Tree Top Finish + Shoryuken Finish
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Tree-Top Finish·Still Rolling·Added by Admin
How to finish the single leg
Tree-Top Finish
Genusツリートップフィニッシュ(Tsurī Toppu Finisshu)
TransliterationTranslation: tree-top finish (katakana)
Overview
The Tree-Top Finish completes the single leg by elevating the captured leg as high as possible — over the attacker's shoulder — so the opponent is balanced on one foot with their leg extended nearly vertical. [1] The extreme elevation makes balance impossible, and the opponent falls backward as their centre of gravity shifts behind the supporting foot. [1],[2] The tree-top requires significant upper body strength to elevate the leg overhead while maintaining control. [2] The finish is named for the visual image of the opponent's foot being lifted 'to the tree tops' while they topple backward. [2],[3]
History & Origin
Effectiveness
The tree-top finish (also called the high-crotch lift finish) is effective because elevating the captured leg above the opponent's hip line makes it nearly impossible for them to maintain balance. [1] The technique requires the attacker to stand fully upright with the leg elevated, then use a lateral dump or forward drive to complete the takedown. [1]
Lineage
The tree-top finish elevates the captured leg high above the opponent's centre of gravity, forcing them to hop backward before driving them to the mat. [1]
Competition Record
The tree-top finish is used in folkstyle and freestyle competition, particularly against opponents who maintain good balance on one leg. [1]
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — Isolation of one leg — controlling a single support point destabilises the opponent's base
Joints Involved — Attacker's lead knee (penetration step), hips (level change and lifting), opponent's knee and hip (controlled)
Force Vector — Lateral and upward — lifting or sweeping the captured leg while driving the shoulder into the opponent's body
Finishing Mechanic — Varies by finish — run-the-pipe (forward drive), trip (inside/outside foot trip), or lift (elevation of captured leg)
Position & Entry
From wrestling stance — Level change with a penetration step, drive head into opponent's hip, secure one leg and lift or drive to finish
From collar tie — Use head control to set up the shot, change levels and shoot to the lead leg
From reaction to opponent's attack — When opponent overcommits, catch the exposed leg and counter into the single-leg
Variants
Inside single — shooting to the inside of the lead leg, head inside position
Outside single — attacking from the outside of the lead leg
High crotch — securing the thigh above the knee with head in the hip
Low single — attacking the ankle from outside range without deep penetration
Videos
1 video
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
3
Moderate3/10
Single leg is one of the safest takedowns; controlled descent (John Smith methodology)
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Beginner
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
Illegal
— IJF — Banned since 2010 leg grab prohibition — direct han...
IJF Sport and Organisation Rules 2025, Article 27PDFRestricted
Legal
— 2 points
IBJJF Rules Book v6.0, June 2024PDF— Unified MMA — Legal takedown technique
Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025PDF— ADCC — Legal, scored 2-4 points in second half of match
ADCC Rules Update, April 2025PDF— FIAS Sport Sambo — Legal — all takedowns permitted
FIAS International Sambo Competition RulesPDF— FIAS Combat Sambo — Legal
FIAS Combat Sambo RulesPDF— 2 points
NCAA Wrestling Rules 2025-26PDFTraining Notes
✓Elevate the captured leg as high as possible — above your shoulder if you can reach it
✓With the leg raised nearly vertical, the opponent is balanced on one foot with no ability to generate force
✓Maintain upper body control with your head and free hand to prevent them from grabbing you
✓From the tree-top position, a gentle push or pull in any direction finishes the takedown
✓Keep your own base wide and low while elevating the leg — you need stability
✓The tree-top is the ultimate single-leg finish when you have the strength to elevate fully
Common Mistakes
!Not elevating high enough — a half-tree-top with the leg at waist height is easy to defend
!Losing your own balance because your base is too narrow while holding the elevated leg
