Figure-Four Clamp Finish
Varietyツイスター(Tsuisutā)
TransliterationTranslation: Twister (katakana loanword)
Overview
The figure-four clamp finish for the twister from truck uses a figure-four leg configuration to lock the opponent's legs in place while applying the rotational neck crank. [1] From the truck position — where the attacker has one leg threaded between the opponent's legs — the attacker adds a figure-four clamp by hooking the foot behind the opposite knee, creating an immovable leg lock that prevents the opponent from rolling or repositioning. [1],[2] With the lower body completely immobilised by the figure-four clamp, all rotational torque generated by the arm pulling the head is transmitted directly to the cervical spine. [2] This is the highest-control twister finish because the figure-four eliminates virtually all lower-body escape options. [2],[3]
History & Origin
The figure-four clamp adaptation for the twister was refined within the 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu system, where Eddie Bravo emphasised complete lower-body immobilisation before applying the neck crank. [1] This finishing detail improved the twister's success rate and became a standard instructional point in 10th Planet curricula. [2],[3]
Effectiveness
The figure-four leg clamp provides maximum control for the twister finish — locking the legs in figure-four prevents the opponent from rotating to relieve spinal pressure [1]
Lineage
A detail from Eddie Bravo's twister system that emphasizes leg control as the key to a successful finish; the figure-four clamp concept draws from wrestling leg riding [1]
Competition Record
Standard finishing detail in 10th Planet competition; used in all major twister finishes including Chan Sung Jung's UFC finish [1]
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Position & Entry
Variants
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
Rotation cranks twist the cervical spine; among the highest-risk submission categories
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
note.com BJJ articles; Eddie Bravo 'Grappling Technique' Japanese edition (trans. 中井祐樹); JBJJF rules
Official Japanese BJJ federation — competition rules and terminology
Translated by 中井祐樹 (Nakai Yūki, 2007)
Japanese BJJ community writing platform
Standard katakana transliteration of Western martial arts terminology (外来語) — used in Japanese MMA, boxing, and BJJ communities
Japanese terminology sourced from note.com BJJ articles; Eddie Bravo 'Grappling Technique' Japanese edition (trans. 中井祐樹); JBJJF rules
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 Figure-Four Clamp Finish work?
The figure-four clamp finish for the twister from truck uses a figure-four leg configuration to lock the opponent's legs in place while applying the rotational neck crank. From the truck position — where the attacker has one leg threaded between the opponent's legs — the attacker adds a figure-four clamp by hooking the foot behind the opposite knee, creating an immovable leg lock that prevents the opponent from rolling or repositioning.
Where does the Figure-Four Clamp Finish come from?
The figure-four clamp adaptation for the twister was refined within the 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu system, where Eddie Bravo emphasised complete lower-body immobilisation before applying the neck crank. This finishing detail improved the twister's success rate and became a standard instructional point in 10th Planet curricula.
Is the Figure-Four Clamp Finish 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 Figure-Four Clamp Finish?
Danger rating 9/10. Rotation cranks twist the cervical spine; among the highest-risk submission categories
How do I set up the Figure-Four Clamp Finish?
The standard setup chain: Establish Position → Create the Threat → Secure the Hold → Finish.
How do I defend against the Figure-Four Clamp Finish?
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 Figure-Four Clamp Finish?
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 Figure-Four Clamp Finish in competition?
Standard finishing detail in 10th Planet competition; used in all major twister finishes including Chan Sung Jung's UFC finish
What are common mistakes when doing the Figure-Four Clamp Finish?
Top errors to watch for: Not locking the figure-four before twisting — the arms must be interlocked before applying rotation; twisting with lo… / Locking the figure-four too far from the head — the clamp must be behind the head, not on the shoulder or back; posit… / Applying explosive rotation — the figure-four amplifies rotational force; even progressive application creates signif… / Not maintaining the leg hook — the leg anchor is equally important as the head control; a lost leg hook negates the t….
What are other names for the Figure-Four Clamp Finish?
The Figure-Four Clamp Finish is also known as Tsuisutā, Figure-Four Twister, Locked-Leg Twister Finish.