Outside Ashi Entry

The Outside Ashi Entry is a fundamental leg entanglement technique that allows practitioners to transition from standing positions into the Outside Ashi Garami position, establishing immediate leg lock threats. This entry is particularly effective in no-gi grappling and represents one of the foundational movements in modern leg lock systems. The technique capitalizes on the opponent’s forward pressure or stance while maintaining a connection to their leg, ultimately resulting in a dominant leg entanglement position where multiple submission options become available.

What makes the Outside Ashi Entry distinctive is its versatility - it can be executed from various standing scenarios including clinch positions, failed takedown attempts, or even from neutral standing engagements. The entry requires precise timing, proper weight distribution, and the ability to manage distance effectively while securing the opponent’s leg. Unlike inside ashi entries which require getting between the opponent’s legs, the outside entry provides a safer pathway that minimizes exposure to the opponent’s counters.

This technique has become increasingly prevalent in modern competition due to its effectiveness in both gi and no-gi environments. The systematic approach to entering outside ashi creates a clear pathway to leg lock submissions while maintaining defensive integrity throughout the transition. Understanding this entry is essential for any practitioner looking to develop a comprehensive leg lock game, as it serves as a gateway to multiple finishing positions and creates dilemmas that force opponents into defensive reactions.

Starting Position: Standing Position Ending Position: Outside Ashi-Garami Success Rates: Beginner 35%, Intermediate 50%, Advanced 65%

Key Principles

• Maintain continuous connection to opponent’s leg throughout the entry sequence
• Control distance and posture to prevent opponent from establishing strong base
• Use opponent’s forward pressure or weight distribution against them
• Secure proper hip positioning relative to opponent’s knee line before completing entry
• Establish immediate control of the foot and heel upon entering the position
• Maintain awareness of opponent’s free leg to prevent counters or scrambles
• Execute the drop and rotation as a single fluid motion rather than separate movements

Prerequisites

• Standing engagement with opponent showing forward pressure or neutral stance
• Clear path to opponent’s lead leg without obstruction
• Proper distance management - close enough to grip but not so close as to be clinched
• Initial connection established through grips on opponent’s leg or body
• Balanced stance allowing for quick level change and rotation
• Awareness of opponent’s weight distribution on both legs
• Space to execute the drop without obstruction from walls or other grapplers

Execution Steps

1. Establish initial grip connection: From standing, establish a controlling grip on the opponent’s lead leg, typically at the ankle or lower shin. Simultaneously maintain an upper body connection through collar ties, wrist control, or shoulder pressure. The grip should be firm but allow for quick adjustment as you begin the entry sequence. Your posture should remain upright initially to disguise the upcoming level change. (Timing: Establish grip during opponent’s forward step or weight shift)
2. Execute controlled level change: Drop your level by bending at the knees and hips while maintaining grip on the opponent’s leg. Your head position should move to the outside of their trapped leg, creating the proper angle for outside ashi. Keep your spine relatively straight during this drop to maintain structural integrity and prevent being sprawled upon. The level change should be explosive enough to commit but controlled enough to maintain balance. (Timing: Drop as opponent commits weight forward or is momentarily static)
3. Secure the leg and begin rotation: As you drop, pull the opponent’s trapped leg tight to your chest using your initial grip, now reinforced by wrapping your arms around the ankle and lower shin. Begin rotating your body perpendicular to the opponent’s stance, with your chest turning toward their trapped knee. This rotation is crucial for achieving the proper outside angle and prevents the opponent from simply stepping over or sprawling effectively. (Timing: Initiate rotation immediately upon completing level change)
4. Drop outside hip to mat: Lower your outside hip (the hip furthest from opponent’s centerline) to the mat while maintaining tight control of their leg. Your inside leg should begin threading between your body and their trapped leg, positioning your inside knee and shin as a barrier. The hip drop should be smooth and controlled, ensuring you land in a stable position rather than falling uncontrolled. (Timing: Hip contacts mat within 1-2 seconds of initial level change)
5. Establish ashi garami leg configuration: Complete the leg entanglement by positioning your inside leg (the leg closest to opponent’s centerline) across their hip or lower back while your outside leg hooks over their trapped leg at the knee or upper shin. Your legs should form a figure-four configuration with their trapped leg, creating the characteristic outside ashi position. Ensure your heel is positioned near their hip and your outside leg’s foot is actively pulling their knee toward you. (Timing: Leg configuration should be established within 3-4 seconds total)
6. Secure foot and heel control: Adjust your grips to control the opponent’s foot and heel, typically using a two-on-one grip configuration where both hands control the ankle and heel. Your arms should be positioned to break the opponent’s foot alignment and prepare for submission entries. Simultaneously, use your legs to elevate their trapped knee slightly off the mat, creating tension in the entanglement. (Timing: Establish control immediately upon completing leg configuration)
7. Establish positional control and submission threats: Finalize your position by ensuring proper hip alignment, tight leg connections, and optimal grip placement. Your hips should be positioned just outside their knee line, and your chest should be turned toward their trapped leg. From this stabilized position, you can immediately threaten straight ankle locks, heel hooks (where legal), or transition to other leg entanglement variations. Maintain constant pressure and connection to prevent the opponent from creating space or initiating escapes. (Timing: Position should be fully controlled within 5-6 seconds of initial entry)

