Working From 50/50

When dealing with an opponent locking their legs in the 50/50 position, the focus is on separating their feet to create offensive and defensive opportunities. The following steps outline the process:

1. Ensure your heel is in line with your knee to prevent attacks on your foot when your opponent's feet are locked ankle over ankle.
2. Slip your knee inside while maintaining safety and begin to separate your opponent's feet by creating a frame and pushing their foot away as you scoot.
3. Grab the sole of your opponent's top foot with one hand and reach wrist-deep around their other foot with your other hand, bringing your elbow inside their shin to help separate their feet.
4. Once separation is achieved, you can either come up to attack or pass their foot across to transition into an outside Ashi Garami position.
5. If your feet become separated, point your toes and press your heel against your opponent's thigh, keeping your knee line down to prevent them from controlling your leg.
6. Use your knees to prevent your opponent from pulling your leg into a dangerous position, allowing you to escape or transition to a more advantageous position.

This sequence provides both offensive and defensive strategies from the 50/50 position, focusing on foot placement and grips to maintain control and prevent attacks.