Alias · Leg Entanglements
Saddle
Also known as Cross Ashi Garami — the canonical term used on this site.
Training background: English descriptive
Descriptive — saddle-positioned cross-ashi leg entanglement
Saddle is the descriptive name for the cross-ashi leg entanglement — flagging the saddle-like configuration in which the trapped leg sits across the attacker’s hips like a rider’s leg crosses a horse’s saddle.
Etymology. “Saddle” is the metaphorical descriptor for the leg-across-hips geometry; the cross-ashi configuration is the canonical use case. The label appears in coaching vocabulary alongside “honey hole” and “4/11” as one of several names for the same position.
Mechanics. The cross-ashi configuration commits inside space in two directions simultaneously — the attacker’s hips are diagonally inside the opponent’s hips, providing leverage on both inside and outside heel hooks.
Cross-reference. “Honey Hole,” “Inside Heelhook Position,” and “4/11” are alternate names. Full mechanical coverage on Cross Ashi Garami.