Turn scary leg entanglements into passes and back takes.
The Bottom Line
You will learn specific counters from standard, outside, cross ashi and 50/50. You will use re-attacks to pass or chase the back. You will not get multi-hour theory like Danaher’s deep dives.
⚡️ Quick facts
Best for: Leglock-wary passers
Skip if: Want deep theory
Tech focus: Outside Ashi, Cross Ashi, 50/50 Counters, Backside 50/50, Leg Pummel
Biggest takeaway: Counter to offense instantly.
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What You'll Learn
A practical tour of counter-offense from standard, outside, and cross ashi and 50/50. Expect back takes, passes, and re-attacks that turn defense into scoring chances.
Ideal if you fear reaps and backside 50/50.
Primary Techniques You'll Drill
- Standard Ashi
- Outside Ashi
- Cross Ashi
- 50/50 Counters
- Backside 50/50
- Knee Bar Counter
- Leg Pummel
- Back Takes From Ashi
Format & Level
- Instructional style: System Based, Technique Collection
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Format: No-Gi
- Runtime: 2 hours and 53 minutes
- Volumes: 4
- Released: 2022
Should You Buy It?
Wait for daily deal. I became calm in ashi once I trained his immediate back-take and smash counters.
Why Ethan Crelinsten?
Ethan’s competitive record includes heel hook wins and many back finishes, making him qualified to discuss both defending and countering the legs. His coaching emphasizes small positional battles that swing momentum.
Community feedback
Here’s a summary of common feedback from platforms like Reddit’s r/bjj.
😍 Why People Love It
- Built confidence to enter leg exchanges and scramble.
- Good, brief, and to the point.
- Counters flow nicely into passes and back takes.
- Recommended when asking for back-take counters vs leg locks.
🤔 Common Criticisms
- Some say similar counters appear free on YouTube.
- A few prefer other teachers for deeper defensive leg theory.
- Debate exists on the best single resource for defense.
Free Preview Lesson
Smart Alternatives
- Pillars of Defense: Leg Locks to Back Takes by Gordon Ryan – Extensive decision trees into back takes. (Price: $349.00)
- Ruotolo Leg Entanglement Counters (various sources) – Community often studies their bolo-style counters.
Sources & References
Video Breakdowns
Official listing: View Leg Lock Counters on BJJ Fanatics
Additional References
Your next step
You have the breakdown, community feedback, and my final thoughts. Now it’s your move.

