The Easiest Way to do the Twister
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Standard TwisterΒ·Stephan Kesting
How to do the Twister Submission the easiest way. By Stephan Kesting from http://www.grapplearts.com
Translation: Twister (katakana loanword)
Range & classification
Category
Strike & defenceLocksClose rangeFighting multiple people
Distance
CloseMiddleLong
Body target
Upper bodyMiddle bodyLower body
Overview
The standard twister from truck is the signature cervical rotation submission of the 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu system, applied from the truck position by rotating the opponent's spine along its longitudinal axis. [1] From truck β where the attacker's legs are threaded through and controlling the opponent's lower body β one arm threads behind the opponent's head while the other grips the far leg, then the attacker rotates the upper body in the opposite direction from the lower body. [1],[2] This counter-rotation creates extreme torsional stress on the entire spinal column, particularly the cervical and thoracic segments. [2] The standard twister is one of the most dramatic and dangerous spinal submissions in grappling, capable of causing serious injury if applied without control. [2],[3]
History & Origin
Eddie Bravo popularised the twister as a centrepiece of his 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu system beginning in the early 2000s, crediting the technique's origins to professional wrestling's guillotine hold. [1] The twister gained mainstream recognition when Bravo's students, including Chan Sung Jung ('The Korean Zombie'), applied it in UFC competition. [2],[3]
Country of originΒ· shown in random order
- BrazilBJJ, Submission Grappling, MMA
- JapanBJJ, Judo, Submission Grappling
- USASubmission Grappling, MMA
- RussiaSambo
Effectiveness
The standard twister is a devastating rotational spinal lock that attacks the entire spine β when fully applied, it creates rotation in the thoracic and cervical spine that is nearly impossible to resist [1]
Lineage
Created by Eddie Bravo as an evolution of the wrestler's guillotine. First codified in the 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu system in the early 2000s. Named 'twister' by Bravo for the rotational spinal mechanic [1]
Competition Record
The most famous twister finish in combat sports is Chan Sung Jung vs. Leonard Garcia (UFC, 2011). Regular feature at 10th Planet invitational events. Rare at ADCC/IBJJF [1]
Images
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action β Cross-collar or lapel-driven compression of the carotid arteries using gi material as a friction anchor
Joints Involved β Cervical spine (flexion or lateral bend), wrists and forearms (grip and rotation)
Force Vector β Opposing forearm rotation creates a scissors effect across both sides of the neck
Gi Factor β Lapel fabric increases friction and distributes force over a wider surface area, making the choke harder to escape
Position & Entry
From controlling position (gi) β Secure the necessary collar or lapel grips, configure hands for the choke, and apply opposing rotational pressure
From guard (gi) β Break posture and secure deep collar grips, feed the choke and angle to finish
From back control (gi) β Establish collar grip access, feed the second hand and apply the cross-collar squeeze
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 standard twister applies the spinal lock from the truck position using Eddie Bravo's systematised entry β the truck provides the leg entanglement while the arms rotate the upper body for the spine lock (Bravo, Mastering the Rubber Guard, 2006)
βThe standard twister path: back control β truck position (half-back with leg entanglement) β head control β spinal rotation β finish
βFrom the truck: the attacker's legs entangle one of the opponent's legs (lockdown or calf slicer configuration) while the attacker is partially behind the opponent β the leg entanglement anchors the lower body
βThe head control: reach over the opponent and grip the far side of the head with a figure-four, gable grip, or single-hand grip β this provides the handle for the rotation
βThe twisting motion: with the leg anchored and the head controlled, rotate the upper body away from the leg β the spine is caught between the fixed lower body and the rotating upper body
βThe standard twister is Eddie Bravo's signature technique: he systematised the entry through the truck position and demonstrated it in competition against Royler Gracie
βThe standard twister is the most common version: the truck-to-twister path is the most taught and drilled entry in BJJ
Common Mistakes
!Attempting the twist without the truck established β the truck position (leg entanglement + partial back control) must be secure before the twist
!Not controlling the far hip with the leg entanglement β the entanglement must prevent hip rotation; if the opponent can rotate their hips, the twist loses its anchor
!Reaching for the head before the truck is locked β establish the leg control first; reaching for the head from an unlocked truck often results in losing the position
!Applying explosive rotation β the standard twister is the most commonly applied version; progressive application prevents injury in training
!Twisting toward the hooked leg β twist AWAY from the leg; same-direction twisting loosens the entanglement
!Not having the truck entry drilled β the truck is the platform; without a reliable entry, the twister is inaccessible
!Holding maximum twist β the spinal lock at end range is dangerous; release on tap immediately
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
What should I do if my opponent starts to escape the rear mount before I can set up the Twister?
Stephan Kesting suggests transitioning from full rear mount to half back control to maintain position rather than lose it entirely, especially if your opponent removes a hook or begins escaping.
How careful do I need to be when practicing the Twister?
Stephan Kesting emphasizes being especially careful when training with higher-level partners, as the Twister can cause paralysis and serious injury if not controlled properly.
How does the Standard Twister work?
The standard twister from truck is the signature cervical rotation submission of the 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu system, applied from the truck position by rotating the opponent's spine along its longitudinal axis. From truck β where the attacker's legs are threaded through and controlling the opponent's lower body β one arm threads behind the opponent's head while the other grips the far leg, then the attacker rotates the upper body in the opposite direction from the lower body.
Where does the Standard Twister come from?
Eddie Bravo popularised the twister as a centrepiece of his 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu system beginning in the early 2000s, crediting the technique's origins to professional wrestling's guillotine hold. The twister gained mainstream recognition when Bravo's students, including Chan Sung Jung ('The Korean Zombie'), applied it in UFC competition.
Is the Standard 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 Standard Twister?
Danger rating 9/10. Rotation cranks twist the cervical spine; among the highest-risk submission categories
How do I set up the Standard Twister?
The standard setup chain: Establish Position β Create the Threat β Secure the Hold β Finish.
How do I defend against the Standard 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 Standard 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 Standard Twister in competition?
The most famous twister finish in combat sports is Chan Sung Jung vs. Leonard Garcia (UFC, 2011).
What are common mistakes when doing the Standard Twister?
Top errors to watch for: Attempting the twist without the truck established β the truck position (leg entanglement + partial back control) musβ¦ / Not controlling the far hip with the leg entanglement β the entanglement must prevent hip rotation; if the opponent cβ¦ / Reaching for the head before the truck is locked β establish the leg control first; reaching for the head from an unlβ¦ / Applying explosive rotation β the standard twister is the most commonly applied version; progressive application prevβ¦.
What are other names for the Standard Twister?
The Standard Twister is also known as TsuisutΔ, Classic Twister, Truck-Position Twister, Eddie Bravo Twister.