Crank his neck or knee his face - A devasting Neck Crank from the Leg Nelson
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Nelson Neck Crank·EffortlessJiuJitsu
In this video BJJ Blackbelt Björn Friedrich shows a very effective combination of Leg Nelson and a powerful Neck Crank. …
Nelson Neck Crank
Genusネルソン首挫ぎ(Neruson Kubi Kujiki)
HybridTranslation: Nelson Neck Wrench
Overview
The Nelson neck crank uses a half-nelson or full-nelson position to drive the opponent's chin toward their chest (flexion) or force the head sideways, creating cervical spine pressure. [1],[2] In the full nelson, both arms thread under the opponent's armpits and lock behind the head, then push the head forward and down. [1] The half-nelson uses one arm behind the head while the other controls the body. [1],[3] Nelson cranks are common in wrestling and are applied from back control, side control, or during turtle attacks. [1]
History & Origin
The Nelson hold is one of the oldest wrestling techniques, named after Horatio Nelson according to folk tradition, though the connection is apocryphal. [1],[2] Full and half-nelsons have been fundamental wrestling controls for centuries, and the cranking application was a natural extension of the pinning mechanic. [1],[3]
Effectiveness
The Nelson neck crank (full nelson, half nelson) uses arm control behind the head to apply cervical flexion pressure. [1]
Lineage
Nelson holds originated in wrestling as pinning techniques and were adapted for cranks in catch wrestling and MMA. [1]
Competition Record
Nelson cranks are used in wrestling (as pins) and occasionally as submissions in MMA. [1]
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — Compression of the neck structures — restricts blood flow or airway depending on technique application
Joints Involved — Cervical spine, surrounding musculature, and vascular structures of the neck
Force Vector — Directed compression against the neck from the choking limb or body position
Finishing Mechanic — Sustained pressure causes either vascular occlusion (unconsciousness) or tracheal restriction (breathing difficulty)
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
Mastering Neck Cranks: Wrestling to Jiu-Jitsu Submission Techniques Explained
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Nelson Neck Crank·Scientific Wrestling
Discover the evolution of neck cranks from wrestling pins to advanced Jiu-Jitsu submissions. Learn techniques like the R…
Catch Wrestling: 3/4 Nelson to 3/4 Chancery Neck Crank: @SnakePitUSA
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Nelson Neck Crank·Snake Pit U.S.A. Original No-Gi
Snake Pit U.S.A. Founder/Head Coach, Joel Bane demonstrates a 3/4 Nelson to Chancery Neck Crank. Please keep in mind the…
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3 videosWhat Instructors Say
The Nelson neck crank is a submission technique rooted in catch wrestling and grappling traditions, with distinct variations based on how many cervical gaps are controlled. Scientific Wrestling traces the technique's lineage through multiple lineages: from wrestling in the 1970s through figures like Larry Hartzell, Dan Ennisano, Carl Gotch, and submission wizard Yuri Nakamura, who developed numerous variations. Snake Pit U.S.A. Original No-Gi provides systematic classification of Nelson variants—quarter, half, three-quarter, and full—determined by the number of gaps controlled, with the three-quarter Nelson being a primary entry point. The three-quarter Nelson transitions into a chancery neck crank by controlling the head with proper hand positioning (deep wave-to-mom grip alignment), then using scissored elbows and body weight on the opponent's shoulder to execute cervical extension and rotation. EffortlessJiuJitsu demonstrates a leg-Nelson variant emphasizing body mechanics: the crank leverages the deadlift motion—one of the body's strongest movements—against the cervical spine, requiring careful control to avoid injury. All instructors stress the importance of controlled application in training contexts. Scientific Wrestling emphasizes the Protect Your Partner Program philosophy, applying submissions with control rather than maximal force. Snake Pit and EffortlessJiuJitsu both warn of the technique's danger and recommend careful partner selection and measured application during rolling.
Synthesized from 3 instructors
- Scientific Wrestling — Mastering Neck Cranks: Wrestling to Jiu-Jitsu Submission Techniques Explained: Provides historical context and lineage of neck cranks from 1976 onward; introduces standing and positional variations including reverse full Nelson; emphasizes controlled application philosophy and partner protection.
- Snake Pit U.S.A. Original No-Gi — Catch Wrestling: 3/4 Nelson to 3/4 Chancery Neck Crank: Systematizes Nelson variants by gap control (quarter through full); details the three-quarter Nelson to chancery transition with specific hand positioning (wave-to-mom grip), body weight distribution, and the mechanics of combining neck crank with potential choke.
- EffortlessJiuJitsu — Crank his neck or knee his face - A devastating Neck Crank from the Leg Nelson: Demonstrates a leg-Nelson variant with emphasis on body mechanics (deadlift motion) applied to cervical extension; stresses the power differential and injury risk; covers escape denial and striking options.
