Twist step to repulse monkey - defence against clinch
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Crank-Twist Defence·Dan Djurdjevic - The Way of Least Resistance
A discussion of how the twist step leading into repulse monkey in the Chen Pan Ling taijiquan form is an excellent defen…
Crank-Twist Defence
Family捻り技ディフェンス(Hineri-waza Difensu)
HybridTranslation: crank/twist defence
Overview
The Crank-Twist Defence family covers defensive techniques against spinal manipulation submissions including neck cranks, can openers, twisters, and spinal locks. [1] Crank defence focuses on preventing the opponent from isolating a section of the spine and applying rotational or compressive force that exceeds the vertebral joints' range of motion. [1],[2] These submissions are among the most dangerous because they target the spine and neck — areas where injury can have severe consequences — making early and decisive defence critically important. [2],[3]
History & Origin
Defences against spinal manipulation have been part of grappling training since the earliest development of neck crank and spinal lock techniques. [1] The increased prevalence of neck cranks and twisting submissions in modern competition has led to more systematic defensive training for these attacks. [2],[3]
Effectiveness
Crank and twist defences prevent neck cranks and spinal twist submissions. [1]
Lineage
Developed in BJJ and MMA as these submissions became more common. [1]
Competition Record
Used in BJJ and MMA competition. [1]
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — Preventing or reducing the effect of an incoming attack through physical interception, evasion, or structural positioning
Joints Involved — Varies by defence type — blocks use arms/shins, evasions use head/body movement, sprawls use hips
Force Vector — Opposing or tangential to the attack — either absorbing, redirecting, or evading the incoming force
Defensive Principle — Economy of motion — the best defence uses minimal movement to neutralise the maximum threat
Position & Entry
From fighting stance (under fire) — Bring both hands to the head, elbows tight, tuck the chin — absorb the flurry while protecting vital targets
As emergency defence — When overwhelmed by volume, shell up in the cover position until the opponent pauses
Videos
1 video
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
3
Moderate3/10
Submission defence involves resisting joint locks/chokes; risk of injury if defence fails or is delayed
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Intermediate
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
— Unified MMA — Legal defensive technique
Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025PDF— IBJJF — Legal — defensive techniques are fundamental to g...
IBJJF Rules Book v6.0, June 2024PDF— IJF — Legal defensive action
IJF Sport and Organisation Rules 2025, Article 27PDF— ADCC — Legal
ADCC Rules Update, April 2025PDF— UWW — Legal defensive technique
UWW International Wrestling Rules, January 2026PDF— FIAS Sport Sambo — Legal
FIAS International Sambo Competition RulesPDFTraining Notes
✓Crank-twist defence addresses neck cranks, spine twists, and other attacks that torque or compress the cervical and thoracic spine (Danaher, Front Headlock System, 2019)
✓Neck cranks and spinal twists are among the most dangerous submissions — they attack the spine directly and can cause serious injury
✓The first defence is to align your spine with the direction of force — don't resist rotation directly; instead, turn your body to match
✓Tuck the chin and shrug the shoulders to protect the neck — this limits the range of motion available for cranking
✓Create space by framing on the opponent's hips or shoulders — distance reduces the leverage available for twisting
✓Many cranks come from position-based control (front headlock, crucifix, can opener) — defend the position to prevent the crank
✓Tap early and often when caught in neck cranks — spinal injuries can be permanent and career-ending
Common Mistakes
!Resisting the crank by pushing in the opposite direction — this creates a two-way force on the spine, increasing injury risk
!Not recognizing crank setups from common positions like front headlock and crucifix
!Treating neck cranks as minor submissions — cervical spine injuries can be catastrophic
!Ignoring neck strengthening in training — a strong neck resists cranking force better and buys time for escape
!Defending the crank but not escaping the position — the opponent will simply re-apply from the same control
!Using excessive neck rotation in escape attempts — controlled movements protect the spine; wild twisting doesn't
!Not tapping to neck cranks in training — the risk-reward ratio strongly favours tapping and learning the defence fresh
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Setup Chain
1Anticipate the Attack — read the opponent's intention through body cues
2Execute Defence — apply the specific defensive technique with proper timing
3Recover Stance — return to a balanced fighting position immediately
4Counter or Disengage — capitalize on the opening or create safe distance
Sources & References
Primary Source
Boxing (Edwin Haislet, 1940)
1BookBoxing (Dempsey, 1950)
Alias sources — [1] Enter the System (Danaher, 2018) [2] Jiu-Jitsu University (Ribeiro, 2008) [3] Mastering Jujitsu (Gracie & Danaher, 2003)
2BookKarate-Do Kyohan (Funakoshi, 1935)
Effectiveness sources — [1] Mastering Jujitsu (Gracie & Danaher, 2003)
3OtherJapanese Martial Arts Hybrid Terminology
Mixed Japanese-Western terminology — combines traditional Japanese terms with katakana loanwords
