How to do the Greco Neck Lock BJJ Move by Josh Barnett
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Neck Lock·BJJ Fanatics
Josh Barnett teaches how to do the Greco Neck Lock in this BJJ Training video. https://bjjfanatics.com This sample clip…
Neck Lock
Family首関節技(Kubi Kansetsu Waza)
Translation: Neck joint technique
Overview
The Neck Lock family covers joint lock submissions that target the cervical spine through cranking, twisting, or compressing the neck beyond its normal range of motion — among the most dangerous and controversial techniques in grappling. [1] Unlike chokes that restrict blood or air flow, neck cranks attack the vertebral joints and surrounding ligaments of the cervical spine, causing intense pain and the risk of serious spinal injury including disc herniation, vertebral fracture, and nerve damage. [1],[2] The most well-known neck cranks include the can opener (pulling the head forward from inside guard), the Twister (10th Planet spinal crank from the Truck position), the neck crank from back control, and various cervical spine attacks from cradle positions. [2],[3] Due to the severity of potential injuries, neck cranks are banned or restricted in many competition formats — they are illegal in IBJJF gi competition, controversial in no-gi, and permitted in MMA and some submission grappling formats. [3]
Neck CrankCervical LockNeck TwistKubi Hishigi
History & Origin
Neck cranks have been used in combat throughout history — catch wrestling included neck attacks ('hooks') as part of its submission repertoire. [1] In BJJ, neck cranks were historically controversial — many instructors discouraged them as 'dirty' techniques, while others incorporated them into self-defence curricula. [1],[2] The Twister, codified by Eddie Bravo (10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu), brought a specific neck/spinal crank into the modern grappling conversation and sparked debate about the legitimacy and safety of cervical attacks in competition. [2],[3] The medical research on cervical spine injuries in combat sports has reinforced the controversy around neck cranks, with many governing bodies restricting or banning them. [3]
Effectiveness
Neck cranks are effective submissions when legally applicable — they create extreme pain and the risk of serious injury, forcing most opponents to tap. [1] The Twister has produced numerous submission victories at EBI and ADCC. [2] However, neck cranks are less efficient than chokes (which cause unconsciousness quickly) and carry significantly higher injury risk, making them controversial in the grappling community. [3]
Lineage
Competition Record
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — Applying rotational, flexion, or extension forces to the cervical spine beyond its normal range of motion, stressing the intervertebral discs, ligaments, and facet joints
Joints Involved — Cervical vertebrae (C1-C7 — the seven neck vertebrae are the target; the technique stresses the intervertebral discs and facet joints between these vertebrae), the atlanto-axial joint (C1-C2 — the most vulnerable cervical joint, allowing head rotation)
Force Vector — Rotation (Twister — rotating the head and upper body in opposite directions), Flexion (can opener — pulling the head forward toward the chest), Extension (pulling the head backward), Lateral flexion (bending the neck sideways)
Lock Mechanic — Neck cranks work by applying force to the head while the torso is stabilised (or vice versa) — the cervical spine, being the weakest link connecting the head to the body, absorbs the force; because the cervical spine has limited rotational and flexion range, relatively small forces can cause significant damage
Position & Entry
Can opener from inside guard — From inside the opponent's closed guard, clasp both hands behind the opponent's head and pull their head toward their chest while driving the hips forward — the cervical spine is compressed between the pulling force and the body's resistance; this is both a pain-compliance technique and a guard break [1]
Twister from Truck — From the Truck position, control the opponent's near arm, then rotate their upper body while their lower body is locked in place — the cervical spine is cranked as the torso rotates in opposite directions; this is a 10th Planet signature technique
Neck crank from back control — From rear mount, instead of choking, clasp hands around the opponent's chin or forehead and pull laterally or backward — cranking the neck rather than choking [2]
Videos
1 video
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
9
Extreme9/10
Neck cranks target the cervical spine, one of the most vulnerable and critical structures in the body; cervical spine injuries can cause paralysis, permanent nerve damage, disc herniation, and in extreme cases, death; the risk-to-reward ratio makes neck cranks controversial in training and competition
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Intermediate
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
Illegal
— kansetsu-waza
IJF Sport and Organisation Rules 2025, Article 27PDFLegal
— IBJJF — Legal at all belt levels
IBJJF Rules Book v6.0, June 2024PDF— ADCC — Legal — all submissions legal in ADCC
ADCC Rules Update, April 2025PDF— Unified MMA — Legal submission technique
Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025PDF— FIAS Sport Sambo — Legal
