Neck Crank Guillotine Choke by Andre Galvao
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Neck Crank Choke·BJJ Fanatics
THE NECK CRANK GUILLOTINE CHOKE https://bjjfanatics.com In this BJJ Techniques video, Andre Galvao teaches how to do th…
Neck Crank Choke
Family首関節技(Kubi-kansetsu-waza)
TraditionalTranslation: Neck Joint Techniques
Overview
Neck crank chokes are hybrid submissions that combine cervical spine manipulation with vascular or airway restriction. [4] Unlike pure chokes (which target blood/air) or pure cranks (which target the spine), neck crank chokes apply both mechanisms simultaneously — twisting or laterally flexing the neck while also compressing the throat or carotids. This family includes the can opener (cranking the neck from inside closed guard), the twister (lateral spine rotation from back control), cervical neck locks, and various headlock-based cranking chokes. [1] Neck crank chokes are considered high-risk techniques because the cervical spine is vulnerable to serious injury from rotational and compressive forces. The IBJJF prohibits cervical locks (neck cranks) at all belt levels [1]; judo prohibits them; but ADCC and MMA under Unified Rules permit them. [2],[3]
History & Origin
Neck cranking techniques have deep roots in catch wrestling and classical jujutsu. [4],[5] In catch wrestling, the 'neck crank' and 'crossface' were standard finishing holds; Frank Gotch's famous 'toe hold to neck crank' combination was a feared finishing sequence in early 20th century professional wrestling. In Japanese jujutsu, kubi-hishigi (neck crush) techniques appear in several koryu curricula. [4] The twister, modernized by Eddie Bravo from wrestling's guillotine ride, became the most well-known spinal submission in modern BJJ competition. Neck crank chokes remain controversial due to injury risk and the thin line between a crank and a choke.
Effectiveness
Lineage
Neck crank chokes combine strangulation pressure with cervical spine torque, creating a submission that attacks both the blood supply and the neck simultaneously. [1]
Competition Record
Neck crank choke combinations are seen in MMA and submission grappling events where neck cranks are permitted under the rules. [1]
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — Anterior compression of the trachea and airway — direct pressure on the throat restricts breathing and triggers tap
Joints Involved — Cervical spine (flexion under pressure), hyoid bone region, laryngeal cartilage
Force Vector — Posterior-to-anterior force drives the forearm or wrist blade into the throat
Choking Mechanism — Tracheal compression — restricts air flow rather than blood flow, causing sensation of suffocation
Position & Entry
From back control with seatbelt — Establish hooks or body triangle, slide choking arm under the chin, connect hands and squeeze
From turtle top (back take) — Break down the turtle, insert hooks, secure seatbelt grip, slide to back control and apply the choke
From standing back clinch — Secure rear body lock, drag opponent to the mat while inserting hooks, transition to choking position
Videos
1 video
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
9
Extreme9/10
Neck cranks apply rotational or lateral force to the cervical spine; high injury potential
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Advanced
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
Illegal
— IBJJF — Neck cranks and spinal locks prohibited at all be...
