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)
Key Attacking Principles
What are the key principles for executing Saddle Entry from Top?
- Control the opponent’s near leg before attempting entry
- Step over with correct leg to create proper entanglement angle
- Maintain connection throughout the transition to prevent scrambles
- Use opponent’s defensive reactions to facilitate entry
- Secure hip control immediately upon entering saddle configuration
- Keep opponent’s leg trapped between your legs throughout entry
- Maintain base and balance during the rotation into saddle
Prerequisites
What do you need before attempting Saddle Entry from Top?
- Top position with at least one leg accessible (passing position, headquarters, or open guard top)
- Opponent’s near leg extended or exposed
- Control of opponent’s near leg with hands (ankle, knee, or pants grip)
- Space to step over opponent’s leg without being swept
- Understanding of saddle position mechanics and finishing positions
- Awareness of opponent’s far leg position to prevent counters
Execution Steps
How do you execute Saddle Entry from Top step by step?
- Secure near leg control: From top position (headquarters, knee slice, or passing position), establish control of the opponent’s near leg using both hands. Grip the ankle with your near hand and control the knee or thigh with your far hand. This prevents the opponent from retracting their leg and creates the foundation for entry.
- Create entry angle: Step your outside leg (the leg furthest from opponent’s hips) toward the opponent’s hip line while maintaining leg control. Position your foot near their hip or on the mat beside their hip. This creates the proper angle for stepping over and prevents the opponent from rotating away.
- Step over controlled leg: Bring your inside leg (nearest to opponent’s legs) over the opponent’s controlled leg. Your inside knee should clear their leg and land on the opposite side. Maintain constant pressure on their leg throughout this movement to prevent escape. Keep your weight distributed to avoid being swept.
- Thread inside leg: Continue threading your inside leg under the opponent’s controlled leg, bringing your inside thigh underneath their thigh. Your legs should now form a triangle configuration around their leg with your inside thigh positioned under their leg and your outside leg positioned over their leg.
- Secure saddle configuration: Lock your feet together (inside foot over outside foot) to complete the saddle entanglement. Ensure the opponent’s knee is trapped between your legs with their leg pulled across your body. Your inside thigh should be positioned high on their inner thigh, controlling their hip rotation. Adjust your position to face the opponent’s leg rather than their body.
- Establish positional control: Fall to your outside hip, bringing the opponent’s leg with you. Control their far leg with your outside arm to prevent them from squaring up or clearing their knee line. Establish control of their heel/foot with your inside arm. Ensure your hips are connected to theirs and your legs maintain constant pressure on their trapped leg.
- Adjust to submission position: Make final adjustments to optimize your saddle configuration: ensure their toes point away from you (externally rotated), verify your legs are creating maximum pressure on their knee joint, and position their heel close to your chest for finishing control. From here, you can attack inside heel hooks, toe holds, or transitions to other ashi garami variations.
Possible Outcomes
| Result | Position | Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Success | Saddle | 55% |
| Failure | Headquarters Position | 30% |
| Counter | Headquarters Position | 15% |
Opponent Counters
How might your opponent counter Saddle Entry from Top?
- Opponent retracts near leg immediately upon contact (Effectiveness: High) - Your Response: Follow their leg retraction and switch to alternative passing position or pursue different leg entanglement entries such as Outside Ashi or 50-50. Can also use their retraction to advance to better passing position. → Leads to Headquarters Position
- Opponent brings far leg over to clear knee line and prevent entanglement (Effectiveness: High) - Your Response: Capture the incoming far leg with your outside arm and transition to alternative ashi garami entry. Alternatively, use the moment they lift their far leg to advance into side control if they overcommit to the defense. → Leads to Headquarters Position
- Opponent sits up aggressively during step-over to attack upper body (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Maintain connection to their controlled leg and use their forward momentum to facilitate the entry. Can also abandon saddle entry temporarily to address upper body control, then return to leg entanglement from improved position. → Leads to Headquarters Position
- Opponent straightens controlled leg explosively to prevent step-over (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Use the leg extension to transition to straight ankle lock or outside ashi garami position. Their attempt to straighten actually exposes their leg to different attack angles. → Leads to Headquarters Position
- Opponent inverts or rolls through to escape entanglement (Effectiveness: Low) - Your Response: Follow their rotation while maintaining leg control, often ending in advantageous back attack position or top saddle. Their inversion can be used against them if you maintain connection throughout. → Leads to Saddle
Safety Considerations
What are the safety concerns for Saddle Entry from Top?
When practicing saddle entries, ensure controlled execution with clear communication between partners regarding resistance levels. The saddle position leads directly to inside heel hooks which can cause severe knee injuries if applied without control. During drilling, establish tap-early protocols and never apply sudden explosive force to leg locks. Partners should understand proper tapping procedures and recognize when they are caught in vulnerable positions. Instructors should ensure students have adequate experience with positional control before progressing to submission applications from saddle. Always practice on mats with sufficient padding, and beginners should master the entry mechanics with zero resistance before adding any defensive pressure. Avoid practicing this technique if either partner has existing knee or hip injuries without medical clearance. The rotation into saddle can place stress on the practitioner’s own knees, so execute entries smoothly rather than explosively to protect your own joints.