!Letting the opponent grab your head or body from the tree-top position for a counter
!Taking too long to finish from the top position — push them over before they adjust
!Only elevating with arm strength instead of stepping in close and using your shoulder as a shelf
!Not controlling the upper body, so the opponent can grab your leg for a counter-single
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Sprawl — drop hips back and drive weight down to stuff the takedown attemptUnderhook — establish inside position to control distance and prevent the takedown entryPost and Circle — post on the attacker's head and circle away to break their angleLevel Change Defence — recognize the shot early and react with appropriate hip defence
Setup Chain
1Establish Contact — use grip, tie, or clinch to control the opponent
2Create Off-Balance — use push-pull action to disrupt the opponent's base
3Execute the Takedown — apply the specific takedown mechanic with commitment
4Follow to Ground — maintain control as the opponent goes down to secure position
Sources & References
Primary Source
Japanese amateur wrestling terminology
1OtherJapanese Martial Arts Community Terminology
Japanese amateur wrestling terminology
2OtherJapanese Combat Sports Katakana Convention
Standard katakana transliteration of Western martial arts terminology (外来語) — used in Japanese MMA, boxing, and BJJ communities
3CitationJapanese amateur wrestling terminology
Standard katakana transliteration used in Japanese wrestling (レスリング)
Community
Athletics
Requires
penetration step speed, upper body endurance for finishing, balance
Favours
longer arms for reach, quick hips for level change
Key muscles
quadriceps, hip flexors, shoulders, grip/forearms
Frequently Asked Questions
Which hand should I use to slide down when setting up the Tree-Top Finish?
Either hand can slide down, whichever you prefer. According to Still Rolling, it doesn't matter which hand you choose to grip with—the technique works effectively either way.
How do I control my opponent's hands during the Tree-Top Finish setup?
Keep pressure on your opponent and maintain control up high to prevent them from grabbing you. Still Rolling emphasizes keeping grip control (behind the shoulder, front, or inner grip) while preventing them from establishing their own grips.
What should I do if my opponent is too strong or has long legs?
Step to the side, maintain pressure, and pull them down rather than trying to step in directly. Still Rolling notes that against stronger opponents with longer reach, the pulling motion is more effective than trying to control them standing up.
How does the Tree-Top Finish work?
The Tree-Top Finish completes the single leg by elevating the captured leg as high as possible — over the attacker's shoulder — so the opponent is balanced on one foot with their leg extended nearly vertical. The extreme elevation makes balance impossible, and the opponent falls backward as their centre of gravity shifts behind the supporting foot.
Where does the Tree-Top Finish come from?
The tree-top finish has been a wrestling technique for generations, valued as a high-amplitude finish that scores well in both folkstyle and freestyle competition. The dramatic elevation makes it a crowd-favourite technique in wrestling tournaments.
Is the Tree-Top Finish legal in competition?
IJF: banned — Banned since 2010 leg grab prohibition — direct hansoku-make for touching opp…; IBJJF: legal — Legal at all belt levels, scored as takedown (2 points); UWW: restricted — Legal in freestyle (2-4 points), banned in Greco-Roman (no attacks below waist); Unified MMA: legal — Legal takedown technique; ADCC: legal — Legal, scored 2-4 points in second half of match; FIAS Sport Sambo: legal — Legal — all takedowns permitted; FIAS Combat Sambo: legal — Legal; NCAA Folkstyle: legal — Legal, scored as takedown (2 points)
How dangerous is the Tree-Top Finish?
Danger rating 3/10. Moderate — single leg is one of the safest takedowns; controlled descent (John Smith methodology)
How do I set up the Tree-Top Finish?
The standard setup chain: Establish Contact → Create Off-Balance → Execute the Takedown → Follow to Ground.
How do I defend against the Tree-Top Finish?
Standard counters include: Sprawl — drop hips back and drive weight down to stuff the takedown attempt / Underhook — establish inside position to control distance and prevent the takedown entry / Post and Circle — post on the attