TWISTER Side Control - HOW TO (BJJ)
0
Twister Side Control·Brandon Mccaghren
Bmac takes us through the basics of the Twister Side Control, the do's and the don'ts. You can pick up this full course …
Twister Side Control
SubFamilyツイスターサイドコントロール(Tsuisutā Saido Kontorōru)
TransliterationTranslation: twister side control
Overview
The Twister Side Control subfamily covers the side control variation specific to the 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu system, where the top fighter sets up the twister submission (a spinal lock) from a modified side control position. [1] Twister side control involves a specific body positioning and grip that enables the twister finish — a rotational submission that attacks the spine. [1],[2] The position is unique to the 10th Planet system and requires specific set-up sequences from standard side control. [2],[3]
History & Origin
Effectiveness
Twister side control provides a pathway to the twister submission and the truck position, forming a key link in the 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu control system. [1]
Lineage
Twister side control was developed by Eddie Bravo as part of the 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu system, adapted from wrestling's guillotine ride position. [1]
Competition Record
Twister side control is used by 10th Planet practitioners in no-gi competition as a setup for the twister submission. [1]
Images
No images yet for this technique.
Sign in to suggest an image.
Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — Perpendicular chest-to-chest control — pinning the opponent's upper body while maintaining mobility
Joints Involved — Attacker's chest (primary contact), hips (sprawled or driving), opponent's near shoulder and hip (controlled)
Force Vector — Downward and lateral — chest pressure pins the opponent while hip positioning prevents escape
Positional Mechanic — Crossface and underhook combination controls the opponent's head and near arm, preventing bridging or turning
Position & Entry
From guard pass — After passing the guard, settle into side control with chest on the opponent's chest, perpendicular body angle
From takedown (top landing) — Complete a takedown and transition to side control by establishing crossface and underhook
From mount (transition down) — When the opponent bucks or rolls from mount, transition to side control to maintain top position
Videos
The Twister: From Twister Side Control (v2.0 redux)
0
Twister Side Control·Submissions101
If you do this version with out first fish netting the let's, you should be quick in your application because a good twi…
2 videos
Learn This Technique
No instructional courses yet for this technique.
Sign in to suggest a course.
Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
3
Moderate3/10
Top positions enable pressure and striking; rib compression risk under heavy pressure
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Intermediate
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
— IBJJF — Legal, mount scores 4 points — highest-scoring po...
IBJJF Rules Book v6.0, June 2024PDF— ADCC — Legal, mount scores 2 points
ADCC Rules Update, April 2025PDF— Unified MMA — Legal dominant position
Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025PDF— UWW — Legal, back exposure scores points, pin ends match ...
UWW International Wrestling Rules, January 2026PDF— FIAS Sport Sambo — Legal, pin scores points
FIAS International Sambo Competition RulesPDFTraining Notes
✓Twister side control positions the top player facing the opponent's hips with a crossface and far-knee hook — it is the entry position for the twister submission and calf slicer (Eddie Bravo, Mastering the Twister, 2007)
✓Twister side control is a modified side control where the top player's body is angled toward the opponent's hips rather than perpendicular
✓The far-knee hook: the top player's near leg hooks behind the opponent's far knee — this creates the leg entanglement needed for the twister
✓The crossface in twister side control drives the opponent's head away while the hook controls their lower body — a full-body control system
✓From twister side control, the twister submission: reach under the opponent's near arm, lock a figure-four on their head, and rotate to twist the spine
✓Eddie Bravo developed this position as part of the 10th Planet system — it bridges the gap between side control and the twister finish
✓Twister side control is a specialized position: it is not a general-purpose side control but a setup for specific attacks
Common Mistakes
!Entering twister side control without the far-knee hook — the hook is what makes this position distinct from regular side control
!Not maintaining the crossface while setting the hook — both controls must be in place simultaneously
!Attempting the twister without fully establishing twister side control — the position must be secured before the submission
!Using twister side control as a holding position — it is a transitional position designed for attacking
!Not understanding the spine mechanics of the twister — the twister rotates the spine; proper technique is essential for safety
!Applying the twister without control of the far leg — the leg entanglement is the foundation of the submission
!Using twister side control in competition without extensive practice — the position requires specific drilling
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Setup Chain
1Pass the Guard — clear the opponent's legs to advance to this dominant position
2Settle Weight — distribute body weight to maintain heavy pressure
3Control Arms — manage the opponent's arms to prevent frames and escapes
4Threaten Submissions — attack to force defensive reactions and maintain dominance
Sources & References
Primary Source
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Theory and Technique (Renzo Gracie & Royler Gracie, 2001)
1BookJiu-Jitsu University (Ribeiro, 2008)
Alias sources — [1] Advanced Rubber Guard (Bravo, 2006) [2] Advanced Rubber Guard (Bravo, 2006) [3] Advanced Rubber Guard (Bravo, 2006)
2BookBrazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Theory and Technique (Gracie & Gracie, 2001)
Effectiveness sources — [1] Mastering the Rubber Guard (Bravo, 2006)
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)
Alias sources — [1] Advanced Rubber Guard (Bravo, 2006) [2] Advanced Rubber Guard (Bravo, 2006) [3] Advanced Rubber Guard (Bravo, 2006)
5CitationBrazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Theory and Technique (Gracie & Gracie, 2001)
Effectiveness sources — [1] Mastering the Rubber Guard (Bravo, 2006)
Community
Athletics
Requires
chest-to-chest pressure, hip positioning, crossface control
Favours
broad chest and shoulders for heavy top pressure
Key muscles
pectorals, deltoids, core, hip extensors
Sub-techniques
Notes
Twister side control appears in 188 passages across 2 books — extensively documented in Bravo's Mastering the Twister. A unique side control variation where the attacker threads the near-side arm under the opponent's head while controlling the far leg, creating the entry for the Twister spinal lock. A position that exists only in the 10th Planet system. (2 books; Bravo, Mastering the Twister)
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main principle behind Twister Side Control?
