Leg Entanglement represents a comprehensive positional system in modern Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu where practitioners control and attack their opponent’s lower body through various configurations of leg positioning and entanglement. These positions form the foundation of systematic leg lock attacking, characterized by superior control mechanics that isolate specific joints (ankle, knee, hip) while maintaining positional dominance or creating submission opportunities. The entanglement configurations involve legs wrapping, hooking, or triangling around the opponent’s leg or legs, creating control structures that range from neutral exchanges (50-50) to dominant attacking positions (saddle, inside ashi). This positional family has revolutionized modern no-gi grappling, with systematic approaches developed by John Danaher, Craig Jones, and others transforming leg attacks from opportunistic submissions into a comprehensive positional hierarchy comparable to traditional upper body control positions. Success in leg entanglements requires understanding the biomechanical principles of joint isolation, recognizing the specific finishing mechanics for different leg locks, and maintaining proper positioning to prevent escapes or counters. The positions offer multiple pathways to finishing submissions (heel hooks, kneebar variations, ankle locks) while also providing transition opportunities to other dominant positions if the opponent defends successfully. The neutral nature of many entanglement positions means both practitioners can simultaneously threaten attacks, creating dynamic exchanges that reward systematic understanding and technical precision.
Position Definition
- At least one practitioner has established leg control through entanglement configuration (wrapping, hooking, or triangling around opponent’s leg or legs)
- Both practitioners’ lower bodies are engaged with varying degrees of control and exposure, creating bilateral threat potential
- Specific entanglement configuration determines positional hierarchy and available submission attacks (ashi variants, saddle, 50-50, or transitional positions)
- Knee line position and hip placement determine which submissions are mechanically available and which defensive structures remain viable
- Upper body positioning and grip control influence ability to finish submissions, prevent escapes, and transition between entanglement variants
Prerequisites
- Understanding of basic leg lock mechanics and safety protocols for training heel hooks and other lower body submissions
- Successful entry from standing exchanges, guard passing sequences, or guard playing positions
- Recognition of entanglement configuration types and their associated positional hierarchies
- Base and balance sufficient to maintain position during opponent’s escape attempts and counter-attacks
- Knowledge of systematic progression between entanglement variants based on opponent’s defensive reactions
Key Principles
- Understand positional hierarchy within leg entanglements: neutral positions (50-50) require advancement before attacking, dominant positions (saddle, inside ashi) allow immediate submission threats
- Maintain constant pressure and control on the isolated leg to prevent opponent from clearing the entanglement and recovering guard position
- Keep hips close to the attack point (foot, ankle, or knee) to maximize control and finishing leverage while minimizing escape opportunities
- Control opponent’s upper body or free leg to prevent them from turning into you, establishing defensive frames, or creating escape pathways
- Recognize the specific biomechanics of your entanglement variant to identify which submissions are available and which transitions are necessary for advancement
- Use grip fighting on the foot and ankle to control opponent’s ability to spin, rotate, or extract from danger while setting up finishing positions
- Flow between entanglement variants based on opponent’s defensive reactions rather than forcing submissions from poor positions
Available Techniques and Transitions
Inside Heel Hook → Won by Submission
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 30%
- Intermediate: 50%
- Advanced: 70%
Outside Heel Hook → Won by Submission
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 20%
- Intermediate: 40%
- Advanced: 60%
Kneebar from Top → Won by Submission
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 35%
- Intermediate: 55%
- Advanced: 70%
Straight Ankle Lock → Won by Submission
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 40%
- Intermediate: 55%
- Advanced: 65%
Toe Hold from Top → Won by Submission
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 25%
- Intermediate: 45%
- Advanced: 60%
Inside Ashi Entry → Inside Ashi-Garami
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 45%
- Intermediate: 65%
- Advanced: 80%
Outside Ashi Entry → Outside Ashi-Garami
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 40%
- Intermediate: 60%
- Advanced: 75%
Saddle Entry from Top → Saddle
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 30%
- Intermediate: 50%
- Advanced: 70%
50-50 Entry from Standing → 50-50 Guard
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 35%
- Intermediate: 55%
- Advanced: 70%
X-Guard to Ashi Transition → Ashi Garami
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 40%
- Intermediate: 60%
- Advanced: 75%
Rolling Back Take → Back Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 25%
- Intermediate: 40%
- Advanced: 55%
Decision Making from This Position
If opponent has their knee bent and is defending by keeping their heel hidden from attack:
- Execute Saddle Entry from Top → Saddle (Probability: 65%)
- Execute Outside Ashi Entry → Outside Ashi-Garami (Probability: 55%)
If opponent extends their leg trying to create distance and push away from the entanglement:
- Execute Kneebar from Top → Kneebar Control (Probability: 70%)
- Execute Straight Ankle Lock → Straight Ankle Lock Control (Probability: 65%)
If opponent’s heel becomes exposed with proper inside or outside positioning established:
- Execute Inside Heel Hook → Won by Submission (Probability: 70%)
- Execute Outside Heel Hook → Won by Submission (Probability: 65%)
If opponent turns away from you exposing their back to escape the leg entanglement:
- Execute Rolling Back Take → Back Control (Probability: 75%)
- Execute Saddle Entry from Top → Saddle (Probability: 60%)
If opponent successfully clears the knee line and begins to escape the entanglement:
