As I continue to dive deeper and deeper into leg locks I have become fascinated with the concepts behind leg locks. One concept that I was recently introduced with is the four types of leg entanglements. By combining these four entanglements you can theoretically create any leg locking position.

Entanglement #1

Inside the Guard

The first entanglement is based on your body positioning. In this entanglement your body is on the inside of your opponent’s guard. A few positions that use this entanglement are Ashi Garami , Double Outside Ashi, The Clamp, and The Knot.

Entanglement #2

Outside the Guard

The second type of entanglement is also based on your body positioning. For this entanglement you are sitting outside of your opponent’s guard. A few positions that use this entanglement are the 411/Saddle/Top Rock and the 50/50 guard.

Entanglement #3

Legs on the Outside 

The third type of leg entanglement focuses on where your legs are. For the sake of the concept, we will define leg positioning based on your opponent’s hips. For this entanglement both of your legs are on the outside of your opponent’s hips. A few positions that use this entanglement are the Double Outside Ashi and the 50/50 Guard.

Entanglement #4

Legs on the Inside

The final leg entanglement position is when you have your legs on the inside of the guard.  Having your legs on the inside of the guard does not mean that you are reaping. Placing your foot on your opponent’s hip also counts as having your legs on the inside. A few positions that use this entanglement are the Ashi Garami, The Clamp, The Wedge, and the Knot.

For more on this concept I suggest checking out the video below. In the video Robert Biernack does a great job of breaking down the four types of entanglements and how they can be used to create any leg locking positions. Professor Rob also shows a flow drill that you can use to move in between the different positons.