How to Do the Single Leg X Guard in BJJ
Also known as: SLX, Ashi garami
Single leg X (SLX or Ashi garami) wraps both legs around one of their legs. It's excellent for sweeps and leg lock entries, and a core position for modern leg lock games.
✓ Key Details to Master
- 1 Both legs wrapped around one of their legs
- 2 One foot on their hip, one behind their knee
- 3 Control their ankle with your hands
- 4 Your back can be on the mat
- 5 Sweep, stand up, or attack legs
✗ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ⚠️ Letting them free their leg
- ⚠️ Not controlling the ankle
- ⚠️ Staying flat without attacking
- ⚠️ Foot position wrong
- ⚠️ Giving them your back
🔄 Variations
- → To leg locks
- → To back take
- → To sweeps
- → To X-guard
🛡️ Counters & Defenses
- → Pressure down
- → Extract leg quickly
- → Step over head
Track Your Single Leg X Guard Progress
Log every time you practice the Single Leg X Guard and watch your proficiency grow. MatTime, the free BJJ tracker, builds muscle memory by tracking what you actually drill.
Related Techniques
More Positions
View all →Ashi Garami
Ashi garami (leg entanglement) is the fundamental leg lock position. Your legs control their leg whi...
Saddle Position
The saddle (honey hole, inside sankaku) is the strongest leg entanglement for heel hooks. Your legs ...
Front Headlock
The front headlock is a controlling position from the front where you wrap their head and control th...
S-Mount
S-mount is a modified mount where one leg is up near their head. It's excellent for attacking armbar...
Frequently Asked Questions
What belt level should I be to learn the Single Leg X Guard? ▼
The Single Leg X Guard is typically introduced at the blue belt level. However, higher belts continue to refine this technique throughout their BJJ journey. Building a technical foundation. Developing a guard game and understanding of timing.
Does this work in both gi and no-gi? ▼
The Single Leg X Guard works in both gi and no-gi, though grip adjustments may be necessary. In no-gi, focus on body control and underhooks instead of gi grips.
How do I set up the Single Leg X Guard? ▼
The Single Leg X Guard is typically executed from open guard. Key setups include controlling your opponent's posture and creating the right angle. Practice the entry repeatedly before focusing on the finish.