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%
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%)
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
Expert Analysis
John Danaher
Inside Sankaku represents the pinnacle of leg entanglement control, offering the most comprehensive mechanical advantage over the opponent’s defensive options. The position succeeds through systematic breakdown of defensive barriers - first establish the fundamental entanglement structure, then control the hip mobility, next dominate the knee line to prevent rotation, and finally isolate the heel exposure for the finishing attack. The key is never rushing to the submission before the positional control is absolute. Many practitioners fail because they hunt the heel hook prematurely, before establishing hip connection and knee line control. The opponent must be completely trapped in your systematic framework before the submission attempt. Understanding the biomechanics of how the inside heel hook works - the internal rotation of the hip combined with lateral pressure on the knee - allows you to create the optimal angle for maximum mechanical advantage while minimizing the opponent’s ability to defend or escape. The position also creates strategic depth beyond simple submission hunting; you can use it to drain the opponent’s energy, force them into worse positions when they panic, and create submission chains where defending one attack opens others.
Gordon Ryan
Inside Sankaku is my highest percentage leg attack position in competition because it offers superior control compared to other leg entanglements while maintaining multiple submission threats. The position allows me to control the pace and create submission opportunities without taking excessive risks. In competition, I focus on establishing tight hip connection immediately upon entry, which prevents my opponent from creating the space they need to escape. Most opponents make the mistake of trying to clear the knee line by rotating away, which actually exposes them to outside heel hook attacks or allows me to follow into Saddle position. The key in high-level competition is patience - maintain the dominant position, tire out your opponent’s defensive efforts, and wait for the perfect moment when their heel becomes exposed with optimal angle. I also use Inside Sankaku strategically to force opponents into bad positions, as many will sacrifice their back or accept inferior positions to defend the leg attack, which gives me multiple paths to victory. The systematic approach of position before submission is critical at the highest levels where opponents understand the defenses.
Eddie Bravo
Inside Sankaku, which we’ve incorporated into the 10th Planet system as part of our leg lock game, represents an evolution in modern no-gi grappling that perfectly complements our existing positions like the Lockdown and Truck. The beauty of this position is how it fits into our systematic approach - we can enter from our Lockdown sweeps, transition from the Truck position, or flow into it from our rubber guard attacks when opponents try to stand. What makes Inside Sankaku special for our system is the ability to combine it with upper body attacks, creating dilemmas where defending the leg attack exposes the neck or back, and vice versa. We also emphasize creative entries that opponents don’t expect, like transitioning from traditional half guard positions or using our signature 10th Planet grips to facilitate the leg entanglement. The position works perfectly in our competition strategy because it’s legal in most no-gi formats and provides high-percentage finishes that align with our submission-focused philosophy. We drill the systematic breakdown extensively - establishing position, controlling the knee line, then attacking - because rushing to submissions gets you nowhere against trained opponents.