Leg Knot Bottom Position represents a defensive leg entanglement scenario where the bottom practitioner’s leg is controlled in a compromised configuration, typically with the opponent threatening leg lock submissions. This position occurs when the top player has successfully entangled the bottom player’s leg but has not yet achieved a dominant attacking position like the Saddle or full Ashi Garami. The bottom player faces immediate submission threats while simultaneously having defensive frames and escape opportunities that distinguish this from more dire leg lock positions.
The strategic complexity of Leg Knot Bottom lies in managing the dual threats of submission and positional advancement while creating escape pathways. Unlike more established leg entanglement positions where roles are clearly defined, Leg Knot Bottom represents a transitional state where both players are actively fighting for positional dominance. The bottom player must maintain defensive leg positioning, protect the vulnerable joints (knee, ankle, heel), and work systematically to extract the trapped leg while preventing the opponent from consolidating into more dangerous configurations.
Success in Leg Knot Bottom requires understanding the hierarchical threat assessment: preventing immediate submissions takes priority over positional escape, which in turn takes priority over offensive counters. The position demands constant vigilance regarding heel exposure, knee line maintenance, and hip positioning, as small adjustments can mean the difference between a safe defensive position and a match-ending submission. Advanced practitioners recognize Leg Knot Bottom as an opportunity to reverse the entanglement or transition to their own offensive leg attacks, transforming defensive crisis into offensive opportunity.
Position Definition
- Bottom player’s leg is entangled with top player’s legs in a knotted configuration, with the trapped leg positioned between or around the opponent’s legs creating systematic control
- Top player maintains some form of leg control on the bottom player’s trapped leg, typically controlling the foot, ankle, or lower leg with hands or leg positioning while threatening submissions
- Bottom player’s hips and upper body maintain mobility and defensive frames, with hands actively defending vulnerable joints and creating blocking structures to prevent submission completion
- Both players’ legs are interconnected in an entanglement where neither has achieved full dominant control, creating a transitional state with constant positional warfare and adjustment
- Bottom player’s free leg remains available for framing, pushing, or creating distance, providing essential defensive tools and escape mechanisms while the trapped leg is controlled
Prerequisites
- Opponent has initiated leg entanglement but not achieved dominant position
- Bottom player’s leg is controlled but not yet in final submission configuration
- Bottom player maintains upper body mobility and hand fighting capability
- Defensive frames are possible with free leg and upper body
- Hip mobility remains sufficient for escape attempts and positional adjustments
Key Defensive Principles
- Keep heel hidden and protected by controlling foot position and preventing opponent’s grip on the vulnerable heel
- Maintain inside knee line by keeping the trapped leg’s knee pointing inward, preventing opponent from crossing the knee line for heel exposure
- Create defensive frames with free leg by establishing pushing and blocking structures that prevent opponent’s positional advancement
- Control distance with upper body positioning and hand fighting to manage the space between bodies and limit opponent’s leverage
- Keep hips mobile and ready to turn, maintaining the ability to adjust angles and create escape opportunities through hip rotation
- Address immediate submission threats before attempting positional escapes, following the hierarchy of defensive priorities
- Use systematic leg extraction sequences rather than explosive movements that may worsen entanglement or expose vulnerable positions
Available Escapes
Reverse the entanglement to Outside Ashi → Outside Ashi-Garami
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 20%
- Intermediate: 35%
- Advanced: 50%
Extract leg and establish Single Leg X → Single Leg X-Guard
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 25%
- Intermediate: 40%
- Advanced: 55%
Granby roll to reverse position → Ashi Garami
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 15%
- Intermediate: 30%
- Advanced: 45%
Clear leg and transition to X-Guard → X-Guard
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 20%
- Intermediate: 35%
- Advanced: 50%
Counter-entangle to 50-50 Guard → 50-50 Guard
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 25%
- Intermediate: 40%
- Advanced: 55%
Limp leg extraction to Half Guard → Half Guard
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 30%
- Intermediate: 45%
- Advanced: 60%
Decision Making from This Position
If opponent secures heel grip and begins heel hook rotation:
- Execute Immediate Granby roll escape → Defensive Position (Probability: 60%)
- Execute Hide heel and turn into opponent → 50-50 Guard (Probability: 30%)
If opponent transitions toward Inside Ashi configuration:
- Execute Block with free leg and reverse to Outside Ashi → Outside Ashi-Garami (Probability: 45%)
- Execute Clear leg and establish Single Leg X → Single Leg X-Guard (Probability: 40%)
If opponent’s grip loosens during transition:
- Execute Extract leg immediately to Half Guard → Half Guard (Probability: 55%)
- Execute Sit up and establish seated guard → Seated Guard (Probability: 35%)
If opponent establishes strong cross-body control:
- Execute Granby roll to reverse position → Ashi Garami (Probability: 40%)
- Execute Counter-entangle to 50-50 → 50-50 Guard (Probability: 45%)
If opponent attempts to stack or drive forward:
- Execute Hip escape to create space → Half Guard (Probability: 50%)
- Execute Use free leg to push and extract → Single Leg X-Guard (Probability: 35%)
Escape and Survival Paths
Defensive escape to safety
Leg Knot Bottom → Hip escape → Half Guard → Distance creation → Open Guard
Reversal to offensive leg attack
Leg Knot Bottom → Granby roll → Outside Ashi-Garami → Straight Ankle Lock
Counter-entanglement to submission
Leg Knot Bottom → Counter-entangle → 50-50 Guard → Toe Hold
Leg extraction to guard recovery
Leg Knot Bottom → Clear leg → Single Leg X-Guard → X-Guard → Standing Position
Success Rates and Statistics
| Skill Level | Retention Rate | Advancement Probability | Submission Probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner | 30% | 20% | 5% |
| Intermediate | 45% | 35% | 15% |
| Advanced | 60% | 50% | 25% |
Average Time in Position: 20-60 seconds