The twister submission
0
Wrestling Entry TwisterΒ·CCMA Complete Control Martial Arts
The twister is a great submission from the back especially when your opponents hips are elevated. Today's video will shoβ¦
Translation: Twister (katakana loanword)
Range & classification
Category
Strike & defenceLocksClose rangeFighting multiple people
Distance
CloseMiddleLong
Body target
Upper bodyMiddle bodyLower body
Overview
The wrestling-entry twister accesses the twister submission through a traditional wrestling back ride transition rather than the truck position commonly associated with 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu. [1] The attacker establishes a back ride β chest on the opponent's back with the legs hooking the hips β then threads one arm behind the opponent's head while the other arm captures the far knee, creating the spinal rotation and lateral flexion characteristic of the twister. [1],[2] The wrestling entry is more familiar to wrestlers transitioning to submission grappling, as the back ride is a fundamental wrestling control position. [2] This entry pathway demonstrates how traditional wrestling positions can be repurposed for submission attacks when competing under submission-permitting rulesets. [2],[3]
History & Origin
The wrestling-entry pathway to the twister was documented as an alternative to the truck entry by practitioners who came from wrestling backgrounds. [1] This entry recognised the natural overlap between wrestling back rides and the twister position, facilitating cross-training between wrestling and submission grappling. [2],[3]
Country of originΒ· shown in random order
- BrazilBJJ, Submission Grappling, MMA
- JapanBJJ, Judo, Submission Grappling
- USASubmission Grappling, MMA
- RussiaSambo
Effectiveness
The wrestling entry provides a high-percentage path to the twister through traditional back ride and leg riding control; effective for wrestlers transitioning to submission grappling [1]
Lineage
Eddie Bravo adapted the twister from the wrestler's guillotine (a traditional wrestling pinning combination) and developed the wrestling entry as part of his 10th Planet system [1]
Competition Record
Seen in 10th Planet invitational events and occasionally in MMA; the wrestling entry is considered the most reliable path to twister position [1]
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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 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
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
9
Extreme9/10
Rotation cranks twist the cervical spine; among the highest-risk submission categories
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Expert
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 wrestling-entry twister reaches the twister position from a traditional wrestling ride rather than the BJJ truck position β the back ride transitions to twister when the opponent's leg is hooked and the head is controlled (Bravo, Mastering the Rubber Guard, 2006)
βFrom wrestling back ride: hook one of the opponent's legs with your leg (lockdown or calf hook), then reach across and grab the head β the leg controls the lower body while the arm initiates the spinal rotation
βThe wrestling entry is the original twister path: before Eddie Bravo systematised the truck entry, wrestlers accessed the twister through traditional ride positions
βThe wrestling ride provides the initial control: the attacker is behind the opponent with the chest on the back β from here, hooking the leg and reaching for the head transitions to the twister
βThe wrestling entry is more direct: it doesn't require the truck position as an intermediate β the back ride transitions directly to the twister
βFinishing: maintain the leg hook while pulling the head in the opposite direction β the lower body is anchored while the upper body is rotated, creating extreme spinal torsion
βThe wrestling-entry twister is accessible to wrestlers transitioning to submission grappling: the back ride is familiar, and the twister adds a submission to their existing positional control
Common Mistakes
!Not hooking the leg before reaching for the head β the leg hook anchors the lower body; without it, the opponent can roll with the rotation
!Using a shallow leg hook β the hook must be deep enough to prevent the opponent from extracting the leg; shallow hooks allow escape
!Reaching for the head without the chest on the back β maintain back-ride pressure throughout; lifting up to reach allows the opponent to turn
!Applying explosive rotation β the spinal rotation is extremely dangerous; progressive application is critical
!Not understanding the wrestling ride foundation β the twister builds on the back ride; without a stable ride, the entry fails
!Confusing the wrestling entry with the truck entry β they reach the same submission from different positions; the wrestling entry bypasses the truck
!Holding maximum rotation without releasing on tap β the twister creates extreme spinal stress; immediate release on tap is essential
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
note.com BJJ articles; Eddie Bravo 'Grappling Technique' Japanese edition (trans. δΈδΊη₯ζ¨Ή); JBJJF rules
Official Japanese BJJ federation β competition rules and terminology
2BookEddie Bravo β Grappling Technique: Rubber Guard (Japanese Edition)
Translated by δΈδΊη₯ζ¨Ή (Nakai YΕ«ki, 2007)
Japanese BJJ community writing platform
4OtherJapanese Combat Sports Katakana Convention
Standard katakana transliteration of Western martial arts terminology (ε€ζ₯θͺ) β used in Japanese MMA, boxing, and BJJ communities
5Citationnote.com BJJ articles; Eddie Bravo 'Grappling Technique' Japanese edition (trans. δΈδΊη₯ζ¨Ή); JBJJF rules
Japanese terminology sourced from note.com BJJ articles; Eddie Bravo 'Grappling Technique' Japanese edition (trans. δΈδΊη₯ζ¨Ή); JBJJF rules
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
When is the best time to attempt the twister submission?
According to CCMA Complete Control Martial Arts, the twister is best attempted when your opponent's hips are elevated, such as when they start to drive up into you from a position like side control or similar.
How do I maintain control while setting up the twister?
CCMA Complete Control Martial Arts emphasizes keeping your opponent's hips elevated and their leg stretched out throughout the setupβdon't let their hips get far away from you. Start by taking one hook out from a seat belt position, then elevate their hips and lock them down before tipping them to the side.
What's the correct hand positioning to finish the twister?
Use your bottom hand to bring the head towards you, then have your overhand hug the head. Get your hands together, lift the hips up, and finish the twist with pressure through the neck.
How does the Wrestling Entry Twister work?
The wrestling-entry twister accesses the twister submission through a traditional wrestling back ride transition rather than the truck position commonly associated with 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu. The attacker establishes a back ride β chest on the opponent's back with the legs hooking the hips β then threads one arm behind the opponent's head while the other arm captures the far knee, creating the spinal rotation and lateral flexion characteristic of the twister.
Where does the Wrestling Entry Twister come from?
The wrestling-entry pathway to the twister was documented as an alternative to the truck entry by practitioners who came from wrestling backgrounds. This entry recognised the natural overlap between wrestling back rides and the twister position, facilitating cross-training between wrestling and submission grappling.
Is the Wrestling Entry Twister 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 Wrestling Entry Twister?
Danger rating 9/10. Rotation cranks twist the cervical spine; among the highest-risk submission categories
How do I set up the Wrestling Entry Twister?
The standard setup chain: Establish Position β Create the Threat β Secure the Hold β Finish.
How do I defend against the Wrestling Entry Twister?
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 Wrestling Entry Twister?
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 Wrestling Entry Twister in competition?
Seen in 10th Planet invitational events and occasionally in MMA; the wrestling entry is considered the most reliable path to twister position
What are common mistakes when doing the Wrestling Entry Twister?
Top errors to watch for: Not hooking the leg before reaching for the head β the leg hook anchors the lower body; without it, the opponent can β¦ / Using a shallow leg hook β the hook must be deep enough to prevent the opponent from extracting the leg; shallow hookβ¦ / Reaching for the head without the chest on the back β maintain back-ride pressure throughout; lifting up to reach allβ¦ / Applying explosive rotation β the spinal rotation is extremely dangerous; progressive application is critical.
What are other names for the Wrestling Entry Twister?
The Wrestling Entry Twister is also known as TsuisutΔ, Guillotine Ride Twister, Wrestling Crossbody Twister.