Inside Sankaku Top

Inside Sankaku from the top perspective represents one of the most dominant and highly-controlled positions in modern leg lock systems, offering exceptional mechanical advantage for inside heel hook attacks while severely limiting the opponent’s defensive and escape options. From this position, the top player has established a figure-four leg entanglement around the opponent’s leg with the heel exposed toward their centerline, creating optimal biomechanical alignment for devastating submissions. The position’s effectiveness derives from its multi-layered control system - hip-to-hip connection prevents the opponent from creating escape distance, knee line dominance prevents defensive rotation, and the leg configuration itself isolates the trapped limb from defensive resources. Understanding the systematic approach to this position is critical: first establish the fundamental entanglement structure, then secure hip connection, next dominate the knee line, and finally isolate heel exposure before attempting the submission. Many practitioners fail by rushing to the submission before establishing complete positional control, which allows skilled opponents to escape or counter-attack. The top player must also maintain awareness of their own leg positioning, as engagement in leg entanglements creates mutual vulnerability that must be managed through superior positioning and control. Modern competition has proven Inside Sankaku to be among the highest percentage finishing positions, with success rates climbing significantly as practitioners develop systematic understanding of the position’s control mechanics. The strategic depth of the position extends beyond simple submission hunting - it can be used to force opponents into bad positions, drain their energy through defensive efforts, and create multiple attack pathways that form dilemmas where every defensive choice opens different offensive opportunities.

Position Definition

• Opponent’s leg is trapped in your figure-four configuration created by your legs, with your outside leg crossing over your inside leg to secure the entanglement at the knee joint
• Your legs form a tight triangle around opponent’s trapped leg, with your feet positioned to control the knee line and prevent rotational escape movements
• Inside heel exposure is maintained with the opponent’s heel facing toward your centerline, creating optimal mechanical advantage for inside heel hook attacks
• Hip-to-hip connection is established and maintained, with your hips positioned close to opponent’s hips to prevent them from creating the distance needed for escape
• Control of opponent’s knee line is maintained through precise leg positioning, preventing them from clearing the knee line which would allow defensive rotation
• Your inside leg (the leg on the same side as the trapped leg) hooks under the opponent’s thigh to maintain the fundamental entanglement structure

Prerequisites

• Understanding of basic leg entanglement theory and systematic progression
• Knowledge of proper hip positioning and maintenance of connection in leg attacks
• Familiarity with rotational control concepts and knee line theory
• Awareness of competition rule restrictions regarding leg locks in various rulesets
• Development of hip flexibility to maintain proper positioning throughout control
• Understanding of inside heel hook mechanics, application, and safety protocols

Key Offensive Principles

• Control opponent’s hip mobility through proper leg positioning and maintaining tight hip-to-hip connection throughout the entanglement
• Maintain the knee line control to prevent defensive rotation by keeping your legs configured to block opponent’s ability to turn into you
• Create and maintain proper angles for inside heel hook by positioning opponent’s heel toward your centerline with optimal leverage
• Establish strong hip connection to prevent escapes by keeping your hips close to opponent’s hips and eliminating space
• Isolate the trapped leg from defensive resources by controlling the knee joint and preventing opponent from using their free leg effectively
• Control upper body positioning when possible to prevent counters, particularly being aware of opponent’s ability to attack your legs
• Distribute weight strategically to maintain control while preparing for submission attempts without sacrificing positional security

Available Attacks

Inside Heel Hook → Won by Submission

Success Rates:

• Beginner: 25%
• Intermediate: 45%
• Advanced: 65%

Toe Hold → Won by Submission

Success Rates:

• Beginner: 20%
• Intermediate: 35%
• Advanced: 50%

Outside Ashi Entry → Outside Ashi-Garami

Success Rates:

• Beginner: 35%
• Intermediate: 50%
• Advanced: 65%

Saddle Entry from Top → Saddle

Success Rates:

• Beginner: 30%
• Intermediate: 45%
• Advanced: 60%

50-50 Entry → 50-50 Guard

Success Rates:

• Beginner: 40%
• Intermediate: 55%
• Advanced: 70%

Kneebar from Top → Won by Submission

Success Rates:

• Beginner: 20%
• Intermediate: 35%
• Advanced: 50%

Calf Slicer → Won by Submission

Success Rates:

• Beginner: 15%
• Intermediate: 30%
• Advanced: 45%

Rolling Back Take → Back Control

Success Rates:

