# Single-Leg X

> A one-leg entanglement that controls the hip and knee line for sweeps, stand-ups, and straight ankle-lock attacks.

- **Canonical page:** https://www.ossmeta.com/techniques/single-leg-x
- **Markdown:** https://www.ossmeta.com/techniques/single-leg-x.md
- **JSON:** https://www.ossmeta.com/api/public/techniques/single-leg-x
- **Category:** guard
- **Format:** both
- **Level:** intermediate
- **Aliases:** SLX, ashi garami, one-leg X
- **Last reviewed:** 2026-07-25

## 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.

## 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.

## 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.


## Productive 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.

## Rules and safety

Leg-lock legality changes substantially by age, belt, division, and ruleset. Reaping and the finishing mechanic may be regulated separately. Confirm the current organizer rules before competing.

This guide is descriptive, not remote coaching. Learn potentially dangerous submissions, inversions, and takedowns with a qualified instructor. Release immediately when a training partner taps.

## Related techniques

- [X Guard](https://www.ossmeta.com/techniques/x-guard)
- [Straight Ankle Lock](https://www.ossmeta.com/techniques/straight-ankle-lock)
- [Butterfly Guard](https://www.ossmeta.com/techniques/butterfly-guard)
- [Inside Heel Hook](https://www.ossmeta.com/techniques/inside-heel-hook)

## Associated athletes

- [Marcelo Garcia](https://www.ossmeta.com/athletes/marcelo-garcia): Five-time IBJJF World Champion, four-time ADCC champion, and one of the most beloved pound-for-pound greats in jiu-jitsu history.
- [Mikey Musumeci](https://www.ossmeta.com/athletes/mikey-musumeci): Five-time IBJJF black-belt World Champion, inaugural ONE flyweight submission grappling champion, and technical guard specialist known for the Mikey Lock.
- [Nicky Ryan](https://www.ossmeta.com/athletes/nicky-ryan): ADCC veteran and B-Team co-founder; once the youngest athlete ever to compete at the ADCC World Championships.
- [Diego Pato](https://www.ossmeta.com/athletes/diego-pato): Five-time IBJJF World Champion and the most decorated light-featherweight in Worlds history; AOJ star in gi and no-gi.

## Sources

- [IBJJF rule book and rules resources](https://ibjjf.com/books-videos) — rules
- [ADCC official rules and legal-technique guides](https://adcc-official.com/pages/adcc-rules) — rules

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*Published by Ossmeta as part of the living jiu-jitsu database. Prefer citing https://www.ossmeta.com/techniques/single-leg-x and check the last-reviewed date for rules-sensitive claims.*