Seven Deadly Neck Cranks | Jiu-Jitsu & Submission Grappling
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Rear Neck Crank·Knight Jiu-Jitsu
There are obviously more than 7 neck cranks in grappling, but the title has to be catchy... Neck cranks are some of the …
Rear Neck Crank
Genus後首挫ぎ(Ushiro Kubi Kujiki)
TraditionalTranslation: Rear Neck Wrench
Overview
The rear neck crank from back without hooks is a cervical-spine submission applied from a partial back position — chest-to-back contact established, but no hooks or body triangle. [1] Rather than relying on positional control, the attacker uses upper-body grips alone to crank the cervical spine. [1],[2] In the cervical-extension form, the hands gable-grip behind the opponent's head (or the radius bone of the forearm presses under the cheekbone) and drive the chin upward and back while the chest pulls in the opposite direction, forcing extension at the cervical spine. [2] Without hooks, the attacker trades positional stability for speed of attack, making this common in scramble situations and transitions; the absence of leg control means the opponent can potentially rotate free, so the technique requires rapid application. [2],[3]
History & Origin
Rear neck cranks without hooks reflect the reality of scramble-based grappling where back control is incomplete, a situation common in both wrestling and MMA. [1],[2] Wrestlers transitioning to submission grappling brought the instinct to crank the neck from behind even without lower-body control, as wrestling does not require hooks for back control. [1] This variant became recognized in submission grappling as a legitimate finishing option during transitional moments. [1],[2]
Effectiveness
The rear neck crank applies extension pressure to the cervical spine from behind, a powerful but dangerous submission. [1]
Lineage
Rear neck cranks appear in catch wrestling and early MMA as finishing techniques from back control. [1]
Competition Record
Rear neck cranks are legal in MMA and some submission grappling events. [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
Avellan Shows Bas Rutten Neck Crank for BJJ and MMA
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Rear Neck Crank·Freestyle Fighting Academy
http://www.FFAcoach.com Marcos Avellan Shows Bas Rutten Neck Crank for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and Mixed Martial Arts …
Neck cranks
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Rear Neck Crank·Energia Martial Arts
Neck cranks So after a lot of very practical and super professional videos we decided it was time to teach you guys how…
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3 videosWhat Instructors Say
The rear neck crank is a cervical extension submission that applies pressure by hyperextending the opponent's neck backward, typically executed from positions like side control, closed guard, front headlock, or back control. Knight Jiu-Jitsu identifies the foundational "can opener" variation from closed guard, where the attacker bases out, cups the back of the head at the crown, frames the forearm on the collarbone, and sits back while curling the head into the chest to force guard opening. From scarf hold or modified side control, Knight Jiu-Jitsu describes a compression-based variant involving a butterfly or s-grip with forearm placement crucial for rolling ribs backward into the opponent's ribs. Knight Jiu-Jitsu further catalogs advanced applications including the snuff-box crank from rear control (using the radial bone beneath the cheekbone), the front headlock variation (walking hips underneath while clamping the shoulder), and the crucifix-based crank (pulling high by the hairline with hips extended). Energia Martial Arts demonstrates legal progressions toward mounted triangles while emphasizing the illegal chin-strap gable-grip variation from side control, where the foot replaces the hand to trap the arm before twisting upward. Freestyle Fighting Academy presents the Bas Rutten leg-scissor crank (also called the accordion squeeze or trash compactor), requiring the opponent flat on their back, executed by circling a leg underneath while maintaining arm control, then achieving leg lock while cranking—emphasizing hand placement near the knees for maximum leverage. All three instructors stress legality variability by jurisdiction, the dangerous nature of these submissions, and the importance of controlled training.
Synthesized from 3 instructors
- Knight Jiu-Jitsu — Seven Deadly Neck Cranks | Jiu-Jitsu & Submission Grappling: Comprehensive taxonomy of seven distinct rear neck crank variations: can opener from closed guard, scarf hold compression crank, snuff-box crank from rear control, front headlock walking crank, crucifix-based neck crank, twister-derived full spinal twist, and shoulder-isolation guard pass crank. Distinguishes cranking (turning head sideways at temple/hairline) from compression (squeezing), and addresses legal variations across tournament rulesets.
