Breaking down the Turtle using the Power Half/half-Nelson
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Three-Quarter Nelson CrankΒ·Five Points Jiu Jitsu
Using wrestling for jiu jitsu. The Power Half or half-Nelson is a very strong wrestling hold that is under utilized in jβ¦
Translation: Nelson (katakana loanword); cervical extension neck crank
Range & classification
Category
Strike & defenceLocksClose rangeFighting multiple people
Distance
CloseMiddleLong
Body target
Upper bodyMiddle bodyLower body
Overview
The three-quarter nelson crank from turtle applies a nelson variant where the attacker controls approximately three-quarters of the neck-cranking pathway β more than a half nelson but less than a full nelson. [1] Against a turtled opponent, the attacker threads one arm deep behind the neck while the second arm controls the near shoulder or arm, creating an asymmetric nelson hold. [1],[2] The three-quarter configuration generates rotational torque on the cervical spine while the turtle position limits the opponent's ability to roll or posture away. [2] This technique bridges the gap between wrestling control holds and submission-oriented neck cranks, serving dual purposes of positioning and submission threat. [2],[3]
History & Origin
Three-quarter nelson holds originated in folkstyle and Greco-Roman wrestling as turning techniques designed to expose the opponent's back to the mat. [1] The adaptation for submission cranking purposes emerged as wrestlers transitioned into grappling formats where neck cranks could end the match. [2],[3]
Country of originΒ· shown in random order
- BrazilBJJ, Submission Grappling, MMA
- JapanBJJ, Judo, Submission Grappling
- USASubmission Grappling, MMA
- RussiaSambo
Effectiveness
The three-quarter Nelson provides significant cervical pressure while maintaining superior control; less power than the full Nelson but easier to secure from top position [1]
Lineage
A foundational wrestling technique adapted to submission grappling; the three-quarter Nelson has been part of wrestling curriculum for over a century [1]
Competition Record
Used in catch wrestling and MMA competition; the three-quarter Nelson is more commonly seen as a control tool than a standalone submission [1]
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action β Compression of the neck structures β restricts blood flow or airway depending on technique application
Joints Involved β Cervical spine, surrounding musculature, and vascular structures of the neck
Force Vector β Directed compression against the neck from the choking limb or body position
Finishing Mechanic β Sustained pressure causes either vascular occlusion (unconsciousness) or tracheal restriction (breathing difficulty)
Position & Entry
From controlling position β Establish the dominant position, clear defensive grips, thread the choking limb into position
From guard (bottom) β Break the opponent's posture, isolate the neck and configure the choke from underneath
From transition β During a scramble or position change, secure the neck control and lock the choke before the opponent re-establishes defence
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 three-quarter Nelson crank uses a deeper arm threading than the half-Nelson β the arm passes further behind the head to create more leverage, increasing the cervical flexion force from the turtle-attacking position (Paulson, Shoot Wrestling, 2007)
βThe 'three-quarter' describes the depth: between a half-Nelson (arm behind the head, hand on the neck) and a full Nelson (both arms behind the head) β one arm is threaded deeply enough to grip the opposite shoulder or arm
βFrom turtle: thread the arm behind the turtled opponent's head and reach across to grip the far shoulder β the deeper reach creates a longer lever arm for the cervical crank
βThe three-quarter Nelson generates more flexion force than the half-Nelson because the longer lever arm creates greater mechanical advantage β more cervical stress per unit of effort
βThe turtle position is ideal for the three-quarter Nelson: the rounded posture means the head is already flexed partially β the Nelson takes it to the end range
βThe three-quarter Nelson from turtle is dual-purpose: it creates the cervical crank for submission and it turns the turtled opponent for positional advancement
βThe deeper threading makes the three-quarter Nelson harder to defend: the opponent cannot simply lift the head because the lever arm is longer and the force is greater
Common Mistakes
!Not threading deep enough β the three-quarter Nelson specifically requires reaching past the neck to the far shoulder; a standard half-Nelson depth is insufficient
!Applying without controlling the opponent's body β the turtle must be controlled with chest or hip pressure while the arm threads
!Using explosive force β the deeper leverage amplifies the cervical stress; progressive application is even more important with the three-quarter variant
!Not maintaining the grip on the far shoulder β the far-shoulder grip is the anchor; losing it reduces the technique to a half-Nelson
!Attempting against a flat opponent β the three-quarter Nelson works best against the turtle; a flat opponent's head is harder to thread behind
!Not transitioning to back take or side control β the three-quarter Nelson turns the opponent; follow the turn with positional advancement
!Confusing with the full Nelson β the three-quarter uses one arm deeply threaded; the full Nelson uses both arms behind the head
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 pro wrestling/catch wrestling standard terminology
1OtherJapanese Martial Arts Community Terminology
Japanese pro wrestling/catch wrestling 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 pro wrestling/catch wrestling standard terminology
Japanese terminology sourced from Japanese pro wrestling/catch wrestling 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
What should I do after I take the back and get my hooks in?
Stay in control for a couple of seconds, then switch to a body trap, as this is far superior to staying in hooks alone. Five Points Jiu Jitsu emphasizes this sequence: get your points, put your hooks in, maintain control briefly, then transition to the body trap.
How do I establish a tight waist grip from this position?
Grab on the opponent's hip and put your shoulder in front of their bodyβthis shoulder pressure is what makes the grip tight as you rotate your arm around, creating pressure without needing to squeeze hard.
Can I attack a strangle while maintaining pressure in this position?
Yes, you can stay in position to keep pressure and punch your strangle in from the three-quarter nelson control without necessarily rolling your opponent over.
How does the Three-Quarter Nelson Crank work?
The three-quarter nelson crank from turtle applies a nelson variant where the attacker controls approximately three-quarters of the neck-cranking pathway β more than a half nelson but less than a full nelson. Against a turtled opponent, the attacker threads one arm deep behind the neck while the second arm controls the near shoulder or arm, creating an asymmetric nelson hold.
Where does the Three-Quarter Nelson Crank come from?
Three-quarter nelson holds originated in folkstyle and Greco-Roman wrestling as turning techniques designed to expose the opponent's back to the mat. The adaptation for submission cranking purposes emerged as wrestlers transitioned into grappling formats where neck cranks could end the match.
Is the Three-Quarter Nelson 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 Three-Quarter Nelson Crank?
Danger rating 9/10. Extension cranks force the head backward; risk of vertebral disc and ligament damage
How do I set up the Three-Quarter Nelson 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 Three-Quarter Nelson 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 Three-Quarter Nelson 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 Three-Quarter Nelson Crank in competition?
Used in catch wrestling and MMA competition; the three-quarter Nelson is more commonly seen as a control tool than a standalone submission
What are common mistakes when doing the Three-Quarter Nelson Crank?
Top errors to watch for: Not threading deep enough β the three-quarter Nelson specifically requires reaching past the neck to the far shoulderβ¦ / Applying without controlling the opponent's body β the turtle must be controlled with chest or hip pressure while theβ¦ / Using explosive force β the deeper leverage amplifies the cervical stress; progressive application is even more imporβ¦ / Not maintaining the grip on the far shoulder β the far-shoulder grip is the anchor; losing it reduces the technique tβ¦.
What are other names for the Three-Quarter Nelson Crank?
The Three-Quarter Nelson Crank is also known as Neruson, Three-Quarter Nelson, 3/4 Nelson Crank.