How To Learn The Crab Ride - From Beginner To Advanced
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Crab Ride·Brian Glick
Crab ride hooks provide a way to stay connected to your partner in scrambles and when you can't put hooks in from the ba…
Crab Ride
SubFamilyクラブライド
TransliterationTranslation
Not yet documented
Overview
The Crab Ride is a back-taking transition where the attacker establishes control from behind the opponent by placing both feet on the opponent's inner thighs (like riding a crab), using this hook configuration to prevent the opponent from turning and to create entries for back control or leg lock positions. [1] The crab ride was popularised in modern BJJ competition as an alternative to traditional hooks-in back control. [1],[2]
Crab Ride PositionBack CrabCrab Control
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
Crab Ride Basics
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Crab Ride·Tarik BJJ
🔗 Links: Follow me on Instagram for more jiu-jitsu content: https://www.instagram.com/tarik_bjj/ Discover top-qualit…
2 videos
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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
Restricted
— IJF — Guard pulling penalized as non-combativity — ground...
IJF Sport and Organisation Rules 2025, Article 27PDFLegal
— IBJJF — Legal — guard is fundamental to BJJ, sweeps from ...
IBJJF Rules Book v6.0, June 2024PDF— ADCC — Legal, guard pull penalized -1 point in points por...
ADCC Rules Update, April 2025PDF— Unified MMA — Legal — no penalty for playing guard
Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025PDF— 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 crab ride is a back-control entry where the attacker hooks behind the opponent's knees from behind — resembling a crab. Used in wrestling as a riding position and adapted in modern BJJ as a back-take setup. (Wrestling coaching manuals)
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best way to start learning crab ride as a beginner?
Start in a familiar position with your partner seated and you controlling them with two hooks in, which gives you a stable foundation to build comfort before advancing to more dynamic scenarios.
How do I maintain control when my opponent tries to bridge and escape?
Create two opposing forces: push your toes outward while simultaneously pinching your knees inward. This counter-pressure system prevents your opponent from easily bridging past your shoulders and escaping.
What's the key technical detail to prevent my opponent from pushing me off in crab ride?
Tripod on your shoulder and head to push the opponent's knees inward as much as possible, which keeps them compressed and prevents them from opening their legs to create space for escape.
Can I use crab ride from positions besides back control?
Yes—crab ride is useful in scrambles and can be applied from leg drag positions as an alternative to traditional back hooks, giving you flexibility in how you recover and maintain control.
How does the Crab Ride work?
The Crab Ride is a back-taking transition where the attacker establishes control from behind the opponent by placing both feet on the opponent's inner thighs (like riding a crab), using this hook configuration to prevent the opponent from turning and to create entries for back control or leg lock positions. The crab ride was popularised in modern BJJ competition as an alternative to traditional hooks-in back control.
Where does the Crab Ride come from?
This position developed within the modern BJJ/grappling positional framework as the art evolved.
Is the Crab Ride legal in competition?
IBJJF: legal — Legal — guard is fundamental to BJJ, sweeps from guard score 2 points; IJF: restricted — Guard pulling penalized as non-combativity — groundwork from guard permitted …; ADCC: legal — Legal, guard pull penalized -1 point in points portion; Unified MMA: legal — Legal — no penalty for playing guard; FIAS Sport Sambo: legal — Legal
How dangerous is the Crab Ride?
Danger rating 5/10. Moderate — varies based on the submissions accessible from this position
How do I set up the Crab Ride?
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 Crab Ride?
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 Crab Ride?
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 Crab Ride in competition?
Used in IBJJF, ADCC, and/or EBI competition.
What are common mistakes when doing the Crab Ride?
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 Crab Ride?
The Crab Ride is also known as Crab Ride Position, Back Crab, Crab Control.