スタンダードクルシフィックス(Sutandādo Kurushifikkusu)
TransliterationTranslation: standard crucifix
The Standard Crucifix establishes the full crucifix position by trapping one of the opponent's arms between the legs (using a figure-four leg configuration) and controlling the other arm with both hands, spreading the arms apart in a cruciform shape. [1] The controlling fighter typically achieves this from a back control position, threading the legs around one arm while maintaining upper body control of the other arm. [1],[2] Once established, the defender is completely immobilised with both arms trapped and unable to defend against attacks. [2],[3]
The standard crucifix traps one arm between the legs and controls the other with the hands, exposing the opponent's neck for chokes and strikes. [1]
The standard crucifix is the fundamental version of this position, drawn from catch wrestling and adapted in BJJ. [1]
The crucifix is scored as a dominant position in BJJ and is used in MMA. [1]
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In this BJJ lesson, we dive deep into the submission phase of the crucifix position. Learn how to transition from contro…
John Danaher demonstrates how to do the Side Crucifix in this BJJ Training video. - Click Here To Check Out John Danaher…
The Crucifix is such a dominant position, but I get lots of questions about submission options from there, particularly …
The Standard Crucifix is a back-control position where the attacker controls both of the opponent's arms, creating a highly constrained defensive situation that facilitates submission attacks. BJJMindmap emphasizes that solid control setup is prerequisite to any submission attempt, cautioning that submissions will fail without proper foundational control. The position enables multiple high-percentage submissions: the cross-collar choke (most famous but requiring opposite-side collar grip and shoulder positioning to prevent escape), armlock (using knee pressure toward the armpit with bridging), head-and-arm triangle (using Kimura grip with a shrimp to elevate the body), and a shoulder lock variation executed by shooting the arm through for a biceps-deep grip before going flat to load weight on the shoulder. BJJMindmap also introduces a lapel control system where the attacker grabs the opponent's lapel (or belt) and passes it to the wrist as a handcuff, freeing the other hand for choke attacks. Knight Jiu-Jitsu presents alternative submission sequences accessible from crucifix, including short armlock via ankle cross, one-arm choke (emphasizing trap grab with elbow pull toward the lap rather than squeezing), compression choke using leg reach-through, and a north-south choke transition. Bernardo Faria and John Danaher discuss the related Side Crucifix variant, which pins both elbows outward from side control via underhook and shin/leg pinning, establishing chancery control that enables kimura and other submissions with superior breaking mechanics due to complete head-and-shoulder trapping. All three instructors agree that elbow control and arm immobilization are central to the position's effectiveness.
Synthesized from 3 instructors
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Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
Back control is dominant position; enables rear chokes (Danaher 2021)
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
Advanced Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Techniques (Marcelo Garcia, 2011)
Alias sources — [1] Kodokan Judo (Kano, 1986) [2] Jiu-Jitsu University (Ribeiro, 2008) [3] UWW Wrestling Rules
Effectiveness sources — [1] Mastering Jujitsu (Gracie & Danaher, 2003)
Standard katakana transliteration of Western martial arts terminology (外来語) — used in Japanese MMA, boxing, and BJJ communities
Alias sources — [1] Kodokan Judo (Kano, 1986) [2] Jiu-Jitsu University (Ribeiro, 2008) [3] UWW Wrestling Rules
Effectiveness sources — [1] Mastering Jujitsu (Gracie & Danaher, 2003)
hook control, seatbelt grip endurance, hip connection
long legs for deep hooks, strong grip for seatbelt
hip adductors, biceps, forearms, core
BJJ Mindmap emphasizes that you must master the control part of the crucifix before attempting submissions, otherwise 'things will go horribly wrong.' Without solid control, your submission attempts will likely fail.
The collar choke is the most famous crucifix submission, but BJJ Mindmap notes it's a 'double-edged sword' because releasing your palm-to-palm grip to attack the choke allows your opponent to turn in and escape. You must secure the cross-collar on the opposite side to maintain control while attacking.
BJJ Mindmap identifies the armlock as the 'golden move' of crucifix submissions, describing it as having 'a higher rate of submission' than the collar choke. It's performed by keeping your grip and sliding your knee toward the armpit.
Knight Jiu-Jitsu explains that the key detail is grabbing the trap and pulling your elbow back, rather than simply squeezing to finish the choke.
The Standard Crucifix establishes the full crucifix position by trapping one of the opponent's arms between the legs (using a figure-four leg configuration) and controlling the other arm with both hands, spreading the arms apart in a cruciform shape. The controlling fighter typically achieves this from a back control position, threading the legs around one arm while maintaining upper body control of the other arm.
The standard crucifix is the fundamental version of this dominant control position, used across both grappling competition and MMA as one of the most controlling positions available. Its effectiveness has been demonstrated at the highest levels of competition in both sports.
IBJJF: legal — Legal, back control with hooks or body triangle scores 4 points; IJF: legal — Legal — back control leads to pin or submission opportunities; ADCC: legal — Legal, back mount scores 3 points (4 from sweep); Unified MMA: legal — Legal — dominant position for ground-and-pound and rear naked choke; UWW: legal — Legal — back exposure is the primary scoring mechanism in wrestling; FIAS Sport Sambo: legal — Legal
Danger rating 4/10. Moderate — back control is dominant position; enables rear chokes (Danaher 2021)
The standard setup chain: Achieve Position → Stabilize → Maintain → Attack.
Standard counters include: Hand Fight — grip-fight the choking hand to prevent the rear naked choke / Shoulder Walk — walk shoulders to the mat to escape back control / Turn into Guard — rotate to face the attacker and recover guard position.
Common variants: Back control with hooks (both feet hooked inside the opponent's thighs); Body triangle back control (legs locked in a figure-four around the torso); Rear mount (mounted on the back with both hooks, opponent face-down); Chair sit back control (sitting behind the opponent with hooks, upright position).
The crucifix is scored as a dominant position in BJJ and is used in MMA.
Top errors to watch for: Loose leg triangle on the trapped arm — the legs must squeeze tightly to prevent the arm from being extracted / Not controlling the second arm with the seatbelt — both arms must be neutralized for the crucifix to work / Attempting the choke before both arms are secured — rushing the attack leads to losing the position / Allowing the opponent to roll out — maintain hip control and back connection to prevent rolls.
The Standard Crucifix is also known as Sutandādo Kurushifikkusu, Full Crucifix, Crucifix Pin, Jūmonji Gatame (十文字固).