4CitationBoxing (Dempsey, 1950)
Alias sources — [1] Enter the System (Danaher, 2018) [2] Jiu-Jitsu University (Ribeiro, 2008) [3] Mastering Jujitsu (Gracie & Danaher, 2003)
5CitationKarate-Do Kyohan (Funakoshi, 1935)
Effectiveness sources — [1] Mastering Jujitsu (Gracie & Danaher, 2003)
Community
Athletics
Requires
reaction speed, structural body mechanics, defensive awareness
Favours
quick reflexes and conditioned defensive surfaces
Key muscles
varies — forearms (blocking), legs (movement), core (stability)
Sub-techniques
Neck Crank Defence
SubFamilyThe Neck Crank Defence subfamily covers defences against submissions that apply rotational or lateral bending force to the cervical spine, including can openers, neck crank variations, and face locks. [1] Neck crank defence prioritises aligning the spine and preventing the opponent from creating the angle needed to apply twisting or bending force to the neck. [1,2] The defender works to tuck the chin, align the spine with the torso, and strip the opponent's grip before the cranking force can build to dangerous levels. [2,3]
1 genera·1 techniquesExplore
Spinal Twist Defence
SubFamilyThe Spinal Twist Defence subfamily covers defences against submissions that apply rotational force to the thoracic or lumbar spine, such as the twister, banana split, and similar techniques that rotate the torso relative to the hips. [1] Spinal twist defence focuses on preventing the opponent from isolating and controlling both the upper and lower body independently, which is the prerequisite for applying rotational force to the spine. [1,2] The defender works to keep the hips and shoulders aligned, preventing the opponent from creating the separation needed for the twist. [2,3]
1 genera·1 techniquesExplore
Notes
Neck crank and spinal twist defenses prioritize keeping the chin tucked and the spine aligned. Against the twister, defending the far-side underhook prevents the attacker from establishing the spinal rotation. Against can openers, posture and frame prevent the head from being pulled down. (BJJ instructionals; Danaher, Enter the System)
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should I push when using the crank-twist defence against a clinch?
Push on the opponent's bicep rather than their elbow, as Dan Djurdjevic explains: pushing on the bicep is more effective, whereas pushing on the elbow is weak.
What should I do with my head position during the crank-twist defence?
Keep your head away from the opponent's control—don't allow your head to be pulled into a bad position, as this is the worst outcome in the exchange.
How do I escape if the opponent has already shifted their weight onto me?
If it's too late to drop back cleanly, collapse the distance and pull your weight onto your back leg while lifting your leg to break the opponent's grip.
How does the Crank-Twist Defence work?
The Crank-Twist Defence family covers defensive techniques against spinal manipulation submissions including neck cranks, can openers, twisters, and spinal locks. Crank defence focuses on preventing the opponent from isolating a section of the spine and applying rotational or compressive force that exceeds the vertebral joints' range of motion.
Where does the Crank-Twist Defence come from?
Defences against spinal manipulation have been part of grappling training since the earliest development of neck crank and spinal lock techniques. The increased prevalence of neck cranks and twisting submissions in modern competition has led to more systematic defensive training for these attacks.
Is the Crank-Twist Defence legal in competition?
Unified MMA: legal — Legal defensive technique; IBJJF: legal — Legal — defensive techniques are fundamental to grappling; IJF: legal — Legal defensive action; ADCC: legal — Legal; UWW: legal — Legal defensive technique; FIAS Sport Sambo: legal — Legal
How dangerous is the Crank-Twist Defence?
Danger rating 3/10. Moderate — submission defence involves resisting joint locks/chokes; risk of injury if defence fails or is delayed
How do I set up the Crank-Twist Defence?
The standard setup chain: Anticipate the Attack → Execute Defence → Recover Stance → Counter or Disengage.
How do I defend against the Crank-Twist Defence?
Standard counters include: Timing — attack when the defence is recovering or between movements / Feint — use deception to create openings in the defensive structure / Angle Change — attack from an unexpected angle that the defence does not cover.
What are the variants of the Crank-Twist Defence?
Common variants: Standard defence (primary defensive technique from the most common position); Reactive defence (triggered by the opponent's attack, minimal movement for …); Proactive defence (anticipating the attack and positioning to neutralise it …); Counter defence (using the defensive movement to create an immediate count…).
How effective is the Crank-Twist Defence in competition?
Used in BJJ and MMA competition.
What are common mistakes when doing the Crank-Twist Defence?
Top errors to watch for: Resisting the crank by pushing in the opposite direction — this creates a two-way force on the spine, increasing inju… / Not recognizing crank setups from common positions like front headlock and crucifix / Treating neck cranks as minor submissions — cervical spine injuries can be catastrophic / Ignoring neck strengthening in training — a strong neck resists cranking force better and buys time for escape.
What are other names for the Crank-Twist Defence?
The Crank-Twist Defence is also known as Hineri-waza Difensu, Crank Defence, Spine Lock Defence, Twist Defence.