Reverse Headscissors

Variety

ヘッドシザーズ(Heddo Shizāzu)

Transliteration

Translation: Head Scissors (katakana loanword)

Overview

The reverse headscissors from guard applies the head squeeze with the attacker's legs oriented in the opposite direction compared to the standard version, typically with the attacker's hips angled or inverted. ^[1] The reverse orientation changes the compression angle — instead of squeezing the sides of the neck from a front-facing position, the reverse headscissors attacks from an angled or rear-facing direction, which can target different portions of the carotid arteries. ^[1],[2] This variant often occurs during scrambles when the attacker's guard is partially passed but they manage to recapture the head between the legs from an unconventional angle. ^[2] The reverse orientation can be disorienting for the trapped opponent, as standard headscissors defence strategies may not apply. ^[2],[3]

Also known as

Reverse Scissor Choke^[1]Inverted Head Scissors^[2]

Used in

BJJ Judo Submission Grappling MMA Sambo

History & Origin

Reverse headscissors positions have been documented in catch wrestling and professional wrestling, where unusual angles of head control were explored for both sport and showmanship. ^[1] In competition BJJ, the reverse variant emerged as a transition-based attack during guard recovery and scramble situations. ^[2],[3]

Effectiveness

Lower percentage than standard headscissors due to the reversed leg positioning, which reduces squeezing power; can still finish against smaller opponents or those unaware of the threat ^[1]

Lineage

A variation of the headscissors found across multiple grappling traditions including catch wrestling, sambo, and traditional jujutsu ^[1]

Competition Record

Extremely rare as a finish at major competition; occasionally seen in sambo and catch wrestling events ^[1]

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Biomechanical Mechanism

Primary Action — Bilateral compression of the carotid arteries — restricts blood flow to the brain, causing unconsciousness within seconds

Joints Involved — Cervical spine (lateral flexion), glenohumeral joint of the trapped arm (if arm-in), nuchal region

Force Vector — Lateral squeeze creates inward pressure on both sides of the neck simultaneously

Choking Mechanism — Vascular strangle — occludes carotid arteries and jugular veins, distinct from airway (tracheal) chokes

Position & Entry

From guard (bottom position) — Use legs to control the opponent's head and arm, lock the leg configuration and apply compression

From mount (top) — Transition from mount by isolating an arm and threading legs around the head and arm

From side control (spinning) — Spin to face the opponent's legs, throw legs over the head to lock the choke

Variants

Standard grip variation — primary hand configuration for maximum choking pressure

Gi variation — uses the lapel or collar as an anchor for additional friction and control

No-gi variation — adapted grip and positioning for submission grappling without the gi

Transition finish — applied during a positional change to catch the opponent off-guard

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Ratings

Danger Rating

Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to

Very High7/10

Headscissors use the thighs to squeeze the head laterally; risk of neck strain

Difficulty

Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably

Intermediate

Competition Legality

Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets

Illegal

— FIAS Sport Sambo — All chokes prohibited in Sport Sambo

FIAS International Sambo Competition RulesPDF

Legal

— IBJJF — Legal at all belt levels, gi and no-gi — chokes a...

IBJJF Rules Book v6.0, June 2024PDF

— shime-waza

IJF Sport and Organisation Rules 2025, Article 27PDF

— ADCC — Legal

ADCC Rules Update, April 2025PDF

— Unified MMA — Legal — choke submissions are among the mos...

Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025PDF

— FIAS Combat Sambo — Legal

FIAS Combat Sambo RulesPDF

Training Notes

✓The reverse headscissors traps the opponent's head between the thighs from a reversed body orientation — the attacker faces the opponent's legs rather than their head, creating compression from an inverted angle (Gracie & Gracie, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Theory and Technique, 2001)

✓The reverse orientation changes the compression vector: the thighs press the neck from a different angle compared to the standard headscissors, potentially finding the carotid when the standard angle is defended

✓From guard: the reverse headscissors often occurs during scrambles or when the attacker is inverted relative to the opponent — the 'wrong way' positioning becomes a submission opportunity

✓The choking mechanism is identical: both inner thighs compress the carotid arteries — only the body orientation differs, changing which part of the thigh contacts which side of the neck

✓The reverse headscissors catches opponents who defend the standard direction: their defensive hand placement for the standard scissors is ineffective against the reversed angle

✓The technique requires comfort with inverted positions: the attacker must be able to maintain the squeeze while their body faces an unusual direction

✓The reverse headscissors transitions from failed sweeps, guard recovery attempts, and inversions — it capitalises on positional chaos

Common Mistakes

!Not understanding the body orientation — the reverse specifically means facing the opponent's legs; confusion about direction leads to an incorrectly positioned squeeze

