The Cock Block

SubFamily

Translation: The cock block

Range & classification

Category
Strike & defenceLocksClose rangeFighting multiple people
Distance
CloseMiddleLong

Overview

The Cock Block is a defence against being slammed from closed guard or rubber guard, using leg positioning and grip adjustment to prevent the opponent from lifting. [1]

Also known as
Cock BlockSlam Defence

History & Origin

Developed by Eddie Bravo for 10th Planet. [1]

Country of originΒ· shown in random order

  • Brazil10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu, MMA, No-Gi BJJ
  • USAMMA

Effectiveness

Essential escape for no-gi practitioners. [1]

Lineage

10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu. [1]

Competition Record

Used in EBI and MMA

Images

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Biomechanical Mechanism

Primary Action β€” Escape mechanics for The Cock Block

Position & Entry

From bottom position β€” Execute the cock block

Variants

Not yet documented

Videos

10th Planet Counters: Einstein's Triangle Escape

0
The Cock BlockΒ·Alder Hampel

Scott "Einstein" Epstein shows us how he gets out of the triangle choke

1 video

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Ratings

Danger Rating

Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to

2
Low2/10

Defensive escape

Difficulty

Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably

Advanced
Competition Legality

Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets

β€” Unified MMA β€” Legal defensive technique
Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025PDF
β€” IBJJF β€” Legal β€” escapes and sweeps are fundamental to BJJ...
IBJJF Rules Book v6.0, June 2024PDF
β€” 4 from mount/back
ADCC Rules Update, April 2025PDF
β€” FIAS Sport Sambo β€” Legal
FIAS International Sambo Competition RulesPDF
β€” FIAS Combat Sambo β€” Legal
FIAS Combat Sambo RulesPDF

Training Notes

βœ“Drill under pressure with progressive resistance (Bravo, 2006)

Common Mistakes

!Panicking
!Not timing the hip movement

Related Techniques

Counter Techniques

Setup Chain

1Under attack β†’ The Cock Block β†’ Guard recovery

Sources & References

Primary Source

Mastering the Rubber Guard (Bravo, 2006)

1Book[1] Bravo, E. with Krauss, E. and Cordoza, G. (2006). Mastering the Rubber Guard: Jiu-Jitsu for Mixed Martial Arts Competition. Victory Belt Publishing.
2Citation[1] Bravo, E. with Krauss, E. and Cordoza, G. (2006). Mastering the Rubber Guard: Jiu-Jitsu for Mixed Martial Arts Competition. Victory Belt Publishing.

[1] Bravo, Mastering the Rubber Guard (2006) β€” technique description and application

Community

Athletics

Hip mobility

Timing

Notes

The Cock Block is a 10th Planet defense documented in Mastering the Rubber Guard. Part of Bravo's defensive system against specific passes and attacks. (Bravo, Mastering the Rubber Guard, 2006)

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent my opponent from escaping when I have them in the Cock Block?

According to Alder Hampel, placing your foot under the opponent's knee eliminates their rolling options and escape routes before they can counter with a toe hold.

Does the position become more effective as my opponent's knee bends more?

Yesβ€”Alder Hampel notes that the more the opponent's knee is bent on the heel hook, the more effective the Cock Block becomes.

What should I do if I have a bad back when finishing the Cock Block?

Alder Hampel advises against sitting back hard if you have a bad back; instead, push your opponent away with your feet and arch gradually to open the position safely.

How does the The Cock Block work?

The Cock Block is a defence against being slammed from closed guard or rubber guard, using leg positioning and grip adjustment to prevent the opponent from lifting.

Where does the The Cock Block come from?

Developed by Eddie Bravo for 10th Planet.

Is the The Cock Block legal in competition?

Unified MMA: legal β€” Legal defensive technique; IBJJF: legal β€” Legal β€” escapes and sweeps are fundamental to BJJ, sweep from bottom scores 2…; IJF: legal β€” Legal; ADCC: legal β€” Legal, sweep scores 2 points (4 from mount/back); FIAS Sport Sambo: legal β€” Legal; FIAS Combat Sambo: legal β€” Legal

How dangerous is the The Cock Block?

Danger rating 2/10. Defensive escape

How do I set up the The Cock Block?

The standard setup chain: Under attack β†’ The Cock Block β†’ Guard recovery.

How do I defend against the The Cock Block?

Standard counters include: Maintain control / Re-establish position.

How effective is the The Cock Block in competition?

Used in EBI and MMA

What are common mistakes when doing the The Cock Block?

Top errors to watch for: Panicking / Not timing the hip movement.

What are other names for the The Cock Block?

The The Cock Block is also known as Za Kokku Burokku, Cock Block, Slam Defence.