By BJJ Sportswear Editorial Team
Reviewed by competitive black belts | Last Updated: February 1, 2026
The Single Leg X Guard (SLX) is widely considered the most efficient open guard in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Also known as Ashi Garami (Leg Entanglement) in the Danaher system, this position allows you to isolate one of your opponent’s legs with your entire body. Whether you want to sweep heavy opponents like Marcelo Garcia or attack leg locks like Gordon Ryan, the Single Leg X is your starting point.
In this guide, we break down how to enter, control, and finish from the Single Leg X Guard.
Table of Contents
What is the Single Leg X Guard?
The Single Leg X Guard is an open guard where you position yourself underneath the opponent, trapping one of their legs.
- The Outside Foot: Your outside foot is placed on the opponent’s hip. This is your “gas pedal” to manage distance.
- The Inside Leg: Your inside leg curves around their thigh, pinching your knees together.
- The Pinch: The most important detail is the knee pinch. You must squeeze your knees together to lock their leg in place. If your knees are loose, they will push your foot down and pass.
The Marcelo Garcia Influence
While the position existed before him, Marcelo Garcia revolutionized it. He used it to defeat world champions twice his size, proving that if you control one leg, you control the whole person.
Top 3 Entries to Single Leg X
You can enter SLX from almost anywhere, but these are the most reliable paths.
1. From Butterfly Guard
This is the classic entry.
- Elevate: Use your Butterfly Guard hooks to lift the opponent.
- Shoot: As they post a leg to balance, shoot your hips underneath them.
- Connect: Wrap their leg and place your foot on their hip immediately.
2. From Shin-to-Shin
If the opponent is playing a low, seated guard game:
- Contact: Place your shin directly against their shin.
- Sit Back: Fall back while pulling their leg with you.
- Elevate: Kick your leg straight to lift them into the SLX position.
3. From Spider Guard
If the opponent stands up to break your grips:
- Transition: Let go of the sleeve, swing underneath, and connect to the legs.
Attacks: Sweep or Submit?
The beauty of SLX is the “Fork in the Road.” You can go up (sweep) or stay down (submit).
1. The Hip Bump Sweep (Technical Stand-Up)
This is the highest percentage sweep from SLX.
- Action: Bridge your hips up to off-balance them backward.
- Reaction: When they stumble back, keep the foot on their hip and perform a technical stand-up to come on top.
2. The Straight Ankle Lock
This is the primary submission from here.
- Grip: Wrap your arm around their ankle (like a guillotine for the foot).
- Finish: Squeeze your knees, look back, and bridge your hips. Read our Straight Ankle Lock Guide for the full mechanics.
3. Transition to X-Guard
If the opponent peels your foot off their hip, don’t panic. Simply switch your hooks to the full X-Guard to sweep them from a deeper angle.
Troubleshooting: Why You Get Passed
Mistake #1: The Lazy Foot
If your foot on the hip is loose, they will push it down (The Smash Pass).
The Fix: Your foot must be active. Push into their hip constantly to keep tension.
Mistake #2: Not Controlling the Knee
If their knee pops out of your pinch, you lost the position.
The Fix: Keep your knees pinched tight. You should feel like you are trying to touch your knees together.
Mistake #3: Letting Them Grab Your Head
If they grab your head, they can flatten you out.
The Fix: Keep your head far away from them. Use the foot on the hip to push them away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SLX legal at white belt?
Yes. The position and the sweep are legal. The Straight Ankle Lock is also legal. However, be careful not to reap the knee (twist it inward), which is illegal in the Gi.
What is the difference between SLX and Ashi Garami?
They are the same position. “Single Leg X” is the traditional BJJ name. “Ashi Garami” is the Japanese term popularized by the Danaher Death Squad to describe the leg entanglement system.
Conclusion
The Single Leg X Guard is the perfect starting point for learning leg locks and open guard sweeps. It is safe, effective, and works for every body type.
Drill the entry from Butterfly Guard first. Once you can get there comfortably, the sweeps will feel effortless.