!Attempting to squeeze from the wrong angle — the thigh-to-carotid alignment differs from the standard; adjust the hip position to find the arteries

!Losing the position during the inversion — inverted positions are inherently less stable; maintain tight thigh contact throughout

!Not extending the hips — hip extension drives the thighs together; flat hips reduce compression

!Confusing the reverse headscissors with a body scissors — the headscissors targets the neck, not the torso; ensure the head is between the thighs

!Not practising inverted positions — the reverse headscissors requires comfort upside down; dedicated inversion drilling is needed

!Releasing the position too quickly — the inverted angle may need adjustment; work the position before abandoning it

Related Techniques

Triangle Choke — shares the leg-based head-and-arm trapping mechanic Head-and-Arm Choke — similar bilateral neck compression from a different angle Gogoplata — another leg-based choke attacking the throat Guard Chokes — broader family of chokes applied using leg control

Counter Techniques

Early Recognition — identify the submission attempt early and begin defence immediately Posture and Base — maintain strong posture and base to prevent submission setups Grip Fight — deny the attacker their preferred gripping configuration

Setup Chain

1Establish Position — achieve the controlling position needed for this submission

2Create the Threat — begin the submission setup to force a defensive reaction

3Secure the Hold — lock the submission grip with proper body mechanics

4Finish — apply increasing pressure until the opponent taps or the joint/choke takes effect

Sources & References

Primary Source

Japanese grappling/BJJ standard terminology; JBJJF competition usage

1CompetitionJBJJF (Japan Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation)

Official Japanese BJJ federation — competition rules and terminology

2OtherJapanese Combat Sports Katakana Convention

Standard katakana transliteration of Western martial arts terminology (外来語) — used in Japanese MMA, boxing, and BJJ communities

3CitationJapanese grappling/BJJ standard terminology; JBJJF competition usage

Japanese terminology sourced from Japanese grappling/BJJ standard terminology; JBJJF competition usage

Community

Athletics

Requires

grip or squeeze strength, positional control

Favours

strong upper body for sustained compression

Key muscles

forearms, biceps, pectorals, core stabilisers

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Reverse Headscissors work?

Where does the Reverse Headscissors come from?

Reverse headscissors positions have been documented in catch wrestling and professional wrestling, where unusual angles of head control were explored for both sport and showmanship. In competition BJJ, the reverse variant emerged as a transition-based attack during guard recovery and scramble situations.

Is the Reverse Headscissors legal in competition?

IBJJF: legal — Legal at all belt levels, gi and no-gi — chokes are the safest submission cat…; IJF: legal — Legal (shime-waza) — strangulation techniques are one of three permitted subm…; ADCC: legal — Legal; Unified MMA: legal — Legal — choke submissions are among the most common finishes in MMA; FIAS Sport Sambo: banned — All chokes prohibited in Sport Sambo; FIAS Combat Sambo: legal — Legal

How dangerous is the Reverse Headscissors?

Danger rating 7/10. Headscissors use the thighs to squeeze the head laterally; risk of neck strain

How do I set up the Reverse Headscissors?

The standard setup chain: Establish Position → Create the Threat → Secure the Hold → Finish.

How do I defend against the Reverse Headscissors?

Standard counters include: Early Recognition — identify the submission attempt early and begin defence immediately / Posture and Base — maintain strong posture and base to prevent submission setups / Grip Fight — deny the attacker their preferred gripping configuration.

What are the variants of the Reverse Headscissors?

Common variants: Standard grip variation (primary hand configuration for maximum choking pressure); Gi variation (uses the lapel or collar as an anchor for additional fric…); No-gi variation (adapted grip and positioning for submission grappling wit…); Transition finish (applied during a positional change to catch the opponent …).

How effective is the Reverse Headscissors in competition?

Extremely rare as a finish at major competition; occasionally seen in sambo and catch wrestling events

What are common mistakes when doing the Reverse Headscissors?

Top errors to watch for: Not understanding the body orientation — the reverse specifically means facing the opponent's legs; confusion about d… / Attempting to squeeze from the wrong angle — the thigh-to-carotid alignment differs from the standard; adjust the hip… / Losing the position during the inversion — inverted positions are inherently less stable; maintain tight thigh contac… / Not extending the hips — hip extension drives the thighs together; flat hips reduce compression.

What are other names for the Reverse Headscissors?

The Reverse Headscissors is also known as Heddo Shizāzu, Reverse Scissor Choke, Inverted Head Scissors.

heddo shiz zu submission choke and strangle lock leg choke headscissors strangle headscissors headscissors from guard reverse headscissors reverse scissor choke inverted head scissors