Opponent Counters

• Opponent sprawls heavily backward as you drop level (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Maintain grip on the leg and follow their backward movement, using their momentum to complete your rotation. Alternatively, transition to a single leg finish if the leg is elevated high enough.
• Opponent steps over with free leg during entry (Effectiveness: High) - Your Response: Immediately switch to inside ashi entry or abandon the leg entanglement in favor of guard pull or other positional transition. Do not force the outside entry if they successfully step over.
• Opponent maintains strong posture and pulls leg free (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Chase the leg as they pull back, using their retraction to accelerate your forward movement. Alternatively, transition to single leg X-guard entry if they create vertical distance.
• Opponent drops weight onto you before rotation completes (Effectiveness: Low) - Your Response: Use the compression to create a reaction, then explode into the rotation as they attempt to establish base. The added weight can actually assist your rotation if timed correctly.
• Opponent attacks front headlock as you drop level (Effectiveness: High) - Your Response: Protect your neck immediately by posturing your head to the outside and accelerating through the entry. If front headlock is secured, abandon leg entry and address the headlock threat first.

Common Mistakes

• Mistake: Dropping to mat too early before securing proper leg control
  • Consequence: Opponent easily pulls leg free and establishes top position or passing opportunity
  • Correction: Maintain standing or semi-standing position until leg is secured tightly to chest, only then commit to full mat contact with your hip
• Mistake: Insufficient rotation during entry, ending up parallel to opponent
  • Consequence: Opponent can step over easily or drive forward into top pressure, negating the entanglement
  • Correction: Emphasize the rotational component - your chest should face their trapped knee, creating a perpendicular angle to their body
• Mistake: Releasing upper body connection too early in the sequence
  • Consequence: Loss of control over opponent’s posture and balance, allowing defensive reactions
  • Correction: Maintain some form of upper body connection until legs are fully engaged in the entanglement, creating multiple control points
• Mistake: Failing to thread inside leg properly between bodies
  • Consequence: Weak entanglement that opponent can escape by simple hip movement
  • Correction: Ensure inside leg crosses opponent’s hip/lower back with knee and shin creating a barrier, not just foot hooking
• Mistake: Head position on wrong side (inside) during entry
  • Consequence: Vulnerable to guillotine attacks and makes rotation mechanically difficult
  • Correction: Keep head on outside of trapped leg throughout entire entry sequence, maintaining safe head position
• Mistake: Gripping too high on opponent’s leg (at knee or thigh)
  • Consequence: Insufficient control to complete entry, opponent can easily pull leg free
  • Correction: Initial grip should be at ankle or lower shin, providing maximum leverage and control over the limb
• Mistake: Static entry without using opponent’s movement or pressure
  • Consequence: Entry feels forced and meets maximum resistance, reducing success rate significantly
  • Correction: Time entry to coincide with opponent’s forward step, weight shift, or reaction to feint, using their momentum to facilitate the technique