- Execute Outside Ashi Entry → Outside Ashi-Garami (Probability: 55%)
- Execute X-Guard to Ashi Transition → X-Guard (Probability: 45%)
If both practitioners have equal entanglement creating neutral bilateral control:
- Execute 50-50 Entry from Standing → 50-50 Guard (Probability: 60%)
- Execute Inside Ashi Entry → Inside Ashi-Garami (Probability: 50%)
Optimal Paths from This Position
Fastest heel hook path from inside position
Leg Entanglement → Inside Ashi-Garami → Inside Heel Hook → Won by Submission
High-percentage kneebar sequence from outside control
Leg Entanglement → Outside Ashi-Garami → Kneebar from Top → Won by Submission
Systematic saddle progression from neutral
Leg Entanglement → Ashi Garami → Saddle → Inside Heel Hook → Won by Submission
Straight ankle lock foundation for beginners
Leg Entanglement → Ashi Garami → Straight Ankle Lock Control → Straight Ankle Lock → Won by Submission
Advanced 50-50 to saddle advancement
Leg Entanglement → 50-50 Guard → Saddle → Heel Hook → Won by Submission
Positional advancement to back control
Leg Entanglement → Saddle → Rolling Back Take → Back Control → Rear Naked Choke → Won by Submission
Cross ashi to outside ashi flow
Leg Entanglement → Cross Ashi-Garami → Outside Ashi-Garami → Outside Heel Hook → Won by Submission
Success Rates and Statistics
| Skill Level | Retention Rate | Advancement Probability | Submission Probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner | 40% | 35% | 30% |
| Intermediate | 60% | 55% | 50% |
| Advanced | 75% | 70% | 70% |
Average Time in Position: 45-90 seconds in competition, 2-3 minutes in training (varies significantly by entanglement variant and skill level)
Expert Analysis
John Danaher
The leg entanglement positions represent a complete positional hierarchy that mirrors the traditional upper body hierarchy of guard, half guard, side control, mount, and back control. Each entanglement configuration has specific control characteristics and submission opportunities, and understanding the systematic transitions between them is essential for effective leg lock attacking. The key principle is that position comes before submission - you must first establish dominant control through proper entanglement before attempting to finish. The biomechanical principle underlying all successful leg entanglements is the isolation of the target joint through creating opposing forces: your legs control their leg while your upper body prevents compensatory movement. Understanding the knee line concept is absolutely fundamental - your ability to break their knee line determines which submissions become available and which defensive structures remain viable. The neutral positions like 50-50 require advancement to dominant variants before high-percentage finishing becomes possible, while positions like saddle and inside ashi provide immediate attacking opportunities. Master the systematic progression from neutral to dominant entanglements, recognizing that each defensive reaction from your opponent should trigger a specific positional advancement or submission attack. The heel hook is the king of leg locks due to its devastating effectiveness, but it requires perfect positional control and deep understanding of the biomechanical danger zones to apply safely and effectively in training.
Gordon Ryan
In modern competition, leg entanglements are absolutely essential for high-level success, especially in no-gi where the lack of gi grips makes traditional passing more difficult and leg attacks more accessible. I use leg entanglements as both a passing tool and a finishing system - when opponents defend my passes by creating distance with their legs, I enter into leg entanglement positions that give me both control and submission threats simultaneously. The most important skill is recognizing which entanglement variant you’re in and knowing the highest percentage submission for that specific configuration at that exact moment. Don’t waste time forcing low-percentage attacks from poor positions - if you’re in outside ashi and they’re defending the outside heel hook well, transition to inside ashi or saddle rather than continuing to fight a losing battle. The competitive advantage of leg entanglements is that many opponents still don’t understand the positions well, so they make defensive errors that create easy finishes for those who have studied the system systematically. My approach is to establish the entanglement, secure the dominant variant (usually saddle when possible), then attack with maximum efficiency and minimal wasted motion. Time management is crucial in competition - know when to finish from legs and when to abandon for positional advancement to upper body control. The leg entanglement game pairs perfectly with upper body attacks because opponents who defend legs well often give up their backs or accept bad positions trying to escape.
Eddie Bravo
Leg entanglements completely changed the game when we started really developing them in the 10th Planet system, especially integrating them with positions like the lockdown where you already have leg control established. The beauty of leg entanglements is that you can attack them from anywhere - failed guard passes, scrambles, even from bottom positions if you’re creative with your entries. What I love about the leg game is that it forces opponents to deal with threats they’re not comfortable with, creating openings everywhere on their body. My philosophy is to stay unpredictable and flow between systems - don’t just hunt heel hooks mechanically, use the leg entanglement to threaten multiple attacks and transitions keeping them guessing. From leg positions, I’m always looking at the back take opportunities when they turn away to defend the legs, or the truck position entries when they try to roll. The leg game pairs perfectly with the truck position and twister mechanics we developed - both systems use leg control to create devastating attacks that opponents don’t see coming. The key innovation in modern leg locks is understanding that you don’t need to finish the first submission you enter - use the threat to create reactions, then capitalize on their defensive movements with chain attacks and positional advancements. Train the positions with the same intensity you train traditional positions, drilling the entries, the holds, the escapes, and the finishes until they become automatic. The future of no-gi grappling is understanding both upper body and lower body control systems equally, flowing between them seamlessly based on what the opponent gives you.