According to Brandon Mccaghren, Twister Side Control is about controlling your opponent's escape rather than keeping them pinned in place. You want to guide them to move in specific directions so you can capitalize on their movements.
Why shouldn't I just check both of my opponent's knees in Twister Side Control?
Checking one knee doesn't stop the other from attacking you. Brandon Mccaghren emphasizes that you should check the knee that stops both escape options—checking the far side knee prevents both knees from being a threat.
How do I position my body weight in Twister Side Control?
Your weight should be on your opponent, not on the ground. Brandon Mccaghren stresses that your butt should not be on the mat; instead, you stay elevated on top of them to maintain control and be ready to respond to their movements.
What should I do if my opponent turns into me from Twister Side Control?
If they turn in, they give you the Twister. According to Submissions101, you hook their inside ankle with your outside foot, open it up, then pop up to your knee and elbow for a quick Twister roll, making sure to execute it fast before they can reverse you.
How does the Twister Side Control work?
The Twister Side Control subfamily covers the side control variation specific to the 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu system, where the top fighter sets up the twister submission (a spinal lock) from a modified side control position. Twister side control involves a specific body positioning and grip that enables the twister finish — a rotational submission that attacks the spine.
Where does the Twister Side Control come from?
Twister side control was developed by Eddie Bravo as part of the 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu system, designed as the set-up position for the twister submission. The twister became one of Bravo's signature techniques and one of the most recognisable techniques associated with 10th Planet.
Is the Twister Side Control legal in competition?
IBJJF: legal — Legal, mount scores 4 points — highest-scoring position; IJF: legal — Legal, osaekomi (pin) — 10-19 seconds scores waza-ari, 20 seconds scores ippon; ADCC: legal — Legal, mount scores 2 points; Unified MMA: legal — Legal dominant position; UWW: legal — Legal, back exposure scores points, pin ends match by fall; FIAS Sport Sambo: legal — Legal, pin scores points
How dangerous is the Twister Side Control?
Danger rating 3/10. Moderate — top positions enable pressure and striking; rib compression risk under heavy pressure
How do I set up the Twister Side Control?
The standard setup chain: Pass the Guard → Settle Weight → Control Arms → Threaten Submissions.
How do I defend against the Twister Side Control?
Standard counters include: Bridge (Upa) — explosive hip elevation to off-balance the top player / Elbow-Knee Escape (Shrimp) — create space by driving elbow to knee and hip-escaping / Frame — establish forearm frames to prevent the top player from settling weight.
What are the variants of the Twister Side Control?
Common variants: Standard side control (crossface and underhook, chest on chest); Kesa gatame (head control with arm trapped, hip facing the opponent); Reverse kesa gatame (facing the opponent's legs with arm control); Modified side control (arm under the head, leg-side arm controlling the hip).
How effective is the Twister Side Control in competition?
Twister side control is used by 10th Planet practitioners in no-gi competition as a setup for the twister submission.
What are common mistakes when doing the Twister Side Control?
Top errors to watch for: Entering twister side control without the far-knee hook — the hook is what makes this position distinct from regular … / Not maintaining the crossface while setting the hook — both controls must be in place simultaneously / Attempting the twister without fully establishing twister side control — the position must be secured before the subm… / Using twister side control as a holding position — it is a transitional position designed for attacking.
What are other names for the Twister Side Control?
The Twister Side Control is also known as Tsuisutā Saido Kontorōru, Twister Side Control, Truck Position, Crotch Ripper.