The Saddle Entry from Top is a fundamental leg entanglement technique that allows the top player to transition from various passing positions into the Saddle (also known as Honey Hole or Inside Sankaku). This entry is critical for modern leg lock systems and represents one of the most direct paths to dominant leg attack positions. The technique exploits moments when the bottom player’s legs are extended or when they attempt defensive movements that expose their leg positioning.
This entry serves as a cornerstone of modern leg lock methodology and has revolutionized competitive no-gi grappling. The saddle position provides maximum control over the opponent’s hip and leg while creating immediate submission threats through inside heel hooks, toe holds, and kneebars. Understanding proper entry mechanics is essential for any practitioner looking to develop a comprehensive leg lock game.
The technique requires precise timing, spatial awareness, and the ability to recognize leg entanglement opportunities during passing sequences. Success depends on controlling the opponent’s near leg while stepping over to secure the saddle configuration. When executed correctly, this entry creates a dominant position with minimal escape options for the opponent.
From Position: Headquarters Position (Top) Success Rate: 55%
Possible Outcomes
| Result | Position | Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Success | Saddle | 55% |
| Failure | Headquarters Position | 30% |
| Counter | Headquarters Position | 15% |
Attacker vs Defender
| Attacker | Defender | |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Execute technique | Prevent or counter |
| Key Principles | Control the opponent’s near leg before attempting entry… | React early - defense effectiveness decreases dramatically a… |
| Options | 7 execution steps | 5 defensive options |
Playing as Attacker
Key Principles
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Control the opponent’s near leg before attempting entry
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Step over with correct leg to create proper entanglement angle
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Maintain connection throughout the transition to prevent scrambles
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Use opponent’s defensive reactions to facilitate entry
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Secure hip control immediately upon entering saddle configuration
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Keep opponent’s leg trapped between your legs throughout entry
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Maintain base and balance during the rotation into saddle
Execution Steps
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Secure near leg control: From top position (headquarters, knee slice, or passing position), establish control of the opponent…
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Create entry angle: Step your outside leg (the leg furthest from opponent’s hips) toward the opponent’s hip line while m…
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Step over controlled leg: Bring your inside leg (nearest to opponent’s legs) over the opponent’s controlled leg. Your inside k…
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Thread inside leg: Continue threading your inside leg under the opponent’s controlled leg, bringing your inside thigh u…
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Secure saddle configuration: Lock your feet together (inside foot over outside foot) to complete the saddle entanglement. Ensure …
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Establish positional control: Fall to your outside hip, bringing the opponent’s leg with you. Control their far leg with your outs…
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Adjust to submission position: Make final adjustments to optimize your saddle configuration: ensure their toes point away from you …
Common Mistakes
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Stepping over with the wrong leg (inside leg first instead of positioning outside leg)
- Consequence: Creates poor angle for saddle entry and leaves you vulnerable to sweeps or loss of position. The entanglement cannot be completed correctly.
- Correction: Always step your outside leg toward opponent’s hip first to create proper angle, then thread inside leg over and under their controlled leg. Practice the footwork pattern in isolation.
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Releasing leg control during the step-over transition
- Consequence: Opponent immediately retracts their leg and escapes the entry, often leaving you in vulnerable scramble position or losing top position entirely.
- Correction: Maintain constant hand control on opponent’s leg throughout entire entry sequence. Your grips should only release once your legs have secured the saddle configuration.
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Failing to control opponent’s far leg after securing saddle
- Consequence: Opponent squares their hips and clears their knee line, leading to easy escape from saddle or transition to better defensive position.
- Correction: Immediately secure opponent’s far leg with outside arm upon completing saddle entry. Pin it to your chest or control the knee to prevent hip squaring.
Playing as Defender
Key Principles
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React early - defense effectiveness decreases dramatically at each stage of entry progression
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Never allow both your ankle and knee to be controlled simultaneously without immediate response
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Keep knees close to your body to deny the step-over angle required for entry
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Use your far leg actively to frame on opponent’s hips and prevent them from completing the rotation
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Address the grip on your leg before the attacker commits to the step-over phase
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If the saddle locks, immediately shift to heel protection and systematic escape rather than explosive pulling
Recognition Cues
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Opponent grips your near ankle and knee simultaneously while in passing position, shifting focus from passing to leg control
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Opponent’s outside leg steps toward your hip line rather than continuing a passing trajectory, indicating angle creation for step-over
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Opponent shifts their weight backward and begins lifting their inside leg over your controlled leg rather than driving forward to pass
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Opponent abandons upper body grips (collar, underhook) in favor of two-handed leg control, signaling leg entanglement intent
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Opponent’s hips begin rotating perpendicular to your body rather than staying parallel, indicating saddle entry alignment
Defensive Options
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Immediately retract near leg by pulling knee to chest and turning hip away from attacker - When: At the earliest stage when opponent first grips your leg before the step-over begins
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Frame on opponent’s hip with far leg and push to create distance while stripping ankle grip with hands - When: When opponent has gripped your leg but has not yet stepped over - prevents the angle creation phase
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Sit up aggressively and attack opponent’s upper body with underhook or collar tie while they focus on leg control - When: During the step-over phase when opponent’s hands are committed to leg control and their posture is compromised
Position Integration
The Saddle Entry from Top serves as a critical bridge between traditional passing positions and modern leg entanglement systems. This technique represents the intersection of pressure passing and submission-focused grappling, allowing practitioners to threaten both passing completion and immediate leg attacks. Within the broader BJJ positional hierarchy, saddle entry from top has revolutionized how top players approach guard passing, as the saddle itself provides immediate submission threats and positional control without requiring a full pass.
This entry integrates seamlessly with headquarters position, knee slice passing, float passing, and long step approaches, creating a comprehensive top game where leg entanglement becomes a primary objective rather than an opportunistic attack. The technique also connects to the full ashi garami system (Outside Ashi, Inside Ashi, 50-50, Cross Ashi), as the saddle entry mechanics provide the foundation for understanding how to access all leg entanglement positions from top. Understanding this entry is fundamental for any modern no-gi competitor and increasingly relevant in gi competition where leg locks are permitted.