NAUKA Face Clinch Neck Crank Option
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Chin Strap Neck Crank·Rich Graham·Added by Admin
This video shows another face clinch option from the NAUKA Fighting System. A couple quick points for this face clinch…
Chin Strap Neck Crank
Genusチンストラップ(Chin Sutorappu)
TransliterationTranslation: Chin Strap (katakana loanword); cervical flexion neck crank
Overview
The chin strap neck crank uses a cupping grip under the opponent's chin to force cervical flexion — driving the chin toward the chest. [1],[2] The attacker places one or both hands under the chin in a 'strap' configuration and pushes or pulls the head downward and forward. [1] Unlike the can opener which uses interlaced fingers behind the head, the chin strap applies direct upward pressure under the jaw to flex the neck. [1],[3] It is commonly used from top position to break posture or force a submission. [1]
History & Origin
Chin strap controls appear in wrestling and self-defense systems as a method to manipulate the opponent's head position. [1],[2] The cranking application developed naturally from the controlling position, becoming a recognized submission technique in catch wrestling and later in BJJ and MMA. [1],[3]
Effectiveness
The chin strap provides reliable cervical manipulation through chin control and forced rotation or flexion; a versatile tool that functions as both a submission and a setup for chokes [1]
Lineage
Found across catch wrestling, traditional jujutsu, and combat sambo systems. Systematized for modern grappling by catch wrestling instructors including Neil Melanson and Josh Barnett [1]
Competition Record
Used regularly in MMA and submission-only competition; finishes more common at regional events than at elite ADCC/IBJJF level [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 controlling position — Establish the dominant position, clear defensive grips, thread the choking limb into position
From guard (bottom) — Break the opponent's posture, isolate the neck and configure the choke from underneath
From transition — During a scramble or position change, secure the neck control and lock the choke before the opponent re-establishes defence
Videos
1 video
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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
— FIAS Sport Sambo — All chokes prohibited in Sport Sambo
FIAS International Sambo Competition RulesPDFLegal
— IBJJF — Legal at all belt levels, gi and no-gi — chokes a...
IBJJF Rules Book v6.0, June 2024PDF— 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 chin-strap neck crank genus encompasses all cervical submissions that use a chin-strap grip (hand cupping under the jaw) to manipulate the head into cervical end range — the direct jaw grip provides the most precise head control for cranking (Paulson, Shoot Wrestling, 2007)
✓The chin-strap grip is the defining feature: the hand cups the mandible from below, wrapping the fingers around the jaw — this grip connects the hand directly to the skull for maximum head control
✓The genus includes species from front headlock (primary), as well as applications from mount, side control, and back control — the chin-strap principle applies wherever the jaw is accessible
✓The chin-strap creates multiple cranking vectors: flexion (chin to chest), extension (chin up), rotation (chin to shoulder), and combinations — the single grip supports three-dimensional cervical manipulation
✓The chin-strap neck crank is distinct from face cranks (which press the face surface) and Nelson cranks (which push behind the head): the chin-strap grips the jaw directly for mechanical head control
✓The genus represents the most precise cervical manipulation system: the direct jaw grip allows the attacker to control the exact direction and magnitude of cervical force
✓In catch wrestling tradition, chin-strap submissions are fundamental: the jaw is the most accessible skull structure for controlling the head and creating cervical submissions
Common Mistakes
!Confusing the chin-strap with a throat grip — the strap wraps under the jaw, not around the throat; the jaw is skeletal, the throat is soft tissue
!Using the chin-strap without understanding cervical anatomy — the three cranking directions (flexion, extension, rotation) stress different structures; understand which you're applying
!Applying explosive cranking — all chin-strap cervical techniques require progressive force
!Not maintaining positional control — the chin-strap requires a stable position for effective cranking; from unstable positions, the opponent simply turns
!Using only one cranking direction — develop all three (flexion, extension, rotation) to be unpredictable
!Not transitioning to chokes — the chin-strap forces the opponent to move their head; capitalise on the movement with choking techniques
!Ignoring TMJ risk — the chin-strap places stress on the jaw joint; be aware of this additional injury vector
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
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 (外来語) — 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
grip or squeeze strength, positional control
Favours
strong upper body for sustained compression
Key muscles
forearms, biceps, pectorals, core stabilisers
Sub-techniques
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the chin strap neck crank different from a regular headlock?
Unlike a headlock, the chin strap neck crank targets face tissue rather than restricting circulation or strangulation. Rich Graham emphasizes clenching the face versus attacking the neck directly, which makes it a pain-compliance based technique.
Where exactly should I position my forearm when applying the crank?
Position the bone of your forearm against the face, not the flat part of your arm. This bone-to-face contact creates the painful pressure that generates the quick pain-compliance response needed for the technique to work effectively.
What's happening mechanically when the chin strap neck crank is applied?
Two things occur simultaneously: the opponent's neck is being bent and their head is being turned. This dual action of neck flexion and rotation is what makes the technique effective for control and pain compliance.
How can I escape or transition out of this technique if my opponent is much stronger?
You can yank side to side or pull upward in a quick jerking motion to exit the position, which works even against opponents who significantly outweigh you.
How does the Chin Strap Neck Crank work?
The chin strap neck crank uses a cupping grip under the opponent's chin to force cervical flexion — driving the chin toward the chest. The attacker places one or both hands under the chin in a 'strap' configuration and pushes or pulls the head downward and forward.
Where does the Chin Strap Neck Crank come from?
Chin strap controls appear in wrestling and self-defense systems as a method to manipulate the opponent's head position. The cranking application developed naturally from the controlling position, becoming a recognized submission technique in catch wrestling and later in BJJ and MMA.
Is the Chin Strap Neck Crank legal in competition?
IBJJF: legal — Legal at all belt levels, gi and no-gi — chokes are the safest submission cat…; IJF: legal — Legal (shime-waza) — strangulation techniques are one of three permitted subm…; 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 Chin Strap Neck Crank?
Danger rating 8/10. Flexion cranks force the chin toward the chest; compresses anterior cervical structures
How do I set up the Chin Strap Neck Crank?
The standard setup chain: Establish Position → Create the Threat → Secure the Hold → Finish.
How do I defend against the Chin Strap 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 Chin Strap Neck Crank?
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 Chin Strap Neck Crank in competition?
Used regularly in MMA and submission-only competition; finishes more common at regional events than at elite ADCC/IBJJF level
What are common mistakes when doing the Chin Strap Neck Crank?
Top errors to watch for: Confusing the chin-strap with a throat grip — the strap wraps under the jaw, not around the throat; the jaw is skelet… / Using the chin-strap without understanding cervical anatomy — the three cranking directions (flexion, extension, rota… / Applying explosive cranking — all chin-strap cervical techniques require progressive force / Not maintaining positional control — the chin-strap requires a stable position for effective cranking; from unstable ….
What are other names for the Chin Strap Neck Crank?
The Chin Strap Neck Crank is also known as Chin Sutorappu, Chin Strap Crank, Chinstrap Lock, Front Chin Lock.