Training Progressions

Week 1-2: Fundamental Mechanics - Solo drilling and understanding the basic movement pattern Practice the entry motion without a partner, focusing on the level change, rotation, and hip drop sequence. Use a grappling dummy or visualization to ingrain the motor pattern. Drill slowly to ensure proper head position, rotation angle, and leg threading mechanics. Emphasize the feeling of maintaining connection throughout the movement. (Resistance: None)

Week 3-4: Cooperative Partner Drilling - Executing entry with stationary, cooperative partner Partner stands in neutral stance allowing you to complete the entry at your own pace. Focus on gripping, level change, rotation, and final position establishment. Partner provides feedback on grip security and final position quality. Repeat 20-30 times per session, alternating sides. Begin to develop muscle memory for the complete sequence. (Resistance: None)

Week 5-8: Movement-Based Drilling - Timing entry with opponent’s steps and movement Partner moves naturally in standing position while you practice timing the entry to their forward steps or weight shifts. This phase develops the crucial timing element - recognizing when the opponent is vulnerable to the entry. Partner still allows the technique but moves naturally beforehand. Begin chaining from failed takedown attempts or grip fighting scenarios. (Resistance: Light)

Week 9-12: Light Resistance Practice - Executing against partner offering defensive reactions Partner begins defending with sprawls, leg pulls, and posture maintenance at 30-40% intensity. Practice recognizing when to commit fully versus when to transition to alternative entries. Develop the ability to adjust grip and angle mid-entry based on opponent’s reactions. Integrate common counter-responses and learn to feel when entry will succeed. (Resistance: Medium)

Week 13-16: Positional Sparring Integration - Entry from live standing exchanges Include the entry in positional sparring starting from standing or various clinch positions. Partner offers realistic resistance and attempts genuine defenses. Success rate will be lower but learning accelerates through live problem-solving. Begin developing setups and feints that create entry opportunities. Track which scenarios produce highest success rates. (Resistance: Full)

Ongoing: Competition Integration and Refinement - High-level application and situational adaptation Regular practice in full sparring and competition settings. Develop entry timing specific to different opponent types (tall, short, heavy, mobile). Create comprehensive setups including feints, grip manipulation, and combination attacks. Analyze video of successful and failed attempts to refine technical details. Integrate seamlessly with overall grappling game. (Resistance: Full)

Variations

Single Leg to Outside Ashi Transition: After securing a traditional single leg position, instead of finishing the takedown, drop to outside ashi by sitting your hip to the outside while maintaining leg control. Your single leg grip naturally transitions into the ashi configuration. (When to use: When opponent defends single leg effectively by sprawling or whizzering, making the finish difficult but their leg remains trapped)

Collar Tie Outside Ashi Entry: From upper body collar tie position, use the tie to break opponent’s posture downward while simultaneously attacking the leg on the same side as your tie. The collar pull facilitates the level change and prevents them from pulling back effectively. (When to use: In gi grappling or situations where upper body control is already established; particularly effective against opponents who lean heavily into collar ties)

Reactive Entry from Opponent’s Kick: As opponent attempts a kick or knee strike (common in MMA or self-defense), catch the leg and immediately execute the outside ashi entry before they can retract. The catching motion flows directly into the entanglement sequence. (When to use: MMA contexts, self-defense scenarios, or against opponents with a history of throwing kicks during standing exchanges)

Shot Defense to Outside Ashi: When opponent shoots for your legs, sprawl initially but immediately transition to outside ashi on their exposed lead leg. Your sprawl weight facilitates the rotation and prevents their forward drive. (When to use: Against wrestlers or opponents who frequently shoot for takedowns; converts defensive position into offensive leg lock opportunity)

X-Guard to Outside Ashi Transition: From established X-Guard position, if opponent begins to pass or extract their leg, release the X configuration and quickly reconfigure to outside ashi on the same leg. This preserves leg control through the transition. (When to use: When X-Guard sweeps are defended and opponent is successfully extracting their leg; maintains offensive pressure through positional change)

Test Your Knowledge

Q1: What is the most critical head position during the outside ashi entry and why? A: The head must be positioned on the outside of the opponent’s trapped leg throughout the entry. This positioning prevents guillotine attacks, facilitates proper rotation mechanics by allowing your body to turn perpendicular to the opponent, and maintains structural safety during the level change. Inside head position makes you vulnerable to submissions and mechanically compromises the rotation needed for successful entry.

