Imanari Roll
Imanari roll — inverted standing-to-ground entry threading directly to ashi garami or cross ashi garami.
Adapted from InGrappling, Imanari Roll. System Games did not invent this curriculum.
FamilyLeg EntanglementsLevelAdvancedPerspectiveBottomIntentOffensiveSafetyElevatedHubLeg EntanglementsMapView on graph →This technique has elevated risk. Make sure you've covered the prerequisites before attempting.
Manage injuries →Position map Connects to 4 positions across 2 relationshipsOpen in the map →1234←Enters from
The Imanari roll is a standing-to-ground leg entanglement entry in which the attacker dives forward and rolls inverted, threading their legs through the opponent’s leg configuration during the roll. The entry is named for the competitor whose use of it made it widely known in no-gi grappling.
The landing position is determined by leg placement during the roll: landing with the opponent’s leg between the attacker’s legs in the ashi configuration produces standard ashi garami; a deeper inside hook during the roll can land in cross ashi; a modified angle can land in 50/50. The roll is not a passive falling movement — the attacker actively threads the legs during the dive, and the quality of the landing is directly determined by the precision of that threading.
The Imanari roll is one of the highest-risk standing entries in no-gi grappling. A failed or stuffed roll lands the attacker on their back exposed to top position — the opponent can simply stop the roll and establish top control. This is an Advanced technique with significant counter-risk that should not be attempted until the leg entanglement ground game is fully developed.
Elevated RiskImanari Roll is an elevated risk technique. The Imanari roll creates immediate access to heel hook positions, particularly cross ashi for inside heel hooks. The landing is not controlled — both parties must understand heel hook safety before any form of resistance rolling that includes this entry. Serious injury can occur immediately upon landing — heel hook access is instant from cross ashi landing.
If you are new to this technique: read this section before anything else. Understanding the danger is part of understanding the technique.
The person applying the technique is responsible for releasing immediately.