Avellan Shows Bas Rutten Neck Crank for BJJ and MMA
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Body-Triangle ExtensionΒ·Freestyle Fighting Academy
http://www.FFAcoach.com Marcos Avellan Shows Bas Rutten Neck Crank for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and Mixed Martial Arts β¦
Translation: Rear Neck Crank (katakana loanword)
Range & classification
Category
Strike & defenceLocksClose rangeFighting multiple people
Distance
CloseMiddleLong
Body target
Upper bodyMiddle bodyLower body
Overview
The body-triangle extension combines body triangle back control with a cervical extension crank, using the body triangle's hip compression as an anchor while the arms drive the head backward. [1] The body triangle locks the opponent's torso in place, preventing any rolling or rotational escape, while the attacker's arms pull the head into forced extension. [1],[2] The anchored body triangle means all cranking force is transmitted directly to the cervical spine rather than being dissipated through body movement. [2] This combination is particularly dangerous because the opponent cannot relieve the spinal stress through any movement β the body triangle immobilises the torso while the arms extend the neck. [2],[3]
History & Origin
Country of originΒ· shown in random order
- BrazilBJJ, Submission Grappling, MMA
- JapanBJJ, Judo, Submission Grappling
- USASubmission Grappling, MMA
- RussiaSambo
Effectiveness
Devastating when applied from body triangle back control β the extension creates cervical hyperextension combined with body compression. Very effective pain submission [1]
Lineage
A modern BJJ/MMA technique that exploits the body triangle position's control advantage; popularized by fighters who use body triangle as primary back control [1]
Competition Record
Seen in MMA at UFC level; the body triangle extension has forced several high-profile tap-outs when combined with neck attacks from back control [1]
Images
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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 back control with seatbelt β Establish hooks or body triangle, slide choking arm under the chin, connect hands and squeeze
From turtle top (back take) β Break down the turtle, insert hooks, secure seatbelt grip, slide to back control and apply the choke
From standing back clinch β Secure rear body lock, drag opponent to the mat while inserting hooks, transition to choking position
Variants
Standard triangle β classic figure-four leg lock around the head and one arm from guard
Reverse triangle β legs locked from behind or inverted angle for different attack setups
Mounted triangle β applied from mount position with gravity assisting the squeeze
No-arm triangle β both arms excluded, legs-only compression on the neck
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 body-triangle extension neck crank uses the body triangle from back control to create an extension-based cervical crank β the body triangle squeezes the torso while the arms push the head backward, extending the cervical spine (Danaher, Back Attacks: Enter the System, 2018)
βFrom body triangle back control: the legs lock the body triangle around the opponent's torso while the arms push the head backward (extension) β the thoracic spine is stabilised by the body triangle while the cervical spine is forced into extension
βThe body triangle provides the anchor: by squeezing the torso, the body triangle prevents the opponent from curling forward β the cervical spine must absorb all the extension force
βThe extension mechanism: the arms push the chin or forehead backward while the body triangle holds the torso still β the neck is hyperextended between the fixed torso and the pushed head
βThis crank is often a byproduct of RNC defence: when the opponent tucks their chin, the attacker pushes the head backward to break the tuck β the pushing motion becomes an extension crank
βThe body-triangle extension is a compound threat: the body triangle itself causes rib and spine compression, and the cervical extension adds a second layer of submission pressure
βThe body-triangle extension is dangerous: the cervical spine in extension is vulnerable, and the body triangle prevents the opponent from rolling or adjusting to relieve the pressure
Common Mistakes
!Applying explosive extension β the cervical spine is very vulnerable in extension; apply progressive force only
!Not having a secure body triangle before extending β the body triangle must be locked; attempting the extension without the torso anchor is ineffective
!Pushing into the eyes or nose β push on the chin, forehead, or crown of the head; eye/nose contact is dangerous
!Extending without squeezing the body triangle β the torso must be stabilised for the extension to focus on the cervical spine
!Not transitioning to the RNC when the chin lifts β the extension breaks the chin tuck; immediately slide the choking arm under the chin
!Holding maximum extension without purpose β the extension should open the neck for the RNC, not be held at end range for extended periods
!Using the body-triangle extension against training partners without communication β this is a dangerous technique; discuss intensity and limits before applying
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Setup Chain
1Establish Position β achieve the controlling position needed for this submission
2Create the Threat β begin the submission setup to force a defensive reaction
3Secure the Hold β lock the submission grip with proper body mechanics
4Finish β apply increasing pressure until the opponent taps or the joint/choke takes effect
Sources & References
Primary Source
Japanese MMA/BJJ standard terminology
1OtherJapanese Martial Arts Community Terminology
Japanese MMA/BJJ 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 MMA/BJJ standard terminology
Japanese terminology sourced from Japanese MMA/BJJ standard terminology
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
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I properly position my hands when setting up a body-triangle extension?
Your hand placement should be as close to your knees as possible on the inside, allowing you to scoop in effectively rather than hooking your quad.
What's the correct leg positioning for finishing a body-triangle extension?
Get one leg out and come through underneath the other leg, then cup and bring your thighs together to secure the finish.
How does the Body-Triangle Extension work?
The body-triangle extension combines body triangle back control with a cervical extension crank, using the body triangle's hip compression as an anchor while the arms drive the head backward. The body triangle locks the opponent's torso in place, preventing any rolling or rotational escape, while the attacker's arms pull the head into forced extension.
Where does the Body-Triangle Extension come from?
Body triangle neck cranks developed in modern MMA and no-gi grappling, where the body triangle's superior control properties were combined with offensive neck attacks. The technique represents the evolution of back control from purely choke-oriented to multi-threat offensive platforms.
Is the Body-Triangle Extension 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 Body-Triangle Extension?
Danger rating 9/10. Extension cranks force the head backward; risk of vertebral disc and ligament damage
How do I set up the Body-Triangle Extension?
The standard setup chain: Establish Position β Create the Threat β Secure the Hold β Finish.
How do I defend against the Body-Triangle Extension?
Standard counters include: Early Recognition β identify the submission attempt early and begin defence immediately / Posture and Base β maintain strong posture and base to prevent submission setups / Grip Fight β deny the attacker their preferred gripping configuration.
What are the variants of the Body-Triangle Extension?
Common variants: Standard triangle (classic figure-four leg lock around the head and one arm β¦); Reverse triangle (legs locked from behind or inverted angle for different aβ¦); Mounted triangle (applied from mount position with gravity assisting the sqβ¦); No-arm triangle (both arms excluded, legs-only compression on the neck).
How effective is the Body-Triangle Extension in competition?
Seen in MMA at UFC level; the body triangle extension has forced several high-profile tap-outs when combined with neck attacks from back control
What are common mistakes when doing the Body-Triangle Extension?
Top errors to watch for: Applying explosive extension β the cervical spine is very vulnerable in extension; apply progressive force only / Not having a secure body triangle before extending β the body triangle must be locked; attempting the extension withoβ¦ / Pushing into the eyes or nose β push on the chin, forehead, or crown of the head; eye/nose contact is dangerous / Extending without squeezing the body triangle β the torso must be stabilised for the extension to focus on the cervicβ¦.
What are other names for the Body-Triangle Extension?
The Body-Triangle Extension is also known as Ria Nekku Kuranku, Body Triangle Extension Crank, BT Cervical Extension.