Translation: Basic Can Opener
The standard can opener is a cervical flexion crank applied from inside the opponent's closed guard, where the attacker clasps both hands behind the opponent's head and pulls it forward toward the chest. [1] The attacker interlocks the fingers behind the occipital bone, then drives the elbows together while pulling upward, forcing the opponent's chin toward their sternum in extreme cervical flexion. [1],[2] The name 'can opener' refers to the prying open effect on the closed guard β the intense neck pain typically causes the bottom player to open their legs to relieve pressure. [2] While primarily used as a guard opener, the can opener can cause legitimate cervical injury if applied explosively and is illegal in many competition rulesets. [2],[3]
The standard can opener applies cervical flexion pressure from inside closed guard using clasped hands behind the head. [1]
The standard can opener technique comes from catch wrestling and was used in early MMA. [1]
Standard can openers are used in MMA competition and submission events where neck cranks are permitted. [1]
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The Can Opener β one of the most effective (and most banned) neck crank submissions in BJJ and MMA. This advanced grapplβ¦
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Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
The can opener forces the head forward from inside closed guard; banned in most BJJ competition
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
Japanese BJJ β kihon (εΊζ¬) standard modifier
Japanese terminology sourced from Japanese BJJ β kihon (εΊζ¬) standard modifier
Standard Japanese martial arts terminology (kanji/hiragana)
Established Japanese martial arts naming convention β native Japanese term (εθͺ/ζΌ’θͺ)
Japanese terminology sourced from Japanese BJJ β kihon (εΊζ¬) standard modifier
grip or squeeze strength, positional control
strong upper body for sustained compression
forearms, biceps, pectorals, core stabilisers
According to Peter Mettler, the can opener was outlawed in BJJ specifically because it is so effective and dangerousβit's a neck crank submission from top guard that competitors cannot defend against once applied, which is why rulemakers banned it.
You only need head control from top guard. Grab the back of the opponent's head fairly high, lift slightly, and drive your elbow in to apply the technique, according to Peter Mettler.
Peter Mettler emphasizes controlling your opponent's hips with tight knee control by pulling them toward your hips, which allows you to maintain the submission even if they try to push your head away or push against your face.
Yes, Peter Mettler notes there are three distinct styles of the can opener, with the crank variation being his preferred method for applying the technique.
The standard can opener is a cervical flexion crank applied from inside the opponent's closed guard, where the attacker clasps both hands behind the opponent's head and pulls it forward toward the chest. The attacker interlocks the fingers behind the occipital bone, then drives the elbows together while pulling upward, forcing the opponent's chin toward their sternum in extreme cervical flexion.
The can opener is one of the oldest guard-opening techniques, dating back to early no-rules grappling and vale tudo. It has been progressively restricted in sport BJJ competitions but remains legal in MMA and some no-gi rulesets.
IBJJF: banned β Neck cranks and spinal locks prohibited at all belt levels; IJF: banned β Neck cranks prohibited; 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
Danger rating 8/10. The can opener forces the head forward from inside closed guard; banned in most BJJ competition
The standard setup chain: Control the Arm β Position the Hips β Pinch Knees β Extend for the Finish.
Standard counters include: Clasp Hands β grip own wrist to prevent arm extension / Stack β drive forward to compress the attacker and relieve elbow pressure / Hitchhiker Escape β rotate the thumb toward the mat and roll to extract the arm.
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¦).
Standard can openers are used in MMA competition and submission events where neck cranks are permitted.
Top errors to watch for: Hunching forward during the can opener β the torso should remain upright; hunching reduces the mechanical advantage aβ¦ / Gripping too high on the head β grip behind the occipital bone, not on top of the head; crown-of-head grips create a β¦ / Applying the can opener without a plan for what comes next β have a guard pass ready; the can opener creates a reactiβ¦ / Not maintaining base β the can opener requires a stable base; if your posture is compromised, the bottom player sweepβ¦.
The Standard Can Opener is also known as Kihon Kankiri, Classic Can Opener, Basic Guard Can Opener.