FIAS International Sambo Competition RulesPDF— FIAS Combat Sambo — Legal
FIAS Combat Sambo RulesPDFTraining Notes
✓Neck cranks should be trained with extreme caution — the cervical spine is vulnerable and injuries can be permanent; always apply slowly and the defender must tap IMMEDIATELY at the first sign of cervical pressure [1]
✓Know the rules of your competition format — neck cranks are banned in many formats; applying illegal techniques results in disqualification
✓The can opener is the most commonly encountered neck crank — it is used as a guard break in many grappling contexts; understanding its mechanics is important for both offence and defence
✓Twister training should follow Eddie Bravo's progressive methodology — learn the Truck position control before the Twister submission; never apply the Twister at full speed in training [2]
✓Distinguish between chokes and cranks — many techniques (guillotine, front headlock) can function as either a choke or a crank depending on positioning; the choke is generally preferred because it is more efficient and less controversial
✓Neck conditioning (isometric neck exercises) provides some protection against cranking but does not eliminate the risk
✓Tap early to any cervical pressure — there is no safe way to 'tough out' a neck crank; the potential consequences (paralysis, nerve damage) are too severe to risk
Common Mistakes
!Applying neck cranks at full speed in training — this is extremely dangerous; cervical spine injuries can be permanent
!Not tapping early enough — stubbornness against neck cranks can result in serious spinal injury
!Using the can opener as a primary technique — it is a pain compliance move that experienced grapplers can absorb; relying on it indicates a lack of proper guard passing technique
!Confusing cranks with chokes — applying a guillotine as a crank (chin-strapping) rather than a proper choke is less effective and more likely to injure
!Not knowing the competition rules — applying an illegal neck crank in IBJJF competition results in disqualification
!Training neck cranks without understanding the anatomy — knowledge of cervical spine anatomy helps practitioners understand why these techniques are dangerous and how to apply them safely when legal
!Ignoring neck conditioning — basic neck strengthening exercises provide some resilience against cranking
Related Techniques
Choke — the alternative neck-attacking method that restricts blood/air flowTwister — the most famous modern neck/spinal crankCan Opener — the most commonly encountered neck crankArm Lock — upper-body joint locks that share principles with neck locksCatch Wrestling — the historical tradition most associated with neck attacks
Counter Techniques
Chin Tuck — tucking the chin prevents many neck cranks from accessing the cervical spineTurn Into the Crank — rotating toward the cranking direction relieves pressureHand Fight — stripping the grips before the crank is fully establishedPosture Up — in the can opener, driving the hips forward and posturing up counteracts the pulling forceAddress the Position — escaping the controlling position (Truck, back control, front headlock) prevents the crank from being applied
Setup Chain
1Establish Controlling Position — achieve back control, Truck, front headlock, or inside guard
2Secure Head Control — establish grips on the head, chin, or forehead
3Stabilise the Body — ensure the opponent's torso is controlled or stabilised
4Apply Force — rotate, flex, or extend the neck beyond normal range
5Maintain Pressure — controlled application until the opponent taps
6Release — immediately release upon the tap; never hold neck cranks after submission
Sources & References
Primary Source
Twister (Eddie Bravo, 2007)
1BookJiu-Jitsu University (Ribeiro, 2008)
Description sources — [1] Catch wrestling neck attack traditions [2] Twister (Bravo, 2007) [3] Medical research on cervical spine injuries in combat sports
2BookTwister (Bravo, 2007)
3BookMastering Jujitsu (Gracie & Danaher, 2003)
4BookMedical Aspects of Boxing (Unterharnscheidt, 2003)
5CitationJiu-Jitsu University (Ribeiro, 2008)
Description sources — [1] Catch wrestling neck attack traditions [2] Twister (Bravo, 2007) [3] Medical research on cervical spine injuries in combat sports
6CitationTwister (Bravo, 2007)
7CitationMastering Jujitsu (Gracie & Danaher, 2003)
8CitationMedical Aspects of Boxing (Unterharnscheidt, 2003)
Community
Athletics
Requires
understanding of cervical anatomy (critical for safe application), positional control (the neck can only be cranked when the opponent's body is controlled), responsible training mindset
Favours
upper body strength (pulling force for cranks), positional control ability
Key muscles
biceps and forearms (pulling the head), core (stabilising while cranking), shoulders (driving force into the crank)
Sub-techniques
Notes
Neck locks (cranks) attack the cervical spine through forced rotation, extension, or lateral flexion. More dangerous than blood chokes because the spine tolerates less force than the carotid arteries. The can opener, twister, and neck crank are the primary neck lock techniques. Restricted at lower belt levels in IBJJF. (IBJJF Rules v6.0; Danaher, Enter the System)
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I secure the neck lock position once I've turned my opponent?
