Truck entries and submissions
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Truck Position·Energia Martial Arts
Truck entries and submissions Let's dive into a very cool position; the truck! With great credit to 10th planet master E…
Truck Position
SubFamilyトラック
TransliterationTranslation
Not yet documented
Overview
The Truck Position is a 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu back-body entanglement where the attacker controls the opponent from behind with a calf hook (leg threaded between the opponent's legs hooking the calf), a seatbelt grip, and far-side leg control — creating a platform for the Twister (spinal crank), Banana Split (leg split), and calf crank submissions. [1] The Truck is a transitional back control position that provides access to submissions unavailable from standard hooks-in back control. [1],[2]
The TruckTwister ControlBanana Split Position
History & Origin
Effectiveness
Lineage
Developed within the modern BJJ competition framework. [1]
Competition Record
Used in IBJJF, ADCC, and/or EBI competition. [1]
Images
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — Establishing and maintaining this specific positional configuration for control, transition, or submission
Joints Involved — Position-specific — each configuration uses different leg hooks, arm controls, and body positioning to achieve its tactical purpose
Force Vector — Determined by the position's function — control positions apply compression and containment; transitional positions create directional movement; attack positions isolate joints for submission
Position Mechanic — This position serves a specific tactical role within the broader grappling positional hierarchy — either as a control point, a transition station, or a submission platform
Position & Entry
From guard/bottom — Enter this position through the appropriate guard transition
From top/passing — Achieve this position through passing or scramble transitions
From back control or scramble — Transition to this position from back control or during a scramble
Videos
1 video
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
5
High5/10
Varies based on the submissions accessible from this position
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Intermediate
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
— IBJJF — Legal, back control with hooks or body triangle s...
IBJJF Rules Book v6.0, June 2024PDF— IJF — Legal — back control leads to pin or submission opp...
IJF Sport and Organisation Rules 2025, Article 27PDF— 4 from sweep
ADCC Rules Update, April 2025PDF— Unified MMA — Legal — dominant position for ground-and-po...
Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025PDF— UWW — Legal — back exposure is the primary scoring mechan...
UWW International Wrestling Rules, January 2026PDF— FIAS Sport Sambo — Legal
FIAS International Sambo Competition RulesPDFTraining Notes
✓Understand this position's role in the broader system before drilling techniques from it
✓Train entries from multiple positions
✓Develop both offensive attacks and defensive escapes from this position
✓Partner drilling with progressive resistance builds real competence
Common Mistakes
!Entering without proper control
!Not understanding the position's purpose
!Staying too long without attacking
!Not chaining with transitions to other positions
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Setup Chain
1Establish Entry Position
2Transition to This Position
3Consolidate Control
4Attack or Transition
5Maintain or Advance
Sources & References
Primary Source
Jiu-Jitsu University (Saulo Ribeiro, 2008)
1BookJiu-Jitsu University (Ribeiro, 2008)
Description sources — [1] Modern BJJ positional development [2] Competition evolution
2BookModern BJJ instructional resources
3OtherJapanese Combat Sports Katakana Convention
Standard katakana transliteration of Western martial arts terminology (外来語) — used in Japanese MMA, boxing, and BJJ communities
4CitationJiu-Jitsu University (Ribeiro, 2008)
Description sources — [1] Modern BJJ positional development [2] Competition evolution
5CitationModern BJJ instructional resources
Community
Athletics
Requires
positional awareness, body control, specific attribute for this position
Key muscles
core, hip flexors, legs
Sub-techniques
Notes
The truck position originated in wrestling's leg ride system and was adapted by Eddie Bravo for BJJ as the entry to the Twister spinal lock and calf slicer. The name comes from 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu's distinctive naming system. (Bravo, Mastering the Rubber Guard, 2006)
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get into truck position from turtle?
Start from turtle position and work to secure at least one hook. If you can't hook behind the knee on the calf, drop your leg under and extend to create space, especially if your opponent leans forward (Energia Martial Arts).
What's the key to maintaining truck position?
Getting your double hooks in is essential for maintaining back control—if you don't secure both hooks, you lose the position. Keep one foot rotated to the side and maintain your weight on top of the opponent's back (Energia Martial Arts).
What should I do if my opponent resists going backwards in truck?
If your opponent fears rolling backwards and keeps their weight forward, roll forward instead to end up in truck position (Energia Martial Arts).
How do I control my opponent's legs in truck position?
Grab underneath the shin or just above the foot with a 'taco grip' to maintain control, and wait for your opponent to escape before reacting—their movements will naturally help you transition to submissions like a figure four grip or armpit control (Energia Martial Arts).
How does the Truck Position work?
The Truck Position is a 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu back-body entanglement where the attacker controls the opponent from behind with a calf hook (leg threaded between the opponent's legs hooking the calf), a seatbelt grip, and far-side leg control — creating a platform for the Twister (spinal crank), Banana Split (leg split), and calf crank submissions. The Truck is a transitional back control position that provides access to submissions unavailable from standard hooks-in back control.
Where does the Truck Position come from?
This position developed within the modern BJJ/grappling positional framework as the art evolved.
Is the Truck Position legal in competition?
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
How dangerous is the Truck Position?
Danger rating 5/10. Moderate — varies based on the submissions accessible from this position
How do I set up the Truck Position?
The standard setup chain: Establish Entry Position → Transition to This Position → Consolidate Control → Attack or Transition → Maintain or Advance.
How do I defend against the Truck Position?
Standard counters include: Positional escape / Prevention (not allowing the position to be established) / Transition to a more advantageous position.
What are the variants of the Truck Position?
Common variants: Standard execution (the fundamental version); Modified variation (adapted for specific scenarios); Transitional version (used as a waypoint between positions).
How effective is the Truck Position in competition?
Used in IBJJF, ADCC, and/or EBI competition.
What are common mistakes when doing the Truck Position?
Top errors to watch for: Entering without proper control / Not understanding the position's purpose / Staying too long without attacking / Not chaining with transitions to other positions.
What are other names for the Truck Position?
The Truck Position is also known as The Truck, Twister Control, Banana Split Position.