twister side control / the truck / back
0
Figure-Four Clamp Finish·Black Dragon BJJ / Cobra Kai Karate Dungannon
black dragon brazilian jiu jitsu class wednesday 2nd december 2015 TWISTER SIDE CONTROL / THE TRUCK / BACK dungannon lei…
Translation: Twister (katakana loanword)
Range & classification
Category
Strike & defenceLocksClose rangeFighting multiple people
Distance
CloseMiddleLong
Body target
Upper bodyMiddle bodyLower body
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]
Country of origin· shown in random order
- BrazilBJJ, Submission Grappling, MMA
- JapanBJJ, Judo, Submission Grappling
- USASubmission Grappling, MMA
- RussiaSambo
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]
Images
No images yet for this technique.
Sign in to suggest an image.
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
Variants
Standard grip variation — primary hand configuration for maximum choking pressure
Gi variation — uses the lapel or collar as an anchor for additional friction and control
No-gi variation — adapted grip and positioning for submission grappling without the gi
Transition finish — applied during a positional change to catch the opponent off-guard
Videos
1 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
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
— 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 figure-four clamp finish for the twister uses a figure-four arm lock behind the opponent's head to create maximum rotational leverage — the arms lock together behind the head and twist using the figure-four structure (Bravo, Mastering the Rubber Guard, 2006)
✓The figure-four arm configuration: one arm reaches over the head and grips the bicep of the other arm, while the second arm presses behind the head — the interlocked arms create a rigid frame for rotation
✓The 'clamp' refers to the figure-four pressing against the back of the head: as the arms rotate the head, the figure-four clamps the head and prevents it from slipping out
✓From the truck or back ride: with the leg hook established, thread the arms into the figure-four behind the head — then twist the head using the figure-four as the handle
✓The figure-four clamp is the strongest twister finish: the interlocked arms generate more rotational force than a single-hand grip, and the clamp prevents the head from escaping
✓The finish: rotate the figure-four in the direction opposite the hooked leg — the spine is twisted between the fixed lower body and the powerfully rotated upper body
✓The figure-four clamp finish is Eddie Bravo's standard twister completion: it provides the structural advantage that makes the twister reliable at high levels
Common Mistakes
!Not locking the figure-four before twisting — the arms must be interlocked before applying rotation; twisting with loose arms reduces leverage and allows escape
!Locking the figure-four too far from the head — the clamp must be behind the head, not on the shoulder or back; position determines the effectiveness
!Applying explosive rotation — the figure-four amplifies rotational force; even progressive application creates significant spinal stress
!Not maintaining the leg hook — the leg anchor is equally important as the head control; a lost leg hook negates the twister
!Twisting in the wrong direction — twist the head AWAY from the hooked leg; same-direction twisting loosens the position
!Not practising the figure-four arm threading — the specific arm position behind the head requires drilling; unfamiliar practitioners struggle with the threading
!Holding maximum rotation — release immediately on tap; the figure-four's mechanical advantage makes the twister extremely powerful at end range
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
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
2BookEddie Bravo — Grappling Technique: Rubber Guard (Japanese Edition)
Translated by 中井祐樹 (Nakai Yūki, 2007)
Japanese BJJ community writing platform
4OtherJapanese Combat Sports Katakana Convention
Standard katakana transliteration of Western martial arts terminology (外来語) — used in Japanese MMA, boxing, and BJJ communities
5Citationnote.com BJJ articles; Eddie Bravo 'Grappling Technique' Japanese edition (trans. 中井祐樹); JBJJF rules
Japanese terminology sourced from note.com BJJ articles; Eddie Bravo 'Grappling Technique' Japanese edition (trans. 中井祐樹); 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
How do I prevent my opponent from escaping the figure-four clamp by turning into me?
Control your opponent's right knee as they turn into you—if you don't control this leg, they can bring their knee underneath and use a grapevine to roll out. Keep your body off the mat and use your weight to maintain chest-to-chest pressure from day one of establishing the position.
What's the correct knee positioning for the figure-four clamp finish?
Block the opponent's hip off with your left knee instead of your right knee, and keep your body elevated off the mat at all times—if your body settles on the mat, your opponent gains escape opportunities.
How can I transition from the figure-four clamp to the back?
Get two hands on your opponent's foot to secure the lockdown, then grip the foot and take them over—this is the primary movement to advance to the back position.
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.