Q2: What is the primary mechanical difference between outside ashi entry and inside ashi entry? A: Outside ashi entry positions you on the exterior side of the opponent’s leg with your inside leg crossing their hip/back, while inside ashi entry places you between their legs. Outside entry is generally safer from counters but provides different submission angles, primarily favoring straight ankle locks and outside heel hooks. The entry pathway for outside ashi involves rotation to the outside rather than penetration between the legs, making it less vulnerable to sprawls and guillotines but requiring more precise rotation mechanics.

Q3: How should you respond if the opponent successfully sprawls heavily as you initiate the level change? A: Maintain your grip on their leg and follow their backward movement rather than fighting against it. Use their sprawling momentum to facilitate your rotation by moving with them. If they sprawl with significant elevation, consider transitioning to a single leg finish instead of forcing the ashi entry. The key is to never release the leg while they’re sprawling - their backward movement can actually assist your rotation if you move with it rather than against it.

Q4: Why is timing the entry to coincide with the opponent’s forward step or weight shift important? A: Timing the entry with opponent’s movement serves multiple purposes: it reduces their ability to defend by catching them mid-motion when base is compromised, it uses their forward momentum to assist your entry rather than fighting against static resistance, and it disguises your entry within the natural flow of movement making it harder to anticipate. Attempting the entry against a static, balanced opponent results in maximum resistance and low success rates, whereas timing it with their movement can increase success rates by 30-40%.

Q5: What should be your immediate priority if the opponent steps over with their free leg during your entry? A: Immediately abandon the outside ashi entry as the technique is no longer viable once they successfully step over. Your options include switching to inside ashi entry (if the positioning allows), transitioning to guard pull or guard recovery, or attempting single leg X-guard entry if they’ve created vertical distance. Forcing the outside entry after they’ve stepped over typically results in giving up top position or being passed. Recognition and abandonment of failed entries is a crucial skill in leg lock systems.

Q6: Describe the optimal leg configuration in the final outside ashi position and explain the function of each leg? A: In outside ashi, your inside leg (closest to opponent’s centerline) should cross over their hip or lower back with the knee and shin creating a barrier, while your outside leg hooks over their trapped leg at the knee or upper shin with the foot actively pulling their knee toward you. The inside leg’s function is to prevent them from rotating away or creating distance, essentially anchoring their hip. The outside leg’s function is to control and elevate their knee, creating tension in the entanglement and facilitating submission entries. Together, these legs form a figure-four configuration that immobilizes their leg while positioning your hips for submission attacks.

Safety Considerations

The outside ashi entry involves rapid level changes and rotational movements that can stress the knee joints of both practitioners. When drilling, ensure your partner is aware you’re practicing leg entanglements and that they understand tapping protocols for leg locks. During the entry, avoid jerking or yanking the opponent’s leg violently - maintain constant connection but execute with control. Be particularly careful when dropping your weight as improper landing can stress your own knee or hip joints. When practicing against resistance, both partners should have clear understanding of competition-legal versus training-only leg lock positions based on skill level and rule set. Partners should communicate about knee or ankle injuries before practicing. As with all leg lock training, start slowly with cooperative drilling before progressing to resistance, and always respect taps immediately and completely. The rotational forces during entry can create torque on your own spine, so maintain core engagement throughout the movement.

Position Integration

The outside ashi entry serves as a crucial gateway technique in modern leg entanglement systems, providing access to the broader leg lock game from standing positions. Within the systematic approach to leg locks, this entry represents one of the primary pathways from neutral standing engagements into offensive leg control positions. It integrates seamlessly with the hierarchy of leg entanglements: from outside ashi, practitioners can transition to inside ashi, 50-50 guard, single leg X-guard, or saddle position based on opponent’s reactions and defensive patterns. The technique also connects to the broader grappling system by providing an alternative to traditional takedowns - rather than pursuing double legs or single legs to completion, the leg attack becomes the primary objective. This creates a strategic dilemma for opponents who must now defend both traditional takedowns and leg entanglements simultaneously. In competition contexts, the outside ashi entry has become increasingly important as rule sets have evolved to permit various leg locks, making it essential knowledge for modern competitors. The entry also serves defensive purposes: it can be used as a counter to opponent’s takedown attempts or as a reaction to being pressured backward. Understanding this position’s place within the larger system helps practitioners recognize when to pursue the entry versus when to pursue other options, developing comprehensive strategic decision-making in standing exchanges.

