Overview
Inside sankaku—often referred to as “the saddle” in modern no-gi—is one of the most common leg-entanglement positions in submission grappling. It is a form of cross ashi garami in which the attacker triangles their legs around the opponent’s primary leg from an inside position, locking the knee line while controlling the opponent’s rotation, often with control of the secondary leg. This structure creates one of the strongest possible platforms for applying breaking mechanics, especially the inside heel hook.
Inside sankaku is favored at the highest levels because it offers maximal control with minimal risk: the attacker can expose the heel, force predictable defensive reactions, and transition seamlessly into other entanglements, back-exposure sequences, or use it to sweep. The position has become a cornerstone of modern leglock systems, popularized by the Danaher Death Squad, who refined it into a central attacking hub for breaking and positional advancement.