Leg Knot Top Position represents an advanced leg entanglement configuration where the top player has achieved superior control over the opponent’s legs through systematic crossing and tangling. This position creates a complex web of leg positioning that severely restricts the bottom player’s mobility while establishing multiple attacking pathways for the top practitioner. The leg knot configuration typically emerges from entries like outside ashi garami, saddle transitions, or deliberate leg weaving sequences where the top player methodically traps and crosses the opponent’s legs.
The strategic value of Leg Knot Top lies in its ability to create submission opportunities while neutralizing the opponent’s defensive leg movements. Unlike simpler leg entanglements where the bottom player retains some freedom of movement, the leg knot configuration actively restricts hip rotation, knee extension, and ankle mobility through systematic crossing and pressure application. This position exemplifies modern leg lock methodology where control precedes finishing, allowing the top player to work methodically through their submission sequence without rushing or forcing techniques. The position requires sophisticated understanding of leg mechanics, pressure application, and systematic progression through defensive layers.
Position Definition
- Top player’s legs are systematically crossed and woven through opponent’s legs, creating multiple points of control and entanglement that restrict bottom player’s movement
- Top player maintains upper body posture with weight distributed forward, preventing opponent from sitting up or establishing upper body frames while controlling distance
- Bottom player’s legs are trapped in crossed configuration with limited ability to extract, rotate hips, or establish defensive positioning due to systematic leg weaving
- Top player’s hips positioned at optimal distance to maintain leg entanglement while creating angles for heel hook, toe hold, or kneebar attacks without overextension
- Control is maintained through combination of leg crossing, knee pressure on opponent’s thigh, and systematic weight distribution that prevents opponent escape sequences
Prerequisites
- Successful entry from outside ashi garami, inside ashi, or saddle position with deliberate leg crossing
- Opponent’s leg trapped and controlled with systematic weaving through top player’s legs
- Top player has established superior position with crossed leg configuration controlling opponent’s mobility
- Understanding of leg entanglement mechanics and systematic progression through defensive layers
- Ability to maintain distance control while preventing opponent from sitting up or establishing frames
Key Offensive Principles
- Maintain systematic leg crossing with deliberate pressure points that restrict opponent’s hip rotation and leg extraction
- Control distance through upper body posture, preventing opponent from sitting up while maintaining attacking range
- Create multiple submission threats simultaneously, forcing opponent to defend against heel hook, toe hold, and kneebar options
- Use knee pressure on opponent’s trapped thigh to maintain entanglement while creating angles for finishing mechanics
- Progress methodically through defensive layers rather than forcing submissions, maintaining positional control throughout
- Establish clear breaking mechanics for opponent’s leg before attempting finish, ensuring systematic progression
- Maintain awareness of opponent’s free leg and prevent defensive kicking or re-guard attempts through positioning
Available Attacks
Heel Hook → Saddle
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 35%
- Intermediate: 55%
- Advanced: 70%
Inside Heel Hook → Inside Ashi-Garami
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 40%
- Intermediate: 60%
- Advanced: 75%
Toe Hold → Toe Hold Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 30%
- Intermediate: 50%
- Advanced: 65%
Kneebar → Kneebar Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 25%
- Intermediate: 45%
- Advanced: 60%
Transition to Saddle → Saddle
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 45%
- Intermediate: 65%
- Advanced: 80%
Inside Ashi Entry → Inside Ashi-Garami
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 40%
- Intermediate: 60%
- Advanced: 75%
Leg Weave Pass → Side Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 30%
- Intermediate: 50%
- Advanced: 65%
Straight Ankle Lock → Straight Ankle Lock Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 35%
- Intermediate: 50%
- Advanced: 65%
Decision Making from This Position
If opponent attempts to extract trapped leg by pulling knee toward chest:
- Execute Heel Hook → Saddle (Probability: 65%)
- Execute Transition to Saddle → Saddle (Probability: 70%)
If opponent pushes away with free leg or attempts to sit up and create distance:
- Execute Inside Ashi Entry → Inside Ashi-Garami (Probability: 60%)
- Execute Leg Weave Pass → Side Control (Probability: 55%)
If opponent rotates hip outward or straightens trapped leg defensively:
- Execute Inside Heel Hook → Inside Ashi-Garami (Probability: 70%)
- Execute Toe Hold → Toe Hold Control (Probability: 50%)
If opponent maintains defensive posture with flexed knee and protected heel:
- Execute Kneebar → Kneebar Control (Probability: 55%)
- Execute Transition to Saddle → Saddle (Probability: 65%)
Optimal Submission Paths
Highest percentage heel hook path
Leg Knot Top → Inside Heel Hook → Saddle → Inside Heel Hook finish → Won by Submission
Systematic saddle transition
Leg Knot Top → Saddle Entry from Top → Saddle → Inside Heel Hook → Won by Submission
Toe hold to heel hook chain
Leg Knot Top → Toe Hold Control → Opponent defends → Inside Heel Hook → Won by Submission
Kneebar finish sequence
Leg Knot Top → Kneebar setup → Kneebar Control → Kneebar finish → Won by Submission
Position advancement to pass
Leg Knot Top → Leg Weave Pass → Side Control → Mount → Won by Submission
Success Rates and Statistics
| Skill Level | Retention Rate | Advancement Probability | Submission Probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner | 45% | 40% | 35% |
| Intermediate | 65% | 60% | 55% |
| Advanced | 80% | 75% | 70% |
Average Time in Position: 45-90 seconds in competitive scenarios, longer in training
Expert Analysis
John Danaher
The leg knot configuration represents a sophisticated application of systematic entanglement theory where multiple points of control create geometric disadvantage for the defensive player. The critical insight is understanding that leg knot is not a static position but rather a dynamic control system where the top player maintains constant pressure through crossed leg configuration while systematically breaking down defensive layers. The biomechanics of the position create natural mechanical disadvantage for the bottom player - their ability to rotate the hip, extend the knee, or protect the heel is compromised through the crossing pattern. Superior practitioners recognize that leg knot serves as a control platform from which multiple submission systems can be accessed, with the position itself creating the breaking mechanics necessary for heel hook finishes. The key technical element is maintaining optimal distance through upper body posture - too close and opponent establishes frames, too far and the leg entanglement loosens. Master this distance relationship and the position becomes a systematic pathway to dominant leg lock finishes.
Gordon Ryan
Leg knot top is one of my highest percentage positions in competition because it puts the opponent in an impossible defensive situation where every movement creates submission opportunity. The practical application is straightforward - once you establish the crossed leg configuration with proper knee pressure on their thigh, they’re basically done if you stay patient and work systematically. What makes this position so effective competitively is that it neutralizes the opponent’s leg lock game while giving you complete offensive control. I use leg knot as a transition hub - if they defend the heel hook, I go to toe hold; if they defend that, I transition to saddle; if they try to sit up, I take inside ashi. The competition-tested approach is to never force a single submission but instead use the position to create a constant chain of threats that eventually breaks their defense. Most opponents panic in leg knot because they feel the control and try to explode out, which just tightens the entanglement and creates finishing opportunities. Stay heavy on top, maintain the crossing pressure, and let their defensive movements guide you to the finish.
Eddie Bravo
Leg knot top position is a beautiful example of how complex entanglement can create submission opportunities that don’t exist in simpler positions. From a 10th Planet perspective, we see this as an advanced expression of the lockdown concept - using crossed leg configuration to trap and control while creating offensive opportunities. The innovation here is recognizing that leg knot doesn’t just set up heel hooks - it creates a whole ecosystem of attacks including toe holds, calf slicers, and even transitions to electric chair setups if you’re creative with the leg weaving. What I love about this position is how it rewards unconventional thinking and willingness to experiment with leg positioning angles that traditional BJJ might overlook. The creative application is using leg knot as a platform for combination attacks - set up the heel hook to make them defend, then switch to toe hold, then back to heel hook from different angle. The constant angle changes and submission threats break down even the best defensive players. Don’t be afraid to get weird with the leg positioning and try different crossing patterns - sometimes the most effective control comes from configurations that look unconventional but create superior mechanical advantage.