BJJ Graph

Ushiro Ashi Garami

Jun 15, 202510 min read

Ushiro Ashi Garami

bjjpositionleg_entanglementleg_attackadvanced

Required Properties for State Machine

Core Identifiers

  • Position ID: S020
  • Position Name: Ushiro Ashi Garami
  • Alternative Names: Rear Leg Entanglement, Backside Ashi

State Machine Properties

  • Position Type: Leg Entanglement - advanced control position
  • Dominance Level: Advantageous to Dominant (depending on control)
  • Primary Control: Opponent’s leg from rear position
  • Transition Paths: Leg Attack, Sweep, Submission

Position Properties

  • Control Strength: High - with proper leg isolation and hip control
  • Submission Opportunity: High - direct access to leg locks
  • Energy Demand: Medium to High - requires active control and positioning
  • Mobility Level: Medium - allows for adjustments and transitions
  • Defensive Capability: Medium - strong against leg escapes but vulnerable to upper body counters

Physical Requirements

  • Strength Requirements: Medium for maintaining leg control and hip pressure
  • Flexibility Requirements: High for hip mobility and leg entanglement
  • Coordination Requirements: High for isolating leg and managing opponent’s movement
  • Endurance Requirements: Medium for sustained control during resistance

State Machine Content Elements

Visual Position Description

Detailed description for clear visualization of the static position:

In Ushiro Ashi Garami, you are positioned behind the opponent in a rear leg entanglement configuration, with one of their legs isolated between yours, typically controlling their knee line or ankle to prevent escape. Your hips are close to their lower back or buttocks, maintaining tight contact to limit their mobility, while your legs are configured in a figure-four or similar lock around their targeted leg, often with one leg over their thigh and the other under their calf to create a strong entanglement. Your upper body is angled to face their back or side, using your arms to control their hips or torso, preventing them from turning into you or escaping the position. The opponent is usually on their knees or seated, attempting to defend their leg or turn to face you, but your rear control and leg isolation create a significant barrier, setting up opportunities for submissions like heel hooks or transitions to other dominant positions.

Template: “From behind opponent in rear leg entanglement, isolate one leg between yours, controlling knee or ankle. Keep hips close to their lower back, lock legs in figure-four around targeted leg. Angle upper body to face their back, use arms to control hips or torso, limit their mobility as they defend from knees or seated position.”

Control Points (Numbered List)

Key elements that define the position:

  1. Leg Isolation: Control opponent’s leg between yours at knee or ankle
  2. Hip Proximity: Maintain tight hip contact to their lower back or buttocks
  3. Leg Entanglement: Figure-four or similar lock with legs for strong control
  4. Upper Body Angle: Position torso to face opponent’s back or side
  5. Arm Control: Use arms to secure opponent’s hips or torso against turns
  6. Mobility Restriction: Limit opponent’s ability to escape or face you

Strategic Advantages

Benefits of maintaining this position:

  • Leg Attack Access: Direct setup for high-percentage leg submissions
  • Control Dominance: Strong rear position limits opponent’s offense
  • Transition Options: Opens paths to other leg entanglements or sweeps
  • Escape Prevention: Hip and leg control hinders opponent’s mobility
  • Submission Threat: Constant danger of heel hooks or knee bars

Common Challenges

Difficulties faced in this position:

  • Upper Body Vulnerability: Opponent may attack with upper body counters
  • Energy Expenditure: Maintaining tight control can be fatiguing
  • Escape Attempts: Opponent may attempt to turn or roll out
  • Counter Submissions: Risk of opponent countering with own leg attacks
  • Positional Complexity: Requires precise adjustments to maintain dominance

Transition Opportunities

High-Probability Transitions

Common paths from this position with success rates:

  • To Submission: Heel Hook (Success Rate: 75%, Conditions: strong leg control)
  • To Leg Entanglement: Saddle Position (Success Rate: 65%, Conditions: hip control)
  • To Sweep: Rear Sweep (Success Rate: 50%, Conditions: opponent off-balance)
  • To Back Control: Back Control (Success Rate: 60%, Conditions: upper body control)

Format: [[Target Position/Transition]] (Success Rate: X%, Conditions: [when applicable])

Decision Logic for Transitions

If [leg control] is secure and submission angle available:
- Attempt [[Heel Hook]] (Probability: 75%)

Else if [hip control] allows for positional shift:
- Transition to [[Saddle Position]] (Probability: 65%)

