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Gooseneck Extension
Genusグースネック伸ばし(Gūsu Nekku Nobashi)
HybridTranslation: gooseneck extension
Overview
The gooseneck extension wrist lock bends the wrist backward while curling the fingers downward, creating a shape resembling a goose's neck. [1],[2] The attacker grips the back of the opponent's hand and pushes it toward the forearm while simultaneously curling the fingers, compounding the extension pressure on the wrist with flexion pressure on the finger joints. [1],[3] This double-action makes the gooseneck particularly painful and difficult to resist. [1] It is commonly applied from wrist control positions in standing or from top positions in ground grappling. [1],[4]
History & Origin
Gooseneck wrist locks are prevalent in aikido (kote-gaeshi variations), traditional jujutsu, and Chinese chin na as a fundamental joint manipulation technique. [1],[2],[3] The technique has been used in law enforcement and self-defense systems worldwide due to its effectiveness at controlling a standing opponent with minimal force. [1],[4]
Effectiveness
Gooseneck extension hyperextends the wrist backward, attacking the joint from the opposite direction of the standard gooseneck. [1]
Lineage
Wrist extension locks appear in jūjutsu, aikido, and military combatives. [1]
Competition Record
Wrist extension locks are used as surprise submissions at advanced BJJ competition. [1]
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — Forced flexion, extension, or rotation of the wrist beyond its normal range of motion
Joints Involved — Radiocarpal joint (wrist), intercarpal joints, distal radioulnar joint
Force Vector — Two-point control — one hand stabilises the forearm while the other drives the wrist into flexion, extension, or deviation
Vulnerability — Small joint with limited muscular protection makes it susceptible to sudden, low-force submissions
Position & Entry
From any grip exchange — During grip fighting, isolate the opponent's wrist with two-on-one control and apply sudden flexion or rotation
From guard (gi) — When opponent posts a hand on the mat or chest, trap the wrist and apply downward pressure for the wrist lock
From mount or side control — Opponent posts to escape, trap the wrist against the mat and apply the lock
Variants
Standard wrist lock (kote gaeshi) — two-handed rotational lock on the wrist
Gooseneck wrist lock — flexion lock bending the wrist down toward the forearm
Standing wrist lock — applied during grip fighting or a standing exchange
Ground wrist lock — catching the opponent's posted hand from mount, side control, or guard
Videos
1 video
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
5
High5/10
Wrist lock variant targeting carpal and radioulnar joints through forced deviation or torsion
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Advanced
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
✓The gooseneck (swan neck) hyperextends the wrist by bending the hand backward using a specific thumb-on-back-of-hand grip — the attacker's thumb drives into the back of the opponent's hand while the fingers wrap around the palm (Danaher, New Wave Jiu Jitsu, 2020)
✓The gooseneck creates a tight, precise extension: the thumb acts as a focused pressure point on the metacarpals while the fingers pull the palm — two forces creating the hyperextension
✓The gooseneck is applied during grip fighting: when the opponent grabs your lapel or sleeve, the gooseneck attacks the gripping hand directly
✓The lock works by pressing the opponent's hand into a 'gooseneck' shape — the wrist bends backward past 90 degrees while the fingers are curled forward
✓The gooseneck extension is particularly effective in gi: the opponent's gi grip prevents them from releasing their hand, making the lock inescapable
✓In aikido and traditional jujutsu, the gooseneck (kote-gaeshi variation) is used as a standing compliance technique — it controls through wrist pain
✓The gooseneck extension is one of the fastest submissions in grappling: from the moment the grip is secured, the lock can be applied in under a second
Common Mistakes
!Not positioning the thumb correctly — the thumb must press into the back of the hand between the metacarpal bones; wrong thumb position reduces effectiveness
!Using finger grip only — the gooseneck requires the thumb's focused pressure combined with the finger wrap; fingers alone are insufficient
!Attempting against a released grip — the gooseneck works best when the opponent is actively gripping; once they release, the hand can escape
!Not controlling the forearm — the forearm must be stabilised for the wrist extension to be effective
!Applying too slowly — the gooseneck must be applied quickly before the opponent recognises the threat and adjusts their grip
!Using excessive force — the wrist hyperextends rapidly with the gooseneck; minimal force creates maximum effect
!Not training both sides — the gooseneck should be practised against both left and right hand grips
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
Koryu Jujutsu / Aikido — sori-gaeshi (bending back)
1BookKoryu Jujutsu / Aikido — sori-gaeshi (bending back)
Japanese terminology sourced from Koryu Jujutsu / Aikido — sori-gaeshi (bending back)
2Oral TraditionKoryu Jujutsu (Classical Japanese Jujutsu)
Classical schools: Tenjin Shin'yo-ryu, Takenouchi-ryu, etc.
