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
Expert Analysis
John Danaher
The Leg Knot Bottom position represents a critical juncture in leg entanglement warfare where systematic defensive methodology supersedes panic and athleticism. The primary mechanical principle governing escape from this position is the protection of the heel through proper rotational alignment—the heel must remain hidden by maintaining the trapped leg’s internal rotation and keeping the toes pointed toward the opponent’s hip structure. The hierarchical decision-making process must follow strict prioritization: first address immediate submission threats through proper limb positioning, second create defensive frames to prevent positional consolidation, and only third attempt offensive counters or escapes. The biomechanical reality of leg entanglements dictates that the inside position of the knee line serves as the fundamental defensive barrier; once this barrier is breached and the opponent achieves cross-body control, the defensive situation deteriorates exponentially. Advanced practitioners recognize that Leg Knot Bottom is not merely a position to escape but an opportunity to implement systematic reversals, as the transitional nature of the entanglement creates windows for counter-entanglement when the opponent commits to positional changes. The key is maintaining constant leg mobility while using the free leg as an active defensive tool rather than allowing it to remain passive—this free leg serves as your primary weapon for creating the frames and angles necessary for both defensive escape and offensive reversal sequences.
Gordon Ryan
In competition, Leg Knot Bottom happens when someone catches your leg but hasn’t locked in their finish yet—this is your window to either get out or turn it around on them. The most important thing is keeping your heel safe because that’s what wins matches at the highest level; if they get your heel, you’re in serious danger, so you need to hide it immediately by turning in and keeping your foot position tight. I’ve been caught in these positions against elite leg lockers, and what works is staying calm and following the right sequence: protect the heel first, then work on clearing the leg or reversing position. The free leg is absolutely critical—you need to use it constantly to create frames on their hips and prevent them from locking down the saddle or inside position. When I’m stuck here, I’m looking for two main things: either I’m going to granby roll if they expose my heel, or I’m going to clear my leg and come up to a guard position if they give me space. The reality in high-level competition is that if someone really good gets you here, you need to address it within 10-15 seconds or they’re going to consolidate and finish you. What separates good competitors from great ones in this position is the ability to stay offensive-minded even while defending—I’m always thinking about how to reverse the entanglement or counter-attack to my own leg lock, not just how to escape to neutral. The key is combining good defensive technique with an aggressive mindset that looks for opportunities to turn defense into offense.
Eddie Bravo
Leg Knot Bottom is one of those scramble positions where things can go either way depending on who stays calmer and more technical under pressure. From a 10th Planet perspective, we’ve developed specific sequences for dealing with leg entanglements that emphasize maintaining mobility and using alternative escape paths that most traditional schools don’t explore. The electric chair and lockdown principles apply even in leg entanglements—you want to be constantly moving, constantly creating angles, and never staying static in one configuration. When someone gets your leg knotted up, the standard response is to freak out and try to rip your leg free, but that’s exactly what makes the submission tighter and easier for them. Instead, we focus on what we call ‘limp leg escapes’ where you relax the trapped leg and use systematic hip movement to create the angles you need to slip out or reverse position. The twister-style movement patterns—those spinal rotations and hip switches we drill constantly—translate directly to escaping leg entanglements because they’re built on the same principle of using your entire body’s rotation rather than just pulling with the trapped limb. One thing that’s underutilized in leg lock defense is the potential to attack back; if someone’s focused on attacking your legs, their upper body is often exposed, and we’ve developed specific paths from these bottom entanglement positions to things like guillotines or taking the back. The key innovation from our system is recognizing that you can’t just be defensive in these positions—you need to create dilemmas for your opponent where they have to choose between completing their attack and defending your counter-attack, and that split-second of hesitation is when you make your escape or reversal.