Reversing the entanglement to Outside Ashi represents one of the most critical defensive counters in modern leg lock warfare. When caught in Leg Knot Bottom, the practitioner faces immediate submission threats while simultaneously having unique opportunities to invert the positional hierarchy. This technique capitalizes on the inherent instability of the Leg Knot configuration, where neither player has achieved complete dominance, to execute a systematic reversal that transforms defensive crisis into offensive opportunity.
The reversal mechanics rely on exploiting the transitional nature of Leg Knot position. By controlling the opponent’s attacking leg while simultaneously clearing your own trapped leg through precise hip rotation, you create the angle necessary to establish Outside Ashi-Garami. This position grants superior attacking capability with access to heel hooks, ankle locks, and kneebar entries while neutralizing the opponent’s previous offensive momentum.
Strategic timing is paramount for this technique. The optimal window occurs when the opponent commits weight forward for a submission attempt or during their transition between leg lock setups. Attempting the reversal while the opponent maintains neutral balance significantly reduces success probability. Advanced practitioners recognize micro-transitions in the opponent’s weight distribution and capitalize on these brief windows to execute the reversal with maximum efficiency.
From Position: Leg Knot (Bottom)
Key Attacking Principles
What are the key principles for executing Reverse the entanglement to Outside Ashi?
- Control the opponent’s far leg before initiating any reversal movement to prevent their counter-rotation
- Use hip rotation rather than leg strength to clear entanglement and create reversal angle
- Maintain constant connection throughout the reversal to prevent opponent from disengaging to neutral
- Time the reversal during opponent’s weight shift or submission commitment for maximum success
- Establish outside control on opponent’s leg before completing the transition to secure attacking position
- Keep your heel protected throughout the reversal sequence to prevent late submission attempts
- Commit fully once initiated as half-attempts create worse positions than maintaining defensive Leg Knot
Prerequisites
What do you need before attempting Reverse the entanglement to Outside Ashi?
- Established defensive frames with free leg preventing opponent’s immediate submission
- Opponent’s weight committed forward or laterally during transition attempt
- Heel protected and knee line maintained preventing immediate submission threat
- Grip established on opponent’s far leg or hip to control their counter-rotation
- Hip mobility preserved allowing rotation into opponent for reversal angle
- Upper body positioned on side rather than flat to enable hip movement
Execution Steps
How do you execute Reverse the entanglement to Outside Ashi step by step?
- Secure far leg control: While defending in Leg Knot Bottom, reach across and grip opponent’s far leg at the knee or lower thigh. This grip prevents them from counter-rotating when you initiate the reversal and is essential for controlling their base throughout the technique.
- Establish hip angle: Turn your hips toward the opponent while keeping your heel protected by pointing toes toward their hip. Create approximately 45-degree angle that positions your hips for the upcoming rotation while maintaining defensive integrity.
- Clear trapped leg: Using the angle created, pump your knee toward your chest while rotating hips further into opponent. The goal is to extract your leg from their entanglement without exposing heel. Use limp leg mechanics rather than muscling through the entanglement.
- Hip switch rotation: Execute a decisive hip switch that rotates your body 180 degrees, bringing your hips underneath opponent’s trapped leg. Your outside leg (previously free leg) now hooks behind their knee while your inside leg clears to outside position.
- Establish outside hook: As rotation completes, secure your outside leg hook behind opponent’s knee, triangling if possible. Your hips should now be positioned with their leg between your legs in classic Outside Ashi configuration with your outside hip controlling their knee line.
- Consolidate attacking position: Secure grips on opponent’s foot and ankle, controlling heel exposure. Pinch knees together to prevent their leg extraction. Establish upper body posture to prevent their sitting up and counter-attack attempts. You are now in Outside Ashi-Garami with attacking initiative.
Possible Outcomes
| Result | Position | Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Success | Outside Ashi-Garami | 65% |
| Failure | Leg Knot | 25% |
| Counter | Saddle | 10% |
Opponent Counters
How might your opponent counter Reverse the entanglement to Outside Ashi?
- Opponent widens base and posts hands to prevent rotation (Effectiveness: High) - Your Response: Threaten the heel hook from current position to force reaction, or switch to 50-50 entry instead of Outside Ashi → Leads to Leg Knot
- Opponent drives forward and stacks during reversal attempt (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Use their forward momentum to accelerate your hip switch, allowing their drive to complete your rotation rather than fighting it → Leads to Outside Ashi-Garami
- Opponent disengages completely and creates distance (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Follow immediately with Single Leg X entry or technical standup; do not allow them to reset to neutral standing → Leads to Leg Knot
- Opponent counter-rotates and attempts to maintain entanglement control (Effectiveness: Low) - Your Response: Your grip on their far leg prevents effective counter-rotation; continue reversal with increased hip drive → Leads to Saddle
Safety Considerations
What are the safety concerns for Reverse the entanglement to Outside Ashi?
This reversal involves rapid hip rotation and leg entanglement changes that create joint stress on both practitioners’ knees and ankles. Practice with controlled speed initially, allowing partner to tap if caught in compromising position during transition. Never force through stuck entanglements as this can cause knee ligament damage. Communicate clearly with training partners about resistance levels. If opponent applies heel hook during your reversal attempt, tap immediately rather than trying to complete the technique. Both practitioners should have solid understanding of heel hook defense before drilling this reversal at higher intensities.