Can Opener - Illegal BJJ Submission Neck Crank from Top Guard advanced Grappling for MMA - CanOpener
0
Stack-Through Can OpenerΒ·Peter Mettler Martial Arts
Translation: Can Opener (katakana loanword)
Range & classification
Category
Strike & defenceLocksClose rangeFighting multiple people
Distance
CloseMiddleLong
Body target
Upper bodyMiddle bodyLower body
Overview
The stack-through can opener combines the traditional can opener neck crank with a stacking guard pass, driving the opponent's knees toward their face while cranking the neck in flexion. [1] From closed guard top position, the attacker clasps the hands behind the opponent's head, pulls it forward and upward, then drives the body forward to stack the opponent onto their shoulders. [1],[2] The stacking motion amplifies the cervical flexion by using the attacker's body weight to compress the opponent's spine from both ends simultaneously β the hands pull the head forward while the torso stacks the legs backward. [2] This dual compression makes the stack-through variant significantly more painful and dangerous than the standard can opener. [2],[3]
History & Origin
The stack-through can opener combination developed in MMA and early BJJ competition where aggressive guard opening methods were common. [1] As guard passing strategy evolved, the stack-through variant became both a guard opener and a neck crank threat that forced the bottom player to release the guard. [2],[3]
Country of originΒ· shown in random order
- BrazilBJJ, Submission Grappling, MMA
- JapanBJJ, Judo, Submission Grappling
- USASubmission Grappling, MMA
- RussiaSambo
Effectiveness
Effective guard opener that pressures the cervical spine through stacking and cranking; historically one of the most reliable ways to force open closed guard [1]
Lineage
An ancient grappling technique present in catch wrestling and judo. The can opener was widely used in early MMA and remains a fundamental tool in wrestling-based grappling [1]
Competition Record
Banned in many IBJJF divisions (illegal neck crank) but legal and commonly used in MMA and some no-gi events. Historically effective at all levels of MMA competition [1]
Images
No images yet for this technique.
Sign in to suggest an image.
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 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
Learn This Technique
No instructional courses yet for this technique.
Sign in to suggest a course.
Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
8
Very High8/10
Flexion cranks force the chin toward the chest; compresses anterior cervical structures
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 stack-through can opener combines the cervical flexion of the can opener with a stacking pass β the attacker simultaneously cranks the head forward while stacking the opponent's hips over their shoulders (Gracie & Gracie, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Theory and Technique, 2001)
βFrom inside closed guard: grip behind the head with both hands, drive the chin to the chest (can opener), then stand and stack the opponent β the stacking adds gravitational compression to the cervical flexion
βThe stack-through doubles the cervical stress: the can opener flexes the neck while the stack adds the opponent's own body weight driving downward onto the cervical spine
βThe combined technique forces the guard to open: the cervical pain from the can opener plus the claustrophobic pressure of the stack overwhelms the guard player's comfort
βThe stack-through can opener is more effective than either technique alone: the can opener without stacking can be endured, and the stack without the can opener can be escaped β together they compound
βFinishing: as the opponent opens the guard to relieve pressure, immediately pass β the can opener and stack are tools for opening the guard, not standalone submissions (in most rule sets)
βThe technique requires strong legs and base: standing in the guard while maintaining the head grip and then stacking requires significant lower body strength
Common Mistakes
!Stacking without the head grip β the can opener component requires hands behind the head; stacking alone doesn't create the cervical flexion
!Applying the can opener without standing β the stack requires standing in the guard; the seated can opener lacks the stacking component
!Using excessive cervical force β the stack adds the opponent's body weight to the cervical stress; the can opener doesn't need to be cranked hard when the stack is assisting
!Not passing immediately when the guard opens β the stack-through creates a brief window; pass instantly rather than continuing to stack
!Losing balance while stacking β maintain strong base; the opponent may sweep if you overcommit to the forward stack
!Attempting against a flexible opponent without a passing plan β flexible opponents may absorb the stack; have a specific pass ready for when the guard opens
!Not being aware of armbar threats β stacking in the guard commits both hands to the head; the opponent may transition to an armbar; maintain arm awareness
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
JBJJF competition rules; Japanese BJJ community
Official Japanese BJJ federation β competition rules and 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
3CitationJBJJF competition rules; Japanese BJJ community
Japanese terminology sourced from JBJJF competition rules; Japanese BJJ community
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
Why is the can opener technique illegal in BJJ competition?
According to Peter Mettler, the can opener was outlawed in BJJ specifically because it is so effective and dangerousβit targets the neck and is a submission that can be applied from top guard, a position where submissions are otherwise limited.
What's the basic setup for the can opener?
All you need is head control; from there you grab the back of the opponent's head fairly high, lift slightly, and drive your elbow in to apply the crank, as Peter Mettler demonstrates.
How do I prevent my opponent from escaping when I apply the can opener?
Use your knees to control your opponent's hips by pulling them toward your hips and keeping your knees tight; this prevents them from pushing your head off or escaping the crank, even if they try to push against your face with their hands.
How does the Stack-Through Can Opener work?
The stack-through can opener combines the traditional can opener neck crank with a stacking guard pass, driving the opponent's knees toward their face while cranking the neck in flexion. From closed guard top position, the attacker clasps the hands behind the opponent's head, pulls it forward and upward, then drives the body forward to stack the opponent onto their shoulders.
Where does the Stack-Through Can Opener come from?
The stack-through can opener combination developed in MMA and early BJJ competition where aggressive guard opening methods were common. As guard passing strategy evolved, the stack-through variant became both a guard opener and a neck crank threat that forced the bottom player to release the guard.
Is the Stack-Through Can Opener 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 Stack-Through Can Opener?
Danger rating 8/10. Flexion cranks force the chin toward the chest; compresses anterior cervical structures
How do I set up the Stack-Through Can Opener?
The standard setup chain: Control Position β Isolate the Arm β Lock the Figure-Four β Apply Rotation.
How do I defend against the Stack-Through Can Opener?
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 Stack-Through Can Opener?
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 Stack-Through Can Opener in competition?
Banned in many IBJJF divisions (illegal neck crank) but legal and commonly used in MMA and some no-gi events.
What are common mistakes when doing the Stack-Through Can Opener?
Top errors to watch for: Stacking without the head grip β the can opener component requires hands behind the head; stacking alone doesn't creaβ¦ / Applying the can opener without standing β the stack requires standing in the guard; the seated can opener lacks the β¦ / Using excessive cervical force β the stack adds the opponent's body weight to the cervical stress; the can opener doeβ¦ / Not passing immediately when the guard opens β the stack-through creates a brief window; pass instantly rather than cβ¦.
What are other names for the Stack-Through Can Opener?
The Stack-Through Can Opener is also known as Kyan ΕpunΔ, Stack Can Opener, Pass-Through Can Opener.