Jaw Pry Face Crank
Variety顎挫ぎ(Ago Kujiki)
TraditionalTranslation: Jaw Prying / Wrenching
Overview
The jaw pry face crank from rear mount uses the fingers or hands to pry the opponent's jaw open and to the side, creating cervical rotation stress and intense mandibular pain. [1] From rear mount, the attacker hooks the fingers under the chin or around the jawline and pulls upward and to one side, forcing the cervical spine into combined extension and lateral rotation. [1],[2] The jaw serves as a lever arm — applying force at the jaw creates a long moment arm that transmits torque to the cervical vertebrae. [2] This technique is legal in most grappling rulesets but is considered a crank rather than a choke, and many practitioners tap due to pain rather than loss of consciousness risk. [2],[3]
History & Origin
Jaw manipulation techniques appear in traditional Japanese jujutsu and European catch wrestling as methods of forcing an opponent's neck into vulnerable positions. [1] The rear mount application became a recognised competition technique in MMA and no-gi grappling where neck cranks are permitted. [2],[3]
Effectiveness
The jaw pry uses the fingers or hand under the chin to create a cervical extension crank by prying the head backward. [1]
Lineage
Jaw pry techniques appear in self-defence systems and catch wrestling. [1]
Competition Record
Jaw pry face cranks are legal in MMA competition. [1]
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Position & Entry
Variants
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
Face cranks use the jaw or orbital ridge as a lever to torque the cervical spine
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
Training Notes
Common Mistakes
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Setup Chain
Sources & References
Koryu Jujutsu — Tenjin Shin'yo-ryu, Takenouchi-ryu densho
Japanese terminology sourced from Koryu Jujutsu — Tenjin Shin'yo-ryu, Takenouchi-ryu densho
Classical schools: Tenjin Shin'yo-ryu, Takenouchi-ryu, etc.
Standard Japanese martial arts terminology (kanji/hiragana)
Established Japanese martial arts naming convention — native Japanese term (和語/漢語)
Japanese terminology sourced from Koryu Jujutsu — Tenjin Shin'yo-ryu, Takenouchi-ryu densho
Community
Athletics
grip or squeeze strength, positional control
strong upper body for sustained compression
forearms, biceps, pectorals, core stabilisers
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Jaw Pry Face Crank work?
The jaw pry face crank from rear mount uses the fingers or hands to pry the opponent's jaw open and to the side, creating cervical rotation stress and intense mandibular pain. From rear mount, the attacker hooks the fingers under the chin or around the jawline and pulls upward and to one side, forcing the cervical spine into combined extension and lateral rotation.
Where does the Jaw Pry Face Crank come from?
Jaw manipulation techniques appear in traditional Japanese jujutsu and European catch wrestling as methods of forcing an opponent's neck into vulnerable positions. The rear mount application became a recognised competition technique in MMA and no-gi grappling where neck cranks are permitted.
Is the Jaw Pry Face Crank 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 Jaw Pry Face Crank?
Danger rating 8/10. Face cranks use the jaw or orbital ridge as a lever to torque the cervical spine
How do I set up the Jaw Pry Face Crank?
The standard setup chain: Achieve Controlling Position → Isolate the Neck → Set the Grip → Apply Pressure.
How do I defend against the Jaw Pry Face Crank?
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 Jaw Pry 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 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 Jaw Pry Face Crank in competition?
Jaw pry face cranks are legal in MMA competition.
What are common mistakes when doing the Jaw Pry Face Crank?
Top errors to watch for: Using the jaw pry as a violent wrench — the pry should be progressive; sudden jaw manipulation risks TMJ injury and f… / Inserting fingers into the eyes or nose — target only the jaw; fingers in the face are illegal in all competitions an… / Relying solely on the jaw pry without transitioning to a choke — the pry opens the chin; immediately follow with the … / Using the jaw pry from a position without back control — the pry requires stability; from inferior positions, the opp….
What are other names for the Jaw Pry Face Crank?
The Jaw Pry Face Crank is also known as Ago Kujiki, Jaw Pry, Mandible Crank, Jaw-Lever Face Crank.