Once you have your opponent turned, focus on keeping the position locked in place. Josh Barnett emphasizes that securing this lock is more important than the initial turning motion, as it allows you to drive your hips through for the finish.
How does the Neck Lock work?
The Neck Lock family covers joint lock submissions that target the cervical spine through cranking, twisting, or compressing the neck beyond its normal range of motion — among the most dangerous and controversial techniques in grappling. Unlike chokes that restrict blood or air flow, neck cranks attack the vertebral joints and surrounding ligaments of the cervical spine, causing intense pain and the risk of serious spinal injury including disc herniation, vertebral fracture, and nerve damage.
Where does the Neck Lock come from?
Neck cranks have been used in combat throughout history — catch wrestling included neck attacks ('hooks') as part of its submission repertoire. In BJJ, neck cranks were historically controversial — many instructors discouraged them as 'dirty' techniques, while others incorporated them into self-defence curricula.
Is the Neck Lock legal in competition?
IBJJF: legal — Legal at all belt levels; IJF: banned — Only elbow joint locks (kansetsu-waza) permitted in judo — all other joint lo…; ADCC: legal — Legal — all submissions legal in ADCC; Unified MMA: legal — Legal submission technique; FIAS Sport Sambo: legal — Legal; FIAS Combat Sambo: legal — Legal
How dangerous is the Neck Lock?
Danger rating 9/10. Very high — neck cranks target the cervical spine, one of the most vulnerable and critical structures in the body; cervical spine injuries can cause paralysis, permanent nerve damage, disc herniation, and in extreme cases, death; the risk-to-reward ratio makes neck cranks controversial in training and competition
How do I set up the Neck Lock?
The standard setup chain: Establish Controlling Position → Secure Head Control → Stabilise the Body → Apply Force → Maintain Pressure → Release.
How do I defend against the Neck Lock?
Standard counters include: Chin Tuck — tucking the chin prevents many neck cranks from accessing the cervical spine / Turn Into the Crank — rotating toward the cranking direction relieves pressure / Hand Fight — stripping the grips before the crank is fully established / Posture Up — in the can opener, driving the hips forward and posturing up counteracts the pulling force.
What are the variants of the Neck Lock?
Common variants: Can opener (pulling the head forward from inside guard; a pain compli…); Twister (10th Planet spinal crank from the Truck position; attacks…); Neck crank from back control (cranking the head laterally or backward from behind); Full nelson crank (clasping hands behind the opponent's head from behind and…); Crucifix neck crank (attacking the neck while the opponent's arms are trapped …); Cervical lock from front headlock (applying rotational or compression force to the neck from…); Guillotine as neck crank (a guillotine applied with the forearm under the chin rath…).
How effective is the Neck Lock in competition?
Neck cranks are effective when legal — the Twister has produced finishes at EBI and ADCC. The can opener is commonly used in MMA and no-gi grappling.
What are common mistakes when doing the Neck Lock?
Top errors to watch for: Applying neck cranks at full speed in training — this is extremely dangerous; cervical spine injuries can be permanent / Not tapping early enough — stubbornness against neck cranks can result in serious spinal injury / Using the can opener as a primary technique — it is a pain compliance move that experienced grapplers can absorb; rel… / Confusing cranks with chokes — applying a guillotine as a crank (chin-strapping) rather than a proper choke is less e….
What are other names for the Neck Lock?
The Neck Lock is also known as Kubi Kansetsu Waza, Neck Crank, Cervical Lock, Neck Twist, Kubi Hishigi.