- Energia Martial Arts — Neck cranks: Demonstrates legal mounted triangle setup progressions from side control arm weaving, contrasted with illegal chin-strap gable-grip neck crank variation executed with foot replacement and crucifix control. Emphasizes arm and leg control mechanics before cranking to prevent escape.
- Freestyle Fighting Academy — Avellan Shows Bas Rutten Neck Crank for BJJ and MMA: Details the Bas Rutten leg-scissor crank (accordion squeeze/trash compactor), executed from flat-back position by circling a leg underneath while maintaining arm control, with emphasis on hand placement near knees for mechanical leverage and the threshold principle where sustained pressure causes submission even without instant tap.
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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 rear neck crank forces the opponent's head forward from behind — the forearm or hands push the head into hyperflexion, compressing the cervical spine from posterior to anterior (Paulson, Shoot Wrestling, 2007)
✓From back control: place the forearm across the back of the head and drive the chin toward the chest — the neck is forced into flexion while the back of the opponent's head is pressed by the forearm
✓The rear neck crank is often a byproduct of rear naked choke defence: when the opponent tucks their chin, the pressure against the back of the head creates cervical stress even without the choke being completed
✓The crank works because the cervical spine has limited flexion range: pressing the head forward from behind quickly reaches the end of the range, creating ligament stress and pain
✓The rear neck crank is common in catch wrestling: the 'crossface' from behind — driving the forearm across the face and into the back of the head — is a traditional catch wrestling control that doubles as a submission
✓From back control, the rear neck crank transitions naturally to chokes: as the opponent lifts their chin to relieve the flexion pressure, the choking arm slides under the chin
✓The rear neck crank can also involve rotation: driving the head forward and to one side combines flexion with rotation — doubling the cervical stress
Common Mistakes
!Using the rear neck crank as a punishing technique — it should be a control-to-submission tool, not a way to cause unnecessary pain
!Applying explosive flexion from behind — the cervical spine is vulnerable; progressive application allows the opponent to tap safely
!Not transitioning to the choke when the neck opens — the crank forces the opponent to expose their neck; if you don't capitalise with a choke, the crank alone may not finish
!Attempting from a loose back control — the crank requires the body to be stabilised; without hooks, the opponent simply scoots forward
!Not differentiating between a crank and a choke attempt — be aware of which mechanism you're applying; a crank on the forehead is not a choke attempt on the neck
!Applying to the top of the head — the force should be directed to the back of the head or across the face; top-of-head pressure compresses downward rather than creating flexion
!Using the crank in training without communication — discuss crank intensity with training partners; unexpected cranks damage trust and training relationships
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
Koryu Jujutsu; Daito-ryu Aiki-jujutsu — ushiro-waza
1BookKoryu Jujutsu; Daito-ryu Aiki-jujutsu — ushiro-waza
Japanese terminology sourced from Koryu Jujutsu; Daito-ryu Aiki-jujutsu — ushiro-waza
2Oral TraditionKoryu Jujutsu (Classical Japanese Jujutsu)
Classical schools: Tenjin Shin'yo-ryu, Takenouchi-ryu, etc.