Else if [opponent balance] is compromised:
- Attempt [[Rear Sweep]] (Probability: 50%)

Else [upper body control] is strong:
- Adjust to [[Back Control]] (Probability: 60%)

Defensive Considerations

Common Threats

Primary risks while in this position:

  • Turn Escape: Opponent turns to face you → Guard Recovery (Threat Level: High)
  • Upper Body Counter: Opponent attacks with arms or chokes → Neutral Position (Threat Level: Medium)
  • Roll Escape: Opponent rolls to break entanglement → Scramble Position (Threat Level: Medium)
  • Counter Leg Lock: Opponent attacks your legs → Leg Lock Defense (Threat Level: Low)

Format: [[Threat Type]] → [[Resulting Position]] (Threat Level: X)

Defensive Strategies

Methods to mitigate threats:

  • Hip Control: Maintain tight hip contact to prevent turning escapes
  • Upper Body Awareness: Keep arms positioned to block choke attempts
  • Entanglement Strength: Reinforce leg lock to resist roll escapes
  • Leg Defense: Be prepared to adjust legs against counter attacks
  • Transition Readiness: Shift to other positions if control is compromised

Educational Content

Expert Insights

Commentary as if from recognized authorities:

  • John Danaher: “Ushiro Ashi Garami represents the pinnacle of leg entanglement control from the rear, offering direct access to devastating submissions like the heel hook. The key is maintaining hip proximity and leg isolation to dominate the opponent’s lower body, preventing escapes. This position teaches critical principles of control and attack that define modern leg lock systems.”
  • Gordon Ryan: “In competition, Ushiro Ashi Garami is a game-changer for leg attackers because it neutralizes the opponent’s ability to turn or escape while setting up high-percentage finishes. I use it to isolate legs with precision, often transitioning to submissions quickly. The position demonstrates how rear control can dominate even resistant opponents.”
  • Eddie Bravo: “Ushiro Ashi Garami shows how leg entanglements can create entirely new attack dynamics from behind an opponent. It integrates well with modern leg lock systems and offers creative submission options that most aren’t prepared to defend. The position is perfect for grapplers who like to control and attack from unorthodox angles.”

Each insight should focus on one key technical or strategic element.

Common Errors

For knowledge test generation:

  • Error: Insufficient hip proximity or control

  • Why It Fails: Allows opponent to turn or escape entanglement

  • Correction: Keep hips tight to opponent’s lower back for maximum control

  • Recognition: Opponent easily rotates or initiates escape

  • Error: Poor leg isolation or entanglement

  • Why It Fails: Reduces control over opponent’s leg, risking position loss

  • Correction: Ensure leg is isolated at knee or ankle with strong figure-four lock

  • Recognition: Opponent pulls leg free or counters with own attack

  • Error: Neglecting upper body control or defense

  • Why It Fails: Leaves you vulnerable to chokes or arm attacks

  • Correction: Use arms to secure opponent’s torso and monitor their hands

  • Recognition: Opponent initiates upper body counters or escapes

Tactical Applications

Strategic uses of the position:

  • Leg Attack Setup: Primary position for initiating leg submissions
  • Control Focus: Use to dominate opponent’s lower body for extended periods
  • Submission Chain: Sets up heel hooks, knee bars, and other leg locks
  • Transition Platform: Allows shifts to other leg entanglements or back control
  • Energy Management: Can slow pace while maintaining threatening position

Prerequisites

Requirements before utilizing:

  • Technical Skills: Understanding of leg entanglement and submission mechanics
  • Physical Preparation: Hip flexibility and leg strength for control
  • Positional Knowledge: Familiarity with leg attack entries and transitions
  • Experience Level: Advanced - requires specific leg lock concepts

Technical Assessment Elements

Knowledge Assessment Questions

5 technical questions with multiple choice answers:

  • Control Understanding: “What is the primary control point in Ushiro Ashi Garami?”
  • Strategic Application: “What is the main advantage of Ushiro Ashi Garami over other leg entanglements?”
  • Error Recognition: “What is the most common mistake when establishing rear leg control?”
  • Defensive Awareness: “How can you prevent an opponent from turning to escape?”
  • Transition Knowledge: “Which submission is most accessible from Ushiro Ashi Garami?”