• Beginner: 25%
• Intermediate: 40%
• Advanced: 55%

Outside Heel Hook → Won by Submission

Success Rates:

• Beginner: 18%
• Intermediate: 32%
• Advanced: 48%

Transition to Mount → Mount

Success Rates:

• Beginner: 20%
• Intermediate: 35%
• Advanced: 50%

Opponent Escapes

• Hip Escape → Open Guard (Opponent Success: 35%)
• Granby Roll → Turtle (Opponent Success: 25%)
• Defensive Posture → Inside Sankaku (Opponent Success: 40%)
• Frame and Shrimp → Half Guard (Opponent Success: 30%)
• Counter Leg Attack → 50-50 Guard (Opponent Success: 35%)
• Technical Standup → Standing Position (Opponent Success: 15%)

Escape Counters

• Hip Pressure and Angle Adjustment → Inside Sankaku
  • Opponent attempts to create space by extending hips away
• Outside Ashi Entry → Outside Ashi-Garami
  • Opponent attempts to clear knee line by rotating away
• Kneebar Attack → Won by Submission
  • Opponent defends heel hook by hiding heel or straightening leg
• Position Maintenance → Inside Sankaku
  • Opponent begins to extract leg from entanglement
• Saddle Entry → Saddle
  • Opponent turns into you attempting to pass knee line
• Rolling Back Take → Back Control
  • Opponent gives up back to defend leg attack

Decision Making from This Position

If opponent maintains defensive posture and protects heel by keeping it hidden:

• Execute Hip pressure application → Inside Sankaku (Probability: 70%)
• Execute Toe Hold transition → Won by Submission (Probability: 60%)
• Execute Kneebar attack → Won by Submission (Probability: 55%)

If opponent attempts to clear knee line by rotating away from you:

• Execute Outside Ashi Entry → Outside Ashi-Garami (Probability: 65%)
• Execute Position maintenance with leg adjustment → Inside Sankaku (Probability: 60%)
• Execute Outside Heel Hook → Won by Submission (Probability: 50%)

If opponent turns into you attempting to pass knee line and stack:

• Execute Saddle Entry → Saddle (Probability: 70%)
• Execute Leg position adjustment → Inside Sankaku (Probability: 60%)
• Execute Rolling Back Take → Back Control (Probability: 55%)

If opponent attempts to stand up or create vertical distance:

• Execute Hip elevation and entanglement maintenance → Inside Sankaku (Probability: 65%)
• Execute Single Leg X-Guard transition → Single Leg X-Guard (Probability: 55%)
• Execute Sweep to top position → Mount (Probability: 50%)

If opponent exposes heel and you have optimal submission angle established:

• Execute Inside Heel Hook finish → Won by Submission (Probability: 75%)
• Execute Toe Hold finish → Won by Submission (Probability: 50%)

Common Offensive Mistakes

1. Poor hip connection - maintaining too much distance from opponent’s hips

• ❌ Consequence: Opponent easily creates space to escape the entanglement and extract their trapped leg, nullifying all control and submission threats
• ✅ Correction: Keep hips tight to opponent’s hips at all times, using your core strength to maintain connection and eliminate space, adjusting your position to stay connected as they move

2. Failure to control knee line - allowing opponent to clear the knee line barrier

• ❌ Consequence: Opponent can rotate defensively to neutralize the inside heel hook angle and potentially escape or counter-attack your legs
• ✅ Correction: Maintain proper leg configuration with your outside leg crossed over to block knee line, actively adjusting leg position to prevent opponent from turning through

3. Crossing ankles improperly - locking ankles in a way that reduces control or creates vulnerability

• ❌ Consequence: Weakened positional control, potential for ankle injury, and creation of escape opportunities for opponent through the weakened structure
• ✅ Correction: Cross your outside leg over your inside leg at the proper angle, maintaining flexibility in the ankle lock and being ready to adjust as needed for control

4. Hunting submissions prematurely - attacking heel hook before establishing complete positional control

• ❌ Consequence: Loss of position as opponent exploits your premature attack to escape, potentially allowing them to pass or counter-attack your legs
• ✅ Correction: Establish all control points first (hip connection, knee line control, proper angle) before committing to the submission, following systematic breakdown of defenses