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
9
Extreme9/10
Cervical extension cranks force the head backward, risking vertebral disc injury and nerve damage
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 Nelson neck crank uses the wrestling Nelson hold to force the opponent's cervical spine into extreme flexion — the arm threads behind the head and pushes it forward, bending the neck beyond comfortable range (Paulson, Shoot Wrestling, 2007)
✓The half-Nelson crank: from back control or side control, thread one arm behind the opponent's head and drive the chin to the chest — the neck is forced into hyperflexion
✓The full Nelson crank: both arms thread behind the head and the hands lock — the doubled force drives the head forward with significantly more power than the half version
✓The Nelson's historical roots are in wrestling: the hold was originally used for control and pinning — the cranking application is a catch wrestling and submission grappling evolution
✓The full Nelson is illegal in most wrestling rule sets because of its cervical injury potential — it remains legal in catch wrestling and submission grappling
✓The Nelson crank works by flexing the neck to its end range: the chin is pressed to the chest while the thoracic spine is stabilised — all the force focuses on the cervical vertebrae
✓The Nelson crank from back control: when the opponent tucks chin to defend chokes, thread the arms behind the head and drive forward — the defensive posture becomes the vulnerability
Common Mistakes
!Applying the full Nelson explosively — the cervical spine in flexion is extremely vulnerable; apply progressively to prevent injury
!Using the Nelson in wrestling competition — the full Nelson is illegal in most wrestling rule sets; verify legality before application
!Not controlling the opponent's body — the Nelson requires the torso to be stabilised so the cranking force focuses on the neck; without body control, the opponent rolls through
!Cranking from a weak position — the Nelson requires superior position (back, mount, or top half) to be effective; from inferior positions, it's easily reversed
!Ignoring the opponent's tap — Nelson cranks cause significant cervical pain; respect the tap immediately
!Using the Nelson against training partners without prior agreement — the crank is dangerous and some training partners may not expect it; communicate before applying
!Not transitioning if the opponent defends — the Nelson position creates transitions to chokes and armbars; don't stubbornly maintain a defended crank
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
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 catch wrestling — Karl Gotch lineage / UWF
1BookJapanese catch wrestling — Karl Gotch lineage / UWF
Japanese terminology sourced from Japanese catch wrestling — Karl Gotch lineage / UWF
2OtherJapanese Martial Arts Hybrid Terminology
Mixed Japanese-Western terminology — combines traditional Japanese terms with katakana loanwords
3CitationJapanese catch wrestling — Karl Gotch lineage / UWF
Japanese terminology sourced from Japanese catch wrestling — Karl Gotch lineage / UWF
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
Nelson From Front Headlock
SpeciesThe nelson neck crank from front headlock is applied by threading one or both hands behind the opponent's neck from the front headlock position and driving the head downward into cervical flexion while controlling the upper body. [1,2] From the front headlock, the attacker transitions to a half-nelson or full-nelson grip configuration and uses chest pressure combined with arm leverage to crank the neck forward and downward. [1] The front headlock provides initial head control that facilitates the transition to the nelson grip positioning. [1,2]
1 varieties·1 techniquesExplore
Nelson From Turtle
SpeciesThe nelson neck crank from turtle is applied against a turtled opponent by the attacker threading a half-nelson or full-nelson grip behind the opponent's neck and cranking the head forward while maintaining top control over the shell. [1,2] The turtle position makes the back of the neck accessible, allowing the attacker to slide the arms under the chin or behind the head and apply downward cranking force. [1] The attacker uses chest pressure on the back to anchor the opponent while the nelson grip levers the cervical spine into flexion. [1,2]
1 varieties·1 techniquesExplore
Frequently Asked Questions
How dangerous is the neck crank if applied with full power?
The neck crank is extremely dangerous when cranked with full power—the person receiving it might require surgery. EffortlessJiuJitsu emphasizes that you only have one spine and should be careful if you want to do jiu-jitsu for a long time.
What makes the neck crank so effective mechanically?
The neck crank works by using perfect body mechanics—specifically the deadlift motion, one of the strongest movements the human body can produce, applied directly against the spine, one of the most fragile targets. EffortlessJiuJitsu explains it's not about arm strength or squeezing, but about leveraging the strongest part of your body against a vulnerable target.
How should I control a neck crank when training with partners?
Apply the neck crank with slow, controlled pressure rather than jerking or cranking hard. Scientific Wrestling notes that good practitioners can make a submission hurt with good control in slow motion, and this approach keeps training partners willing to roll with you regularly.
What positioning prevents the opponent from escaping the neck crank?
From the leg nelson position, once both of the opponent's arms are trapped and you control the head and neck positioning, they have no way to run or escape. Snake Pit U.S.A. emphasizes maintaining complete control of the head and neck by avoiding letting the opponent go flat on their back.
How does the Nelson Neck Crank work?
The Nelson neck crank uses a half-nelson or full-nelson position to drive the opponent's chin toward their chest (flexion) or force the head sideways, creating cervical spine pressure. In the full nelson, both arms thread under the opponent's armpits and lock behind the head, then push the head forward and down.
Where does the Nelson Neck Crank come from?
The Nelson hold is one of the oldest wrestling techniques, named after Horatio Nelson according to folk tradition, though the connection is apocryphal. Full and half-nelsons have been fundamental wrestling controls for centuries, and the cranking application was a natural extension of the pinning mechanic.
Is the Nelson Neck 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 Nelson Neck Crank?
Danger rating 9/10. Cervical extension cranks force the head backward, risking vertebral disc injury and nerve damage
How do I set up the Nelson Neck Crank?
The standard setup chain: Establish Position → Create the Threat → Secure the Hold → Finish.
How do I defend against the Nelson Neck Crank?
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 Nelson Neck 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 Nelson Neck Crank in competition?
Nelson cranks are used in wrestling (as pins) and occasionally as submissions in MMA.
What are common mistakes when doing the Nelson Neck Crank?
Top errors to watch for: Applying the full Nelson explosively — the cervical spine in flexion is extremely vulnerable; apply progressively to … / Using the Nelson in wrestling competition — the full Nelson is illegal in most wrestling rule sets; verify legality b… / Not controlling the opponent's body — the Nelson requires the torso to be stabilised so the cranking force focuses on… / Cranking from a weak position — the Nelson requires superior position (back, mount, or top half) to be effective; fro….
What are other names for the Nelson Neck Crank?
The Nelson Neck Crank is also known as Neruson Kubi Kujiki, Nelson Hold, Full Nelson Crank, Half Nelson Crank.