Variations and Configurations

Different setups within the position:

  • Standard Ushiro Ashi: Figure-four lock on leg from rear position
  • High Leg Variation: Controlling leg higher at thigh for different attacks
  • Low Ankle Control: Focusing on ankle isolation for specific submissions
  • Combination Entanglements: Integrating with other leg positions like 50-50
  • Dynamic Adjustments: Shifting control based on opponent’s reactions

Training Progressions

Skill development pathway:

  • Leg Lock Familiarization: Practice leg entanglement solo for positioning
  • Control Drilling: Work with partner on establishing and maintaining control
  • Movement Integration: Add hip mobility and transitions to control
  • Submission Practice: Incorporate leg attacks from position
  • Live Application: Use in sparring with focus on retention and attacks

Audio & Narration Elements

Position Descriptions

Dynamic language for TTS narration:

  • Control Verbs: Isolate, lock, control, restrict, maintain, secure
  • Spatial References: Rear position, leg entanglement, hip proximity
  • Pressure Dynamics: Leg isolation, hip control, mobility restriction
  • Movement Descriptions: Active adjustments, constant control, angle shifts

Coaching Commentary

Real-time instruction and feedback:

  • Setup Cues: “Isolate their leg and lock it between yours from behind”
  • Control Guidance: “Keep your hips tight to their back to limit movement”
  • Adjustment Prompts: “Shift your angle if they try to turn, reinforce the lock”
  • Transition Confirmation: “Maintain control as you set up your submission”

Technical Specifications

Control Mechanics

Scientific position analysis:

  • Force Vectors: Downward pressure through hips to control opponent’s lower body
  • Leverage Points: Leg entanglement creates fulcrum for controlling opponent’s leg
  • Stability Factors: Hip proximity and leg lock for strong base
  • Mobility Dynamics: Hip movement allows dynamic adjustments
  • Energy Efficiency: Moderate to high energy use with high control return

Success Factors

Elements that strengthen position:

  • Leg Isolation Quality: Strength and placement of leg control (+/-20%)
  • Hip Control: Effectiveness of hip proximity to limit movement (+/-15%)
  • Upper Body Security: Ability to prevent counters with arm control (+/-15%)
  • Opponent Fatigue: Reduced escape capability over time (+/-5%)
  • Experience Level: Familiarity with leg attack systems (+/-10%)

Validation Checklist

Every position file must include:

  • All required properties with specific values
  • Detailed visual position description (minimum 4 sentences)
  • Complete control points list (minimum 5 elements)
  • Strategic advantages and common challenges
  • At least 3 high-probability transitions with success rates
  • Expert insights from all three authorities
  • Minimum 3 common errors with corrections
  • 5 knowledge test questions with answers
  • Defensive considerations and strategies
  • Training progression pathway

Example Implementation

See Closed Guard Bottom for a complete example implementing all standard requirements.

Notes for Developers

This standard ensures:

  • Consistent position data for state machine implementation
  • Detailed control mechanics for realistic modeling
  • Rich content for comprehensive technical documentation
  • Educational value through expert analysis
  • Technical depth for authentic understanding
  • Structured transition analysis for complete coverage
  • Knowledge assessment integration
  • Training progression guidance

Updates to this standard should be reflected across all position files to maintain consistency and educational value.

  • Saddle Position - Similar leg entanglement with different angle
  • Ashi Garami - Fundamental leg entanglement position
  • Back Control - Alternative rear dominant position
  • 50-50 Guard - Related leg entanglement variation

Historical Context

Ushiro Ashi Garami represents a modern evolution in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, particularly in leg attack systems, showcasing how traditional grappling concepts can be adapted for specialized control. Developed within the last decade by leg lock specialists, it has become a key position in no-gi and submission grappling tournaments.

Competition Applications

  • IBJJF Rules: Legal at brown and black belt levels for certain leg locks
  • Strategic Use: Highly effective for submission setups in no-gi
  • No-Gi Specificity: Primarily used in no-gi due to leg attack focus
  • Tournament Impact: Changes defensive strategies for leg safety

Safety Considerations

  • Leg Lock Safety: Apply submissions with control to avoid injury
  • Partner Awareness: Communicate during dynamic transitions
  • Mat Space: Ensure adequate space for movements and rolls
  • Control Release: Be prepared to release control to prevent injury

Position Integration

Common Ushiro Ashi Garami combinations:

Training Applications

  • Leg Attack Specialization: Essential for leg lock competitors
  • Competition Preparation: Strong position for submission grappling strategies
  • Control Development: Builds understanding of rear leverage points
  • Creative Exploration: Encourages innovative submission development

Graph View

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