3Oral TraditionDaito-ryu Aiki-jujutsu
Classical aiki-jujutsu tradition
Standard Japanese martial arts terminology (kanji/hiragana)
5OtherJapanese Martial Arts Standard Terminology (武道用語)
Established Japanese martial arts naming convention — native Japanese term (和語/漢語)
6CitationKoryu Jujutsu; Daito-ryu Aiki-jujutsu — ushiro-waza
Japanese terminology sourced from Koryu Jujutsu; Daito-ryu Aiki-jujutsu — ushiro-waza
Community
Athletics
Requires
hip flexibility, long legs relative to torso
Favours
longer limbs for easier figure-four lock around head and arm
Key muscles
hip adductors, hamstrings, quadriceps
Sub-techniques
Rear Neck Crank From Back (No Hooks)
SpeciesThe Rear Neck Crank From Back Without Hooks is a neck crank submission applied from a back-control position where the attacker does not have hooks (feet inside the opponent's thighs) — instead maintaining back position through body weight, chest-to-back pressure, or a body triangle while cranking the neck. [1] This variation occurs when standard back hooks have been stripped but the attacker maintains enough positional control to attack the neck. [1,2]
1 varieties·1 techniquesExplore
Rear Neck Crank From Body Triangle
SpeciesThe rear neck crank from body triangle uses the stable body triangle back control to anchor the opponent's torso while the attacker grips under the chin, across the forehead, or on the face and pulls the head backward into cervical hyperextension. [1,2] The body triangle's exceptional hip control means the opponent cannot rotate or slide down to relieve the cranking pressure, making this one of the most controlling positions from which to apply a neck crank. [1] The attacker uses the body triangle squeeze and upper body pull simultaneously. [1,2]
1 varieties·1 techniquesExplore
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a neck crank and a choke?
According to Knight Jiu-Jitsu, cranking the neck means applying pressure going up higher toward the temple or hairline, whereas a choke focuses on compressing the neck itself. A neck crank applies rotational or bending force to the neck structure, while a choke restricts blood flow.
Can I use a rear neck crank to open my opponent's guard?
Yes. Knight Jiu-Jitsu explains that using a neck crank can force your opponent to open their guard, which allows you to initiate a pass by applying consistent pressure while maintaining good base and hip control.
How do I defend against a tucked chin in a rear naked choke setup?
Knight Jiu-Jitsu recommends placing your forearm's snuff box (the part near your wrist/radius) under the opponent's cheekbone to break their chin tuck, then transitioning to a short choke to crank the neck effectively.
Why is neck conditioning important for grappling?
Knight Jiu-Jitsu emphasizes that constantly defending neck cranks causes cumulative neck damage over time, making neck strengthening essential for injury prevention and longevity in a jiu-jitsu career.
How does the Rear Neck Crank work?
The rear neck crank from back without hooks is a cervical-spine submission applied from a partial back position — chest-to-back contact established, but no hooks or body triangle. Rather than relying on positional control, the attacker uses upper-body grips alone to crank the cervical spine.
Where does the Rear Neck Crank come from?
Rear neck cranks without hooks reflect the reality of scramble-based grappling where back control is incomplete, a situation common in both wrestling and MMA. Wrestlers transitioning to submission grappling brought the instinct to crank the neck from behind even without lower-body control, as wrestling does not require hooks for back control.
Is the Rear 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 Rear 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 Rear Neck Crank?
The standard setup chain: Establish Position → Create the Threat → Secure the Hold → Finish.
How do I defend against the Rear 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 Rear Neck Crank?
Common variants: Standard triangle (classic figure-four leg lock around the head and one arm …); Reverse triangle (legs locked from behind or inverted angle for different a…); Mounted triangle (applied from mount position with gravity assisting the sq…); No-arm triangle (both arms excluded, legs-only compression on the neck).
How effective is the Rear Neck Crank in competition?
Rear neck cranks are legal in MMA and some submission grappling events.
What are common mistakes when doing the Rear Neck Crank?
Top errors to watch for: Using the rear neck crank as a punishing technique — it should be a control-to-submission tool, not a way to cause un… / Applying explosive flexion from behind — the cervical spine is vulnerable; progressive application allows the opponen… / Not transitioning to the choke when the neck opens — the crank forces the opponent to expose their neck; if you don't… / Attempting from a loose back control — the crank requires the body to be stabilised; without hooks, the opponent simp….
What are other names for the Rear Neck Crank?
The Rear Neck Crank is also known as Ushiro Kubi Kujiki, Posterior Neck Crank, Ushiro-kubi-hishigi, Back Neck Crank.