IBJJF Rules Book v6.0, June 2024PDF— IJF — Neck cranks prohibited
IJF Sport and Organisation Rules 2025, Article 27PDF— FIAS Sport Sambo — All chokes prohibited in Sport Sambo
FIAS International Sambo Competition RulesPDFLegal
— 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 RulesPDFTraining Notes
✓The neck crank choke is the general category for submissions that combine cervical spine manipulation with choking pressure — the neck is simultaneously compressed (choke) and bent, twisted, or extended (crank) (Paulson, Shoot Wrestling, 2007)
✓Neck cranks operate on the cervical vertebrae, intervertebral discs, and surrounding ligaments: the forced movement of the spine beyond its normal range causes pain and potential injury
✓The duality of neck cranks: most produce both a choking effect (compressing blood vessels) and a cranking effect (stressing the spine) — the submission often works through pain compliance before the choke renders unconsciousness
✓Neck cranks are legal in many grappling competitions (ADCC, submission wrestling, catch wrestling) but restricted in others (IBJJF white/blue belt, some judo rule sets)
✓The danger of neck cranks is significant: unlike pure blood chokes where the opponent can assess consciousness, cranks can injure the cervical spine before the defender recognises the danger
✓Common neck crank positions include can opener from guard, twister from back, and various face/chin lock cranks from top positions
✓In catch wrestling tradition, neck cranks are primary submissions — the 'catch' in catch wrestling refers partly to catching opponents in these painful cervical locks
Common Mistakes
!Applying neck cranks explosively — the cervical spine is vulnerable; cranks should be applied progressively to allow the opponent time to tap before injury
!Confusing a neck crank with a choke — pure chokes target blood flow and airway; cranks target the spine; recognise which mechanism is primary and apply accordingly
!Ignoring tap signals during neck cranks — because cranks can cause structural damage, releasing immediately on a tap is essential
!Cranking without controlling the body — a neck crank without body control allows the opponent to roll with the force, negating the technique
!Not understanding the legal status — check rule sets before applying neck cranks in competition; illegal techniques result in disqualification
!Applying cranks as a show of force — cranks should be technical submissions applied with control, not violent wrenches used to punish
!Resisting neck cranks for too long when caught — as a defender, recognise that spine submissions can cause permanent injury; tap early rather than risk cervical damage
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Tuck Chin — protect the neck by lowering the chin to prevent the choke from sinkingTwo-on-One Grip Fight — use both hands to strip the choking grip before it locksTurn Into — rotate toward the choking arm to relieve carotid pressurePosture Up — straighten the spine and create distance to break the choking angle
Setup Chain
1Achieve Controlling Position — secure the position from which the choke is applied
2Isolate the Neck — clear defending hands and establish access to the throat
3Set the Grip — lock the choking configuration (arm, lapel, or leg placement)
4Apply Pressure — squeeze to compress the carotid arteries for the finish
Sources & References
Primary Source
Shooto Official Rules — Neck Submission Classification
1BookShooto Official Rules — Neck Submission Classification
Japanese terminology sourced from Shooto Official Rules — Neck Submission Classification
2CompetitionShooto Official Rules
Japanese MMA pioneer organization — technique classification
Standard Japanese martial arts terminology (kanji/hiragana)
4OtherJapanese Martial Arts Standard Terminology (武道用語)
Established Japanese martial arts naming convention — native Japanese term (和語/漢語)
5CitationShooto Official Rules — Neck Submission Classification
Japanese terminology sourced from Shooto Official Rules — Neck Submission Classification
Community
Athletics
Requires
grip or squeeze strength, positional control
Favours
strong upper body for sustained compression
Key muscles
forearms, biceps, pectorals, core stabilisers
Sub-techniques
Cervical Extension Crank
SubFamilyCervical extension cranks force the opponent's head backward, hyperextending the cervical spine. [1,2] The can opener (from inside closed guard) is the most common example — the attacker clasps hands behind the opponent's head and drives downward, forcing the chin toward the chest and the cervical spine into extension. Cervical extension cranks are prohibited in most grappling rule sets due to spinal injury risk. [3,4]
3 genera·15 techniquesExplore
Cervical Flexion Crank
SubFamilyCervical flexion cranks force the opponent's chin toward their chest, compressing the anterior cervical spine and intervertebral discs. [1,2] These cranks are often applied from front headlock positions or top mount, using body weight to drive the head downward. Cervical flexion can also restrict airway by tucking the chin, creating a hybrid choke-crank. [3,4]
3 genera·15 techniquesExplore
Cervical Rotation Crank
SubFamilyCervical rotation cranks twist the head laterally, applying torsional force to the cervical vertebrae. [1,2] The twister is the most well-known example: from back control, the attacker traps a leg, controls the head, and rotates the opponent's upper body against the trapped lower body, creating extreme rotational stress on the thoracic and cervical spine. Cervical rotation cranks carry the highest injury risk of all neck crank variants. [3,4]
1 genera·6 techniquesExplore
Do Jime
SubFamilyDo Jime is a body scissors technique where the attacker wraps their legs around the opponent's torso and squeezes, compressing the ribcage and diaphragm. [1] It restricts breathing and can cause significant pain to the floating ribs. [1] Do Jime is one of the four kinshi waza (prohibited techniques) in IJF judo competition due to the risk of rib fractures and organ compression, but it remains legal in sambo and MMA. [1]
Explore
Notes
Neck cranks target the cervical spine through extension, rotation, or lateral flexion — they are more dangerous than blood chokes because the spine has less tolerance for error than the carotid arteries. Banned in some rulesets (IBJJF bans spinal locks without choke at lower belts). (IBJJF Rules v6.0)
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the key positioning for a neck crank choke finish?
