create distance). Practice pulling hip close using leg pressure and arm grips. Perform 3-minute rounds with role switching. Success metric: consistently achieving and maintaining hip connection under increasing resistance.

Drill 2: Crossed Legs Tension Maintenance

Both players start in established cross ashi position. Bottom player focuses on maintaining constant crossed legs tension while top player attempts to slip leg free using mobility (not explosive escapes). Begin with 25% escape effort, progress to 50%, then 75%. Bottom player practices re-tensioning legs as they loosen and adjusting pressure angle. Emphasizes active control rather than passive holding. Perform 4-minute rounds. Develops endurance and awareness of tension requirements.

Drill 3: Outside Heel Hook Technical Progression

Partner in cross ashi allows you to establish control. Practice heel hook mechanics in slow motion: proper grip (all four fingers), heel positioning, rotation direction, and pressure application. Begin with positional practice only (no submission pressure), progress to 10% pressure with immediate tap response, then 25% pressure with verbal feedback. Never exceed 25% in training. Partner maintains constant communication about pressure levels. 2-minute rounds focusing on technical precision and safety. Critical drill for developing safe finishing mechanics.

Drill 4: Transition Flow Under Defensive Pressure

Start in cross ashi with partner executing specific defensive actions: (1) creating hip distance → transition to saddle, (2) clearing top leg → invert to saddle or backside 50-50, (3) driving forward smash → uncross to standard ashi. Partner provides 50% resistance simulating real defenses. Practice reading defensive commitment and executing appropriate transition smoothly. Begin with partner calling out defense, progress to no verbal cues. Perform 5-minute rounds. Develops adaptive response to defenses.

Drill 5: Position Hierarchy Chain

Start standing with partner. Execute complete sequence: Single Leg X entry → Standard Ashi Garami → Cross Ashi Garami → Outside Heel Hook attempt → if defended, transition to Saddle → Inside Heel Hook attempt. Partner defends first submission but allows second or third to succeed. Practice entire chain with 50% resistance focusing on smooth transitions. Perform 4-minute rounds. Teaches systematic approach to leg lock positions and submission attempts.

Related Positions

• Ashi Garami - Base position that cross ashi builds upon with reversed crossed legs configuration
• Saddle Position - Natural progression when cross ashi is defended, providing inside control and different submission angle
• Backside 50-50 - Alternative leg entanglement accessed by rolling opponent’s leg over during defense
• Single Leg X Guard - Common entry position that leads to cross ashi establishment
• Kneebar Control - Submission position accessed when heel hook is defended from cross ashi
• X-Guard - Guard position that can transition to leg entanglements including cross ashi

Optimal Submission Paths

Fastest path to submission (direct attack): Cross Ashi Garami Bottom → Outside Heel Hook → Won by Submission Reasoning: Direct outside heel hook from tight cross ashi control is fastest finish, optimal when hip connection is secure and heel is exposed. Success rate 50-70% for advanced practitioners. Speed depends on maintaining perfect control and technical execution.

High-percentage path (systematic): Cross Ashi Garami Bottom → Saddle Position → Inside Heel Hook → Won by Submission Reasoning: When cross ashi is defended through distance creation, transition to saddle provides tighter inside control with higher finishing percentage. Systematic approach improves control at each stage. More reliable than forcing failing cross position.

Alternative submission path (variation): Cross Ashi Garami Bottom → Kneebar Control → Won by Submission Reasoning: When opponent successfully hides heel defending heel hook, kneebar provides alternative attack from same position. Requires grip transition but maintains leg entanglement control. Success rate 45-60% when heel hook is neutralized.

Sweep to dominance path (positional): Cross Ashi Garami Bottom → Sweep from Cross Ashi → Top Position → Pass to Side Control → Submission Chain Reasoning: When immediate submission is not available due to strong defense, sweep improves position to top and enables traditional submission progressions. Less direct but builds points in competition.

System-based path (Danaher leg lock system): Cross Ashi Garami Bottom → Backside 50-50 → Saddle Position → Inside Heel Hook → Won by Submission Reasoning: Systematic progression through leg lock hierarchy improves position incrementally when direct finish is not available. Each transition maintains offensive control while adapting to opponent’s defense. Emphasizes position-over-submission within leg entanglement system.

Timing Considerations

Best Times to Enter:

• After establishing single leg X or standard ashi when opponent’s leg is isolated
• When opponent is standing or posting with one leg available for entanglement
• During scrambles when leg becomes available and isolated
• After successful guard pull when opponent’s leg is caught

Best Times to Attack:

• When hip connection is tight and opponent’s heel is exposed (outside heel hook timing)
• When opponent is static in defensive position without creating movement
• During opponent’s transitional movement when balance is compromised
• When crossed legs tension is maximum and inside hook is engaged

Vulnerable Moments:

• When transitioning from standard ashi to cross ashi (position temporarily unstable)
• If opponent drives forward aggressively smashing crossed legs
• During submission attempt when your position may become overextended
• When top leg is being cleared and transition hasn’t been initiated

Fatigue Factors:

• Position drains energy rapidly due to high leg tension requirements (1-2 minutes sustainability)
• Multiple submission attempts without success deplete explosive reserves
• Mental fatigue from high-risk awareness and safety consciousness
• Grip endurance challenged by heel control and hip pulling requirements

Competition Considerations

Point Scoring: Cross Ashi Garami is entanglement position (0 points) but provides path to sweep points (2 points IBJJF) and submission. Primary value is finishing opponent rather than building points. Outside heel hooks may be illegal in some rule sets—verify rules before competition.

Time Management: Position is high-intensity and short-lived (1-2 minutes typical). Best used as finishing sequence rather than extended control. Commit to aggressive finish or position improvement quickly rather than maintaining failing control.

Rule Set Adaptations: In IBJJF gi competition, heel hooks are illegal at most belt levels—verify current rules. ADCC and most no-gi competitions allow heel hooks at brown/black belt equivalent. Submission-only rules favor aggressive cross ashi approach. Some organizations ban leg reaping position that may apply to cross ashi configuration.

Competition Strategy: Use cross ashi when leg becomes isolated and you have leg lock expertise. Provides high finishing rate (50-70% advanced) making it excellent for securing victory when accessed. Against opponents unfamiliar with leg lock defense, cross ashi is particularly effective (+15% success modifier). However, against leg lock specialists, be ready for counter-attacks and maintain defensive awareness. Position-over-submission applies—transition to saddle or standard ashi rather than losing position entirely when defended.