A Simple Guide To The 80 20 Position In BJJ

Summary

The 80 20 position is a modern leg entanglement used in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to control an opponent’s leg while maintaining a strong positional advantage. It is closely related to outside Ashi Garami and is commonly used as a setup for leg locks, sweeps, and transitions. Rather than relying on strength, the 80 20 position emphasizes angle, hip control, and balance.

In this position, your hips are angled away from the opponent rather than square. This angle makes it difficult for them to apply pressure or disengage, while giving you better leverage and control.

This article explains what the 80 20 position is, why it works, and how it fits into an effective leg lock strategy.

Key Takeaways

The 80 20 position prioritizes angle and leg positioning over force.
It offers strong control while limiting common counters.
The position allows smooth transitions rather than rushed finishes.

Why The 80 20 Position Works

The effectiveness of the 80 20 position comes from off-balancing. By shifting your body to the outside of the opponent’s leg, you reduce their ability to rotate, stand, or pressure forward.

This angled control also protects you. Because you are not directly underneath the opponent, their weight is less likely to collapse onto you. This makes the position stable and energy efficient.

Key Positioning Details

Hip Angle: Your hips should be turned away from the opponent. This angle is what separates the 80 20 from more square leg entanglements.
Leg Placement: Your legs clamp around the opponent’s thigh and knee line, limiting their ability to turn or pull free.
Upper Body Position: Your upper body stays engaged and balanced rather than flat. This allows you to adjust quickly as the opponent reacts.

Common Entries Into The 80 20 Position

From 50/50: As the opponent advances, you can capture one leg and angle your hips to the outside, settling into the position.
From Single Leg X: Rotating your hips outward transitions naturally into the 80 20 position.
During Scrambles: When opponents try to disengage from leg attacks, the 80 20 often appears as a stabilizing transition rather than a static position.

Attacking Options From The 80 20

The 80 20 position is not only about submissions. It offers multiple pathways.

Common options include straight ankle locks, transitions to knee line control, sweeps that off-balance the opponent, and positional advances into other leg entanglements.

Rather than forcing a finish, many practitioners use the position to control reactions and wait for openings.

Defensive Benefits Of The 80 20

Because of the angle, the 80 20 position limits many common counters. Opponents struggle to step over, smash, or rotate freely.

This makes it a safer option for maintaining leg control, especially against opponents who are comfortable applying pressure.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Staying square instead of angled.
Allowing the opponent to free their knee line.
Rushing submissions without balance.
Lying flat instead of staying active.
Ignoring upper body engagement.

Correcting these mistakes improves both control and safety.

How The 80 20 Fits Into Modern BJJ

The 80 20 position reflects the modern emphasis on control before submission. Many practitioners use it to slow the exchange, manage balance, and dictate pace.

Rather than being a finishing position on its own, it often serves as a bridge between attacks and transitions. Watch the above video demonstration by Lachlan Giles as he demonstrates how he uses it to transit to the outside sankaku.

FAQs On The 80 20 Position

Q: Is The 80 20 Position The Same As Outside Ashi Garami?

A: They are closely related, but the 80 20 emphasizes a stronger outside angle and weight distribution.

Q: Is The 80 20 Position Legal In Competition?

A: Yes. The position itself is legal across most rule sets. Submission legality depends on the attack used.

Q: Can Beginners Learn The 80 20 Position?

A: Yes. The concept is accessible when taught with proper fundamentals.

Q: Is The 80 20 Position Only For Leg Locks?

A: No. It is also useful for sweeps and positional control.

Q: Does Gi Or No-Gi Change The Position?

A: The mechanics remain the same in both.

Final Thoughts

The 80 20 position is a powerful example of how angle and control can outweigh strength in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. By off-balancing the opponent and limiting their movement, it creates a stable platform for attacks, transitions, and positional dominance. Understanding this position helps practitioners develop a more patient, efficient, and controlled leg entanglement game.

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