Standard Can Opener
Variety基本缶切り(Kihon Kankiri)
TraditionalTranslation: Basic Can Opener
Overview
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 — 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]
History & Origin
Effectiveness
The standard can opener applies cervical flexion pressure from inside closed guard using clasped hands behind the head. [1]
Lineage
The standard can opener technique comes from catch wrestling and was used in early MMA. [1]
Competition Record
Standard can openers are used in MMA competition and submission events where neck cranks are permitted. [1]
Images
No images yet for this technique.
Sign in to suggest an image.
Biomechanical Mechanism
Position & Entry
Variants
Videos
No videos yet
Help build this encyclopedia by suggesting a relevant video.
Sign in to suggest a 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
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
Training Notes
Common Mistakes
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Setup Chain
Sources & References
Japanese BJJ — kihon (基本) standard modifier
Japanese terminology sourced from Japanese BJJ — kihon (基本) standard modifier
Standard Japanese martial arts terminology (kanji/hiragana)
Established Japanese martial arts naming convention — native Japanese term (和語/漢語)
Japanese terminology sourced from Japanese BJJ — kihon (基本) standard modifier
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 Standard Can Opener work?
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.
Where does the Standard Can Opener come from?
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.
Is the Standard Can Opener 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 Standard Can Opener?
Danger rating 8/10. The can opener forces the head forward from inside closed guard; banned in most BJJ competition
How do I set up the Standard Can Opener?
The standard setup chain: Control the Arm → Position the Hips → Pinch Knees → Extend for the Finish.
How do I defend against the Standard Can Opener?
Standard counters include: Clasp Hands — grip own wrist to prevent arm extension / Stack — drive forward to compress the attacker and relieve elbow pressure / Hitchhiker Escape — rotate the thumb toward the mat and roll to extract the arm.
What are the variants of the Standard 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 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 Standard Can Opener in competition?
Standard can openers are used in MMA competition and submission events where neck cranks are permitted.
What are common mistakes when doing the Standard Can Opener?
Top errors to watch for: Hunching forward during the can opener — the torso should remain upright; hunching reduces the mechanical advantage a… / Gripping too high on the head — grip behind the occipital bone, not on top of the head; crown-of-head grips create a … / Applying the can opener without a plan for what comes next — have a guard pass ready; the can opener creates a reacti… / Not maintaining base — the can opener requires a stable base; if your posture is compromised, the bottom player sweep….
What are other names for the Standard Can Opener?
The Standard Can Opener is also known as Kihon Kankiri, Classic Can Opener, Basic Guard Can Opener.