Overview
The 50/50 is a symmetrical cross ashi garami position in jiu-jitsu where both athletes lock their legs around each other's, creating a mirrored configuration where the legs go across the hip line. Because both players have similar access to offense and defense, 50/50 is considered a highly strategic position that offers strong control, sweeping opportunities, and direct pathways to lower-body submissions—especially the inside heel hook. The position was originally popularized in modern sport jiu-jitsu by Ryan Hall, who used it extensively to sweep and attack opponents at the highest levels.
In high-level no-gi competition, 50/50 is often used to expose the heel, transition into deeper entanglements, or force scrambling reactions that create back takes or top-position entries. Its structure allows the attacker to maintain the knee line, control rotation, and generate breaking mechanics. Despite its reputation for creating stalemates in the gi, the no-gi version is extremely dynamic and central to modern leglock systems.