3SyllabusAikido Terminology
Aikido technique naming conventions
4OtherJapanese Martial Arts Hybrid Terminology
Mixed Japanese-Western terminology — combines traditional Japanese terms with katakana loanwords
5CitationKoryu Jujutsu / Aikido — sori-gaeshi (bending back)
Japanese terminology sourced from Koryu Jujutsu / Aikido — sori-gaeshi (bending back)
Community
Athletics
Requires
fine motor control, grip sensitivity, quick hand transitions
Favours
dexterous hands with strong fingers
Key muscles
forearm flexors and extensors, intrinsic hand muscles
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a gooseneck extension and when do I use it?
A gooseneck is a wrist bend created by holding your opponent's forearm in a way that forces their wrist to bend, typically delivered as a finishing strike after securing control of their arm and elbow.
How do I set up the gooseneck so my opponent can't escape?
Use a two-on-one grip on their arm, strike their elbow to prevent them from bending it, and pull their arm past your body while keeping control at the elbow—this prevents them from folding their arm and allows you to transition into the wrist lock.
What happens if I let my opponent bend their elbow during the setup?
If you allow their elbow to bend as you pull their arm, you risk them pulling that elbow into themselves and escaping the position, so you must strike and control the elbow to keep the arm extended.
How does the Gooseneck Extension work?
The gooseneck extension wrist lock bends the wrist backward while curling the fingers downward, creating a shape resembling a goose's neck. The attacker grips the back of the opponent's hand and pushes it toward the forearm while simultaneously curling the fingers, compounding the extension pressure on the wrist with flexion pressure on the finger joints.
Where does the Gooseneck Extension come from?
Gooseneck wrist locks are prevalent in aikido (kote-gaeshi variations), traditional jujutsu, and Chinese chin na as a fundamental joint manipulation technique. The technique has been used in law enforcement and self-defense systems worldwide due to its effectiveness at controlling a standing opponent with minimal force.
Is the Gooseneck Extension 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 Gooseneck Extension?
Danger rating 5/10. Wrist lock variant targeting carpal and radioulnar joints through forced deviation or torsion
How do I set up the Gooseneck Extension?
The standard setup chain: Establish Position → Create the Threat → Secure the Hold → Finish.
How do I defend against the Gooseneck Extension?
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 Gooseneck Extension?
Common variants: Standard wrist lock (kote gaeshi) (two-handed rotational lock on the wrist); Gooseneck wrist lock (flexion lock bending the wrist down toward the forearm); Standing wrist lock (applied during grip fighting or a standing exchange); Ground wrist lock (catching the opponent's posted hand from mount, side cont…).
How effective is the Gooseneck Extension in competition?
Wrist extension locks are used as surprise submissions at advanced BJJ competition.
What are common mistakes when doing the Gooseneck Extension?
Top errors to watch for: Not positioning the thumb correctly — the thumb must press into the back of the hand between the metacarpal bones; wr… / Using finger grip only — the gooseneck requires the thumb's focused pressure combined with the finger wrap; fingers a… / Attempting against a released grip — the gooseneck works best when the opponent is actively gripping; once they relea… / Not controlling the forearm — the forearm must be stabilised for the wrist extension to be effective.
What are other names for the Gooseneck Extension?
The Gooseneck Extension is also known as Gūsu Nekku Nobashi, Gooseneck Wrist Lock, Swan Neck Lock, Dorsal Gooseneck.