Understanding of the diagonal ASHI in the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

In the world in constant evolution of BJJ, there has been a considerable change in the way the professionals approach the game on the ground. Many practitioners now emphasize their legs of the legs of the legs, which is now considered not to be waste time at all levels. What was once a niche area has now become a central pillar of the modern socket.

One of the positions that has recently entered is diagonal Ash. This is a highly technical and effective tool in the hands of competent professionals. Today we will go beyond the diagonal Ash in the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Modern bjj and the rise of the game of leg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmsypnqyem8

To understand where ASHI diagonal is inserted, it helps to look at how the game of blocking the legs has grown in the last decade. Not long ago, the locks of the legs were seen by many as rough or even anti -sports. The traditional mentality is heavily spread towards the positional hierarchy (passing the guard, establishing the assembly or entering the back control), then undergoing. Attacking the legs was often considered a connection or a sign of poor fundamental.

Since then this vision has changed, thanks to the explosion of non-giGi competitions and tournaments of presentation only. Key figures such as John Danaher, Gordon Ryan, Craig Jones and others have shown the effectiveness of attacking the lower part of the body, and with this, the leg of blocking of the legs has evolved into something incredibly technical and nuanced.

High level competitors today understand that the entangles of the legs offer more than simple sending; They are a game as deep as their counterparts of the upper body. Since sport has matured, the systems and voices that surround the attacks of the legs are also giving life to positions such as diagonal Ash.

Ashi Garami and its many variants

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zc8ebflmo9o

Ashi Garami, who translates approximately into “leg entanglement” into Japanese, acts as the basis of the blocking positions of the most modern legs. In its most elementary form, Ashhi Garami involves control of one of the legs of your opponent by putting on the legs around it, usually placing one leg on the waist or anchor and the other under the thigh or shank.

From there, it is possible to explore different variants, each with its purpose. The traditional (anchor) Ashi Garami is excellent for the locks of the straight ankle. ASHI’s exterior opens the voices to the heel hooks when your opponent’s knee is facing outwards. The cross-ashi isolates the opponent’s sides and legs. And now the diagonal Ash.

Each variation offers a different control angle and presentation threat. Some are better to sweep, others are better for the breakdown of mechanics. What makes diagonal ASHI effective is its unique hybrid of both.

What is the diagonal ASHI?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9j-jwqlppni

Diagonal ASHI is a variation in which your body is positioned with an angle of 45 degrees compared to the leg of your opponent, instead of being a square in front of it as the traditional ASHI. Imagine you start in Ash Garami straight but to move the hips diagonally, pointing towards the opposite side of the bust of your opponent. Your internal leg passes beyond the opponent’s thigh, while the external leg rings below and through their shin or calf.

This position allows you to maintain a strong rotation control of your opponent’s leg, remain outside their direct line of counterattacks. One of the key advantages is that opens an extremely narrow heel hook, thanks to the control corner and the voltage created by the diagonal posture. But above all, it provides options for transitions, sweeps and also other weaves of the upper body.

What makes the ASHI diagonal deceptively powerful is its pressure and the discouraging effect (Kuzushi) that generates. The control angle makes it difficult for your opponent to turn, slide the knee or turn, especially if strengthened with adequate handles and wedges. It is also a less explored position, which means that many opponents may not immediately recognize the danger or have prepared defenses for it.

Safety considerations in the position

As with all legs for the legs, in particular those involving heel hooks, safety must always come before. Diagonal Ash creates discomfort on the knee when ends up from hooks of the internal heel. It is easy to underestimate how quickly it can happen from this point of view.

Training partners should touch early and often and instructors should emphasize control over brute force. A clear communication in the gym is essential when it trains from this position, in particular when the heel hooks are involved. Practitioners should also take time to understand the escape routes when captured in this position.

Position before submission

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdkvajrzod4

One of the most important principles in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is “position before submission” and applies heavily to diagonal ASHI. Even if it can be tempting immerse yourself for a heel hook as soon as entanglement is established, Rushing can make you lose the angle or give space to your opponent to escape.

A good control of diagonal ashi begins with a close leg positioning, an understanding of how to anchor your weight and a positioning of the precise hand. Check the knee line first. Keep immobilized the opponent’s hip. Only once the structure is underway if the other mechanics should be started.

Another key point to note is that your transition from ASHI diagonal to other legs for the legs depends on how your opponent reacts. This makes it an excellent position not only for finishing, but to flow through a wider lock block system.

Conclusion

Diagonal ASHI may not be famous as some of the blocking positions of the most consolidated legs, but is quickly gaining recognition for its usefulness in high -level support. Like all positions in Jiu-Jitsu, mastery comes with time, representatives and a profound understanding of the mechanics involved. Diagonal ASHI can become a highly effective tool for the attack and transition when it has trained responsibly and thoughtful in your general game.

In today’s modern Bjj landscape, the athletes who excel are those that combine creativity with excellent fundamental. We invite you to try diagonal Ash and see how your general game increases.

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