The Grovit Neck Crank to Crucifix Neck Crank / Double leg Takedown
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Crossface Face CrankΒ·MMA Media
I demonstrate some old school techniques which can be used in pro Grappling events that allow neck crank/locks and pro Mβ¦
Translation: Face Crank (katakana loanword)
Range & classification
Category
Strike & defenceLocksClose rangeFighting multiple people
Distance
CloseMiddleLong
Body target
Upper bodyMiddle bodyLower body
Overview
The crossface face crank from crucifix uses the crossface forearm to drive across the opponent's face while the crucifix position traps both arms, preventing any defensive action. [1] The attacker controls both of the opponent's arms with the legs in a crucifix configuration, then drives the forearm across the face β typically pressing the chin toward one shoulder, creating cervical rotation and lateral flexion stress. [1],[2] The crucifix removes all hand-based defence options, leaving the opponent unable to grab the attacking arm or protect the face. [2] This combination of immobilisation and neck torque can produce both pain-compliance taps and legitimate cervical spine damage if applied aggressively. [2],[3]
History & Origin
The crucifix position with face cranks has roots in catch wrestling, where trapping both arms while attacking the neck was a standard technique chain. [1] BJJ adopted the crucifix as both a controlling position and a platform for face cranks and chokes during competition evolution in the 2000s. [2],[3]
Country of originΒ· shown in random order
- BrazilBJJ, Submission Grappling, MMA
- JapanBJJ, Judo, Submission Grappling
- USASubmission Grappling, MMA
- RussiaSambo
Effectiveness
Effective pain-based submission that pressures the jaw and cervical spine; often used as a control tool to create openings rather than a primary finish [1]
Lineage
A fundamental wrestling-to-submission technique present in catch wrestling and adapted to BJJ ground fighting. The crossface principle is universal in grappling [1]
Competition Record
Commonly used for control at all competition levels; occasionally produces tap-outs from jaw pain, particularly in no-gi and MMA events where neck cranks are legal [1]
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action β Cross-collar or lapel-driven compression of the carotid arteries using gi material as a friction anchor
Joints Involved β Cervical spine (flexion or lateral bend), wrists and forearms (grip and rotation)
Force Vector β Opposing forearm rotation creates a scissors effect across both sides of the neck
Gi Factor β Lapel fabric increases friction and distributes force over a wider surface area, making the choke harder to escape
Position & Entry
From controlling position (gi) β Secure the necessary collar or lapel grips, configure hands for the choke, and apply opposing rotational pressure
From guard (gi) β Break posture and secure deep collar grips, feed the choke and angle to finish
From back control (gi) β Establish collar grip access, feed the second hand and apply the cross-collar squeeze
Variants
Standard grip variation β primary hand configuration for maximum choking pressure
Gi variation β uses the lapel or collar as an anchor for additional friction and control
No-gi variation β adapted grip and positioning for submission grappling without the gi
Transition finish β applied during a positional change to catch the opponent off-guard
Videos
1 video
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
9
Extreme9/10
Extension cranks force the head backward; risk of vertebral disc and ligament damage
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Advanced
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
Illegal
β FIAS Sport Sambo β All chokes prohibited in Sport Sambo
FIAS International Sambo Competition RulesPDFLegal
β IBJJF β Legal at all belt levels, gi and no-gi β chokes a...
IBJJF Rules Book v6.0, June 2024PDFβ shime-waza
IJF Sport and Organisation Rules 2025, Article 27PDFβ ADCC β Legal
ADCC Rules Update, April 2025PDFβ Unified MMA β Legal β choke submissions are among the mos...
Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025PDFβ FIAS Combat Sambo β Legal
FIAS Combat Sambo RulesPDFTraining Notes
βThe crossface face crank drives the forearm across the opponent's face from crucifix position β the fixed position of the crucifix prevents the opponent from turning, allowing the forearm to rotate the head and stress the cervical spine (Paulson, Shoot Wrestling, 2007)
βFrom crucifix: the opponent's arms are trapped by the attacker's legs, leaving the face completely exposed β the forearm drives across the jaw and face, rotating the head
βThe crucifix position is uniquely suited for the crossface: with both arms trapped, the opponent has no hands to push the forearm away β the face is defenceless
βThe cranking mechanism: the forearm drives the jaw laterally, forcing the cervical spine into rotation β the spine is stressed while the arms cannot intervene
βThe crossface from crucifix serves as a submission and a choke setup: the face crank forces the opponent to turn, exposing the neck for rear chokes
βThe crucifix crossface combines wrestling control (crucifix pin) with submission grappling (cervical crank) β the wrestling position becomes a submission platform
βIn MMA, the crucifix crossface is a striking-and-submission position: the exposed face is vulnerable to strikes, and the crossface creates cranking pressure simultaneously
Common Mistakes
!Applying explosive force β the cervical rotation is dangerous; the crucifix position amplifies the force since the opponent cannot protect themselves; apply progressively
!Not maintaining the crucifix while applying the crossface β the arm traps must be secure throughout; losing the crucifix gives the opponent their hands back
!Pressing into the eyes or nose β target the jaw line for the crossface; eye/nose contact is dangerous and illegal
!Using the crossface as a standalone submission β it's most effective as a setup for rear chokes; use the crank to open the neck
!Applying from the wrong forearm angle β the forearm should drive across the jaw, not push the top of the head; jaw contact creates the rotation
!Not recognising when the opponent is in genuine distress β crucifix face cranks can be extremely painful; watch for tap signals
!Using excessive force in training β the combination of crucifix immobilisation and face crank creates amplified pressure; train with control
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Setup Chain
1Control Position β maintain dominant position with weight on the opponent
2Isolate the Arm β secure the wrist and thread the arm through for the figure-four
3Lock the Figure-Four β grip own wrist behind the opponent's arm for leverage
4Apply Rotation β rotate the arm to attack the shoulder joint
Sources & References
Primary Source
Japanese MMA/BJJ standard terminology
1OtherJapanese Martial Arts Community Terminology
Japanese MMA/BJJ standard terminology
2OtherJapanese Combat Sports Katakana Convention
Standard katakana transliteration of Western martial arts terminology (ε€ζ₯θͺ) β used in Japanese MMA, boxing, and BJJ communities
3CitationJapanese MMA/BJJ standard terminology
Japanese terminology sourced from Japanese MMA/BJJ standard terminology
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 do I position my arms to apply the crossface face crank?
Bring your forearm across your opponent's jaw with one hand, and place your other hand on the outside of their shoulder. This positioning allows you to turn their head while maintaining control through shoulder pressure.
What's the mechanics of actually cranking the neck with this technique?
Flex your wrist to apply pressure while keeping pressure on the shoulder simultaneously, then step in and lift slightly while twisting the head to the side and upward in a combined motion.
What should I do if my opponent tries to pull their head out of the crank?
Rather than backing off when they create escape pressure, capitalize on the moment by redirecting their head in the direction they were looking and follow up with strikes like an elbow or knee.
How does the Crossface Face Crank work?
The crossface face crank from crucifix uses the crossface forearm to drive across the opponent's face while the crucifix position traps both arms, preventing any defensive action. The attacker controls both of the opponent's arms with the legs in a crucifix configuration, then drives the forearm across the face β typically pressing the chin toward one shoulder, creating cervical rotation and lateral flexion stress.
Where does the Crossface Face Crank come from?
The crucifix position with face cranks has roots in catch wrestling, where trapping both arms while attacking the neck was a standard technique chain. BJJ adopted the crucifix as both a controlling position and a platform for face cranks and chokes during competition evolution in the 2000s.
Is the Crossface Face Crank legal in competition?
IBJJF: legal β Legal at all belt levels, gi and no-gi β chokes are the safest submission catβ¦; IJF: legal β Legal (shime-waza) β strangulation techniques are one of three permitted submβ¦; ADCC: legal β Legal; Unified MMA: legal β Legal β choke submissions are among the most common finishes in MMA; FIAS Sport Sambo: banned β All chokes prohibited in Sport Sambo; FIAS Combat Sambo: legal β Legal
How dangerous is the Crossface Face Crank?
Danger rating 9/10. Extension cranks force the head backward; risk of vertebral disc and ligament damage
How do I set up the Crossface Face Crank?
The standard setup chain: Control Position β Isolate the Arm β Lock the Figure-Four β Apply Rotation.
How do I defend against the Crossface Face Crank?
Standard counters include: Straighten the Arm β extend the arm to break the figure-four grip angle / Roll Toward β roll in the direction of the lock to relieve rotational pressure / Grip the Belt/Shorts β anchor the hand to prevent the arm from being isolated.
What are the variants of the Crossface Face Crank?
Common variants: Standard grip variation (primary hand configuration for maximum choking pressure); Gi variation (uses the lapel or collar as an anchor for additional fricβ¦); No-gi variation (adapted grip and positioning for submission grappling witβ¦); Transition finish (applied during a positional change to catch the opponent β¦).
How effective is the Crossface Face Crank in competition?
Commonly used for control at all competition levels; occasionally produces tap-outs from jaw pain, particularly in no-gi and MMA events where neck cranks are legal
What are common mistakes when doing the Crossface Face Crank?
Top errors to watch for: Applying explosive force β the cervical rotation is dangerous; the crucifix position amplifies the force since the opβ¦ / Not maintaining the crucifix while applying the crossface β the arm traps must be secure throughout; losing the cruciβ¦ / Pressing into the eyes or nose β target the jaw line for the crossface; eye/nose contact is dangerous and illegal / Using the crossface as a standalone submission β it's most effective as a setup for rear chokes; use the crank to opeβ¦.
What are other names for the Crossface Face Crank?
The Crossface Face Crank is also known as Feisu Kuranku, Crucifix Crossface Crank, Crossface Lock from Crucifix.