Single-Leg X
Also known as SLX, ashi garami, one-leg X
A one-leg entanglement that controls the hip and knee line for sweeps, stand-ups, and straight ankle-lock attacks.
At a glance
- Family
- Guard
- Format
- Gi & no-gi
- Level
- Intermediate
- Connections
- 4 techniques
Concept
What it is
Single-leg X wraps the guard player's legs around one of the opponent's legs while the hips stay close beneath it. The position can be used as a sweeping guard, a transitional ashi garami, or a platform for legal foot-lock attacks.
The most important distinction is between controlling the leg and merely clinging to the foot. Effective single-leg X manages the opponent's hip, knee direction, and ability to put weight through the captured leg.
Core mechanics
Key principles
- Keep the opponent's knee line captured between the legs.
- Control the hip so the opponent cannot simply step over the structure.
- Use the outside knee and inside foot without exposing your own knees to collapse.
- Connect sweeps to an immediate technical stand-up or top position.
System map
How it connects
Jiu-jitsu techniques work in sequences. These are common conceptual routes in, productive next steps, and the defensive priorities that shape the exchange.
Common entries
Butterfly guard
Elevate a leg and attach your hips underneath it.
X guard
Remove one hook and wrap the hip as the opponent turns.
K guard
Follow the far leg into a straight-ashi configuration.
Next actions
Outside sweep
Direct the controlled knee away from the opponent's remaining post.
Technical stand-up
Keep the leg connected while rising into top position.
Straight ankle lock
Transition to a ruleset-appropriate finishing grip while maintaining knee-line control.
Defensive priorities
Clear the hip connection
Push the controlling foot below the hip line before turning away.
Free the knee line
Move the knee beyond the opponent's legs before attempting to spin or run.
Control the secondary leg
Pin the guard player's free leg to stop follow-up entries.
Competition connections
Athletes associated with Single-Leg X
Keep exploring
Related techniques
Guard
X Guard
An underneath guard that places crossed leg frames around one of the opponent's legs to control balance and expose sweeping directions.
Submission
Straight Ankle Lock
A linear foot and ankle submission commonly attacked from straight ashi and related one-leg entanglements.
Guard
Butterfly Guard
A seated inside-position guard that uses instep hooks, upper-body connection, and off-balancing to sweep or enter the legs.
Submission
Inside Heel Hook
A rotational leg submission that controls the knee line and turns the exposed heel inward; it demands advanced supervision and early tapping.
Rules and reference sources
Rules evolve. The official organizer documents below are the source of truth for competition legality; the guide above explains the technique conceptually.