5. Neglecting upper body awareness - focusing only on leg control while ignoring opponent’s upper body

• ❌ Consequence: Opponent may attack your legs, establish grips that aid their escape, or use upper body positioning to create leverage for defensive movements
• ✅ Correction: Maintain awareness of opponent’s upper body positioning, control their hands when possible, and be prepared to defend counter-attacks while maintaining leg entanglement

6. Incorrect weight distribution - putting too much weight on hands or upper body instead of hips

• ❌ Consequence: Reduced control pressure on the entanglement, making it easier for opponent to move and escape while tiring your arms unnecessarily
• ✅ Correction: Distribute weight primarily through your hips into the entanglement point, using hands for balance and adjustment rather than primary pressure

7. Attacking wrong heel - confusing inside and outside heel hook positions and angles

• ❌ Consequence: Ineffective submission attempts with poor mechanical advantage, wasted energy, and potential loss of position
• ✅ Correction: Verify heel position (heel toward your centerline equals inside heel hook), understand the mechanical difference, and attack only when proper angle is established

Training Drills for Attacks

Inside Sankaku Entry Drilling

Practice entering Inside Sankaku from various positions including Outside Ashi-Garami, Single Leg X-Guard, and 50-50 Guard. Partner provides light resistance while you focus on proper leg configuration, hip connection, and knee line control. Emphasis on smooth transitions and maintaining control throughout entry.

Duration: 5-10 minutes

Knee Line Maintenance Against Resistance

Partner actively attempts to clear the knee line using various defensive rotations while you maintain Inside Sankaku position. Focus on adjusting your leg position, hip pressure, and angle to prevent their defensive movements. Progress from light to moderate resistance.

Duration: 3-5 minutes

Hip Connection and Control Drills

Partner attempts to create distance and escape while you maintain tight hip connection in Inside Sankaku. Practice following their movements, adjusting your position, and using core strength to eliminate space. Emphasize maintaining connection without using excessive grip strength.

Duration: 4-6 minutes

Submission Chain Drilling

Flow drill starting from Inside Sankaku, attempting inside heel hook, then transitioning to toe hold, kneebar, or position changes based on partner’s defensive reactions. Build muscle memory for common defensive patterns and appropriate responses.

Duration: 5-10 minutes

Positional Sparring from Inside Sankaku

Start in established Inside Sankaku position. Top player works to maintain position and finish submissions while bottom player works to escape. Reset when position is lost or submission is achieved. Build live understanding of position dynamics.

Duration: 5-8 minutes

Optimal Submission Paths

Direct Inside Heel Hook Path

Outside Ashi-Garami → Inside Sankaku Top → Inside Heel Hook → Won by Submission

Single Leg X Entry Path

Single Leg X-Guard → Inside Sankaku Top → Inside Heel Hook → Won by Submission

50-50 Transition Path

50-50 Guard → Inside Sankaku Top → Inside Heel Hook → Won by Submission

Heel Hook to Toe Hold Chain

Inside Sankaku Top → Inside Heel Hook (defended) → Toe Hold → Won by Submission

Kneebar Alternative Path

Inside Sankaku Top → Kneebar → Won by Submission

Saddle Transition Path

Inside Sankaku Top → Saddle → Inside Heel Hook → Won by Submission

Success Rates and Statistics

Skill Level	Retention Rate	Advancement Probability	Submission Probability
Beginner	40%	35%	25%
Intermediate	60%	55%	45%
Advanced	80%	75%	65%

Average Time in Position: 30-90 seconds before submission or position change

Related Positions and Techniques

• Outside Ashi-Garami - Common entry position - frequently transitioned from to enter Inside Sankaku
• Saddle - Related leg entanglement - similar control concepts with different angle and both legs trapped
• 50-50 Guard - Alternative leg entanglement - can transition between positions based on opponent defense
• Single Leg X-Guard - Entry position - common pathway to Inside Sankaku from standing or guard
• Inside Heel Hook - Primary submission - the main finishing technique from this position
• Toe Hold - Alternative submission - attacked when heel is hidden or defended
• Cross Ashi-Garami - Related position - similar leg configuration with different attacking opportunities
• Back Control - Transition target - available when opponent gives back defending leg attack
• Danaher Leg Lock System - Expert system - systematic approach to leg entanglements including Inside Sankaku
• Craig Jones Leg Lock System - Expert system - modern competition-tested leg lock methodology
• Lachlan Giles Leg Lock Defense Framework - Defensive system - understanding opponent’s defense improves offensive approach
• Inside Sankaku - Opposite perspective - understanding defensive mechanics aids offensive strategy