Ashi-X Position Breakdown

Another leg entanglement has emerged that has been dubbed the “Ashi-X Position.”

Read below to see how to hold this position and important details to remember when entering it.

What is Ashi-X?

Ashi-X is a leg entanglement variation blending ashi-garami and the single leg x position. This leg entanglement was allegedly created by B-Team member Owen Jones.

At ADCC 2024, Jones entered this position to get a heel hook in the opening round(video below).

His coach Dima Mirovanni gave an entry lesson for this technique on the latest B-Team video. It’s simple to hold and offers a variety of attacks while giving your opponent fewer escape options.

How to Hold Ashi-X

Holding Ashi-X is rather simple and gives you optimal control. Here’s how you hold this leg entanglement.

Inside Foot On Opponent’s Hip

For the first step, let’s go over the position of your inside foot. Your inside foot needs to be placed on the inside hip of your opponent.

You can hold the position with your toes pointed inward or outward. A vital error you need to avoid is hooking your foot around your opponent’s hip. 

It gives them an easy path to a heel hook or they can stand up and pass.

Outside Foot Position

Next, your outside foot will come across your opponent’s body and hook on their far hip. The top of your foot needs to be placed against your opponent’s hip/midsection.

Avoid clearing the hip as it gives your opponent opportunities to attack and escape.

The Positives of Ashi-X

Ashi-X blends the best qualities of ashi-garami and single leg x into one position. In this leg entanglement, your weight is placed more on your opponent’s hips and it prevents them from standing.

It also gives you opportunities to attack from both the inside and outside positions.

Watch coach Dilma break this entanglement down in the video below. His explanation of the position starts at 1:23 and the demonstration starts at 5:40.