Ankle torsion
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Supination-Pronation-Torsion·Taushif Patel
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Supination-Pronation-Torsion
SubFamily回外・回内・捻転(Kaigai / Kainai / Nenten)
TraditionalTranslation: supination-pronation-torsion
Overview
Supination-pronation torsion locks twist the forearm along its longitudinal axis, rotating the radius around the ulna and stressing the radioulnar joints and associated ligaments. [1],[2] Sankyo (三教, third teaching) in aikido is the classic rotational wrist lock that combines pronation with downward pressure. [3],[4],[5]
History & Origin
Effectiveness
Supination-pronation torsion locks rotate the forearm against its natural range, attacking the wrist and elbow simultaneously. [1]
Lineage
Rotational wrist/forearm locks appear in aikido (nikyo, sankyo), jūjutsu, and classical Japanese martial arts. [1]
Competition Record
Rotational wrist locks are used as submissions in BJJ (at brown/black belt) and occasionally in MMA. [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
✓Supination-pronation torsion locks attack the wrist and forearm through rotational force — twisting the hand palm-up (supination) or palm-down (pronation) beyond the natural range (Danaher, New Wave Jiu Jitsu, 2020)
✓These locks attack the radioulnar joint (where the radius and ulna cross) as well as the wrist — creating a compound lock that affects the forearm and wrist simultaneously
✓The pronation lock (forcing palm-down) is used in aikido's sankyo technique: the hand is rotated palm-down while the elbow is lifted — creating excruciating pain in the forearm and wrist
✓The supination lock (forcing palm-up) appears in catch wrestling's top wrist lock: the hand is rotated palm-up while the elbow is pinned — torquing the radioulnar joint
✓Torsion locks are particularly effective for standing control: the rotational force on the forearm creates whole-body compliance — the opponent follows the rotation to avoid injury
✓These locks appear during grip fighting: when the opponent's grip creates a rotational opportunity, the torsion lock can be applied instantly
✓Torsion locks connect to other submissions: the rotation often exposes the elbow for armbar attempts or the shoulder for kimura entries
Common Mistakes
!Applying torsion without fixing the elbow — the elbow must be controlled; if it moves freely, the rotation is absorbed by the shoulder instead of the wrist
!Rotating too far too fast — the forearm bones cross during rotation, and they can fracture if the torsion is applied explosively
!Not distinguishing between pronation and supination — each direction attacks different structures and is available from different positions
!Using only hand grip — torsion locks require controlling both the hand and the forearm; a hand-only grip slips during rotation
!Not maintaining constant pressure — torsion locks are most effective with steady, increasing pressure; jerky application allows escape
!Attempting from the wrong angle — the rotation axis must pass through the forearm; applying force from the wrong angle changes the lock's effect
!Ignoring the transition opportunities — torsion that doesn't finish as a submission often creates openings for other techniques
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
Aikido — Sankyo (三教); Daito-ryu Aiki-jujutsu
1BookAikido — Sankyo (三教); Daito-ryu Aiki-jujutsu
Japanese terminology sourced from Aikido — Sankyo (三教); Daito-ryu Aiki-jujutsu
2Oral TraditionDaito-ryu Aiki-jujutsu
Classical aiki-jujutsu tradition
3SyllabusAikido Terminology
Aikido technique naming conventions
Standard Japanese martial arts terminology (kanji/hiragana)
5OtherJapanese Martial Arts Standard Terminology (武道用語)
Established Japanese martial arts naming convention — native Japanese term (和語/漢語)
6CitationAikido — Sankyo (三教); Daito-ryu Aiki-jujutsu
Japanese terminology sourced from Aikido — Sankyo (三教); Daito-ryu Aiki-jujutsu
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
How does the Supination-Pronation-Torsion work?
Supination-pronation torsion locks twist the forearm along its longitudinal axis, rotating the radius around the ulna and stressing the radioulnar joints and associated ligaments. Sankyo (三教, third teaching) in aikido is the classic rotational wrist lock that combines pronation with downward pressure.
Where does the Supination-Pronation-Torsion come from?
Sankyo is the third foundational technique in aikido's curriculum, derived from Daito-ryū Aiki-jūjutsu. Rotational wrist locks are used across Japanese martial arts for joint control and pain compliance.
Is the Supination-Pronation-Torsion 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 Supination-Pronation-Torsion?
Danger rating 5/10. Wrist lock variant targeting carpal and radioulnar joints through forced deviation or torsion
How do I set up the Supination-Pronation-Torsion?
The standard setup chain: Establish Position → Create the Threat → Secure the Hold → Finish.
How do I defend against the Supination-Pronation-Torsion?
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 Supination-Pronation-Torsion?
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 Supination-Pronation-Torsion in competition?
Rotational wrist locks are used as submissions in BJJ (at brown/black belt) and occasionally in MMA.
What are common mistakes when doing the Supination-Pronation-Torsion?
Top errors to watch for: Applying torsion without fixing the elbow — the elbow must be controlled; if it moves freely, the rotation is absorbe… / Rotating too far too fast — the forearm bones cross during rotation, and they can fracture if the torsion is applied … / Not distinguishing between pronation and supination — each direction attacks different structures and is available fr… / Using only hand grip — torsion locks require controlling both the hand and the forearm; a hand-only grip slips during….
What are other names for the Supination-Pronation-Torsion?
The Supination-Pronation-Torsion is also known as Kaigai / Kainai / Nenten, Torsion Wrist Lock, Rotational Wrist Lock, Kote-hineri.