Keep your forearm under the opponent's neck and maintain control by underhooting their arm. Andre Galvao emphasizes scrolling under to hook properly, then turning them to set up the finish.
How do I finish a neck crank once I have position?
You can scissor your legs for additional pressure, push with your tiptoes against the opponent's ribs, and close your elbow to complete the choke. Andre Galvao notes this is very effective and simple to execute.
Should I put my knees on the floor when finishing the neck crank?
Andre Galvao avoids putting his knees on the floor during the finish, as this can compromise foot positioning and create vulnerabilities.
How does the Neck Crank Choke work?
Neck crank chokes are hybrid submissions that combine cervical spine manipulation with vascular or airway restriction. Unlike pure chokes (which target blood/air) or pure cranks (which target the spine), neck crank chokes apply both mechanisms simultaneously — twisting or laterally flexing the neck while also compressing the throat or carotids.
Where does the Neck Crank Choke come from?
Neck cranking techniques have deep roots in catch wrestling and classical jujutsu. In catch wrestling, the 'neck crank' and 'crossface' were standard finishing holds; Frank Gotch's famous 'toe hold to neck crank' combination was a feared finishing sequence in early 20th century professional wrestling.
Is the Neck Crank Choke legal in competition?
IBJJF: banned — Neck cranks and spinal locks prohibited at all belt levels; IJF: banned — Neck cranks prohibited; 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 Neck Crank Choke?
Danger rating 9/10. Neck cranks apply rotational or lateral force to the cervical spine; high injury potential
How do I set up the Neck Crank Choke?
The standard setup chain: Achieve Controlling Position → Isolate the Neck → Set the Grip → Apply Pressure.
How do I defend against the Neck Crank Choke?
Standard counters include: Tuck Chin — protect the neck by lowering the chin to prevent the choke from sinking / Two-on-One Grip Fight — use both hands to strip the choking grip before it locks / Turn Into — rotate toward the choking arm to relieve carotid pressure / Posture Up — straighten the spine and create distance to break the choking angle.
What are the variants of the Neck Crank Choke?
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 Neck Crank Choke in competition?
Neck crank choke combinations are seen in MMA and submission grappling events where neck cranks are permitted under the rules.
What are common mistakes when doing the Neck Crank Choke?
Top errors to watch for: Applying neck cranks explosively — the cervical spine is vulnerable; cranks should be applied progressively to allow … / Confusing a neck crank with a choke — pure chokes target blood flow and airway; cranks target the spine; recognise wh… / Ignoring tap signals during neck cranks — because cranks can cause structural damage, releasing immediately on a tap … / Cranking without controlling the body — a neck crank without body control allows the opponent to roll with the force,….
What are other names for the Neck Crank Choke?
The Neck Crank Choke is also known as Kubi-kansetsu-waza, Neck Crank, Cervical Lock, Kubi-hishigi.