The Aoki holder removes finishing pressure and opens the foot grip while retaining the Ashi Garami leg connection, returning to control before choosing a new attack.
Begin as the holder in Aoki Lock Control/Bottom with the foot grip and the leg connection established. Remove the finishing pressure before allowing the captured foot to change angle.
Open the foot grip without pulling the foot through a fixed knee angle. Keep the established Ashi Garami leg connection while the foot grip is released. The completed reset is Ashi Garami/Bottom, with no foot-lock finishing pressure. If the leg connection also opens, recognize Open Guard/Bottom before choosing another attack.
Practice cooperatively with controlled movement. Stop at any tap, verbal signal, or distress; release all joint or neck pressure before changing direction. Do not force a trapped knee, shoulder, or neck to preserve the route.
From Position: Aoki Lock Control (Bottom)
Key Attacking Principles
What are the key principles for executing Aoki Control Release to Ashi?
- Bottom player owns the foot grip: Begin as the holder in Aoki Lock Control/Bottom with the foot grip and the leg connection established.
- Finishing pressure fully released: Remove the finishing pressure before allowing the captured foot to change angle.
- Hands release the foot capture: Open the foot grip without pulling the foot through a fixed knee angle.
- Ashi connection stays controlled: Keep the established Ashi Garami leg connection while the foot grip is released.
- Ashi Garami from underneath: The completed reset is Ashi Garami/Bottom, with no foot-lock finishing pressure.
- Facing guard if legs disengage: If the leg connection also opens, recognize Open Guard/Bottom before choosing another attack.
Prerequisites
What do you need before attempting Aoki Control Release to Ashi?
- Begin as the holder in Aoki Lock Control/Bottom with the foot grip and the leg connection established.
- Remove the finishing pressure before allowing the captured foot to change angle.
- Open the foot grip without pulling the foot through a fixed knee angle.
- Keep the established Ashi Garami leg connection while the foot grip is released.
Execution Steps
How do you execute Aoki Control Release to Ashi step by step?
- Identify the holding side: Begin as the holder in Aoki Lock Control/Bottom with the foot grip and the leg connection established.
- Unload the foot: Remove the finishing pressure before allowing the captured foot to change angle.
- Open the grip: Open the foot grip without pulling the foot through a fixed knee angle.
- Retain the legs: Keep the established Ashi Garami leg connection while the foot grip is released.
- Confirm the reset: The completed reset is Ashi Garami/Bottom, with no foot-lock finishing pressure.
- Recognize lost contact: If the leg connection also opens, recognize Open Guard/Bottom before choosing another attack.
Possible Outcomes
| Result | Position | Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Success | Ashi Garami | 65% |
| Failure | Aoki Lock Control | 20% |
| Counter | Open Guard | 15% |
Opponent Counters
How might your opponent counter Aoki Control Release to Ashi?
- Wait for joint pressure to release before moving the foot. (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Keep the required control or use the stated reset; do not force the next movement. → Leads to Aoki Lock Control
- Keep the knee and foot aligned during the opening. (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Keep the required control or use the stated reset; do not force the next movement. → Leads to Aoki Lock Control
- Recover a comfortable foot position without an explosive twist. (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Keep the required control or use the stated reset; do not force the next movement. → Leads to Open Guard
Safety Considerations
What are the safety concerns for Aoki Control Release to Ashi?
Practice cooperatively with controlled movement. Stop at any tap, verbal signal, or distress; release all joint or neck pressure before changing direction. Do not force a trapped knee, shoulder, or neck to preserve the route.