Three-Quarter Nelson Crank
Varietyネルソン(Neruson)
TransliterationTranslation: Nelson (katakana loanword); cervical extension neck crank
Overview
The three-quarter nelson crank from turtle applies a nelson variant where the attacker controls approximately three-quarters of the neck-cranking pathway — 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]
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
Position & Entry
Variants
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
Extension cranks force the head backward; risk of vertebral disc and ligament damage
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
Japanese pro wrestling/catch wrestling standard terminology
Japanese pro wrestling/catch wrestling standard terminology
Standard katakana transliteration of Western martial arts terminology (外来語) — used in Japanese MMA, boxing, and BJJ communities
Japanese terminology sourced from Japanese pro wrestling/catch wrestling standard terminology
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 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 — 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 — Legal at all belt levels, gi and no-gi — chokes are the safest submission cat…; IJF: legal — Legal (shime-waza) — strangulation techniques are one of three permitted subm…; 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 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 → Isolate the Arm → Lock the Figure-Four → Apply Rotation.
How do I defend against the Three-Quarter Nelson Crank?
Standard counters include: Straighten the Arm — extend the arm to break the figure-four grip angle / Roll Toward — roll in the direction of the lock to relieve rotational pressure / Grip the Belt/Shorts — 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 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 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 — the three-quarter Nelson specifically requires reaching past the neck to the far shoulder… / Applying without controlling the opponent's body — the turtle must be controlled with chest or hip pressure while the… / Using explosive force — the deeper leverage amplifies the cervical stress; progressive application is even more impor… / Not maintaining the grip on the far shoulder — the far-shoulder grip is the anchor; losing it reduces the technique t….
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.