Related Techniques

• Inside Ashi Entry - Alternative entry method targeting same leg from different angle
• Single Leg X Entry - Related entry often used as follow-up if outside ashi is defended
• X-Guard - Transition pathway that can lead to outside ashi position
• Saddle Entry from Top - Advanced follow-up transition from established outside ashi
• 50-50 Entry from Standing - Alternative standing entry to leg entanglement system
• Straight Ankle Lock - Primary submission available from outside ashi position
• Outside Heel Hook - Advanced submission option from outside ashi (where legal)
• Single Leg Takedown - Traditional technique that can transition to outside ashi if defended

Expert Insights

• Danaher System: The outside ashi entry represents a fundamental gateway into leg entanglement systems and must be understood through the lens of systematic entry mechanics. The most critical element is maintaining continuous connection to the opponent’s leg throughout the entire sequence - any break in connection allows them to escape and reestablish their base. The entry succeeds because it creates a positional dilemma: the opponent must simultaneously defend the leg attack while managing their balance and posture. From a biomechanical perspective, the rotation component is what differentiates competent outside ashi entries from failed attempts. Many practitioners make the error of dropping straight down rather than rotating to the perpendicular angle, which allows opponents to simply step over or pull their leg free. The rotation must be initiated simultaneously with the level change, not sequentially. Additionally, the grip positioning at the ankle or lower shin provides maximum mechanical advantage - gripping higher on the leg gives the opponent too much range of motion to defend. When teaching this entry, I emphasize that it should be thought of as a complete system entry rather than an isolated technique, meaning students must understand what comes after successful entry just as thoroughly as they understand the entry mechanics themselves.
• Gordon Ryan: In competition, the outside ashi entry has become one of my highest percentage pathways into leg attacks, particularly in no-gi matches where traditional takedowns can be difficult to complete against elite competition. The key to making this entry work at the highest levels is creating genuine reactions through feints and combination attacks - you cannot simply drop for the entry against a prepared opponent. I often set it up by threatening upper body attacks, collar ties, or even fake takedown attempts that cause the opponent to react, then capitalize on their movement with the ashi entry. The timing element is everything in competition: I’m looking for the opponent’s forward step, their reaction to a feint, or the moment they’re posting weight on one leg. Against other leg lock specialists, the outside ashi entry is particularly valuable because it’s lower risk than inside ashi entries - your head position is safer and you’re less exposed to counter leg entanglements. Once I establish outside ashi, I immediately start working toward either straight ankle locks as my primary attack or transitioning to saddle position if they defend in predictable ways. The entry has to be explosive but controlled - you need the speed to catch them off-guard but the control to land in a stable, dominant position rather than scrambling on the mat.
• Eddie Bravo: The outside ashi entry fits perfectly into the 10th Planet philosophy of creating modern, unorthodox pathways to dominant positions. What I love about this entry is how it completely changes the dynamic of standing exchanges - instead of just wrestling for takedowns, you’re introducing a leg attack dimension that most traditionally-trained grapplers aren’t comfortable defending. In our system, we often combine this entry with rubber guard threats or mission control setups when training transitions from standing to ground. The beauty of outside ashi from a strategic perspective is that it forces conservative grapplers out of their comfort zone. They can’t just stand static and defend - they have to move, and movement creates opportunities. I teach students to use the entry as part of combination attack sequences: threaten a guillotine which makes them posture up and pull back, then immediately dive for outside ashi on the leg they post weight on. The entry also works incredibly well in MMA contexts because fighters are less familiar with leg entanglement defenses compared to traditional BJJ positions. When drilling this, I want students to feel comfortable entering from every angle and position - from clinches, from failed shots, from opponent’s kicks, anywhere there’s a leg exposed. The more creative you get with entry timing and setups, the higher your success rate becomes because you’re presenting problems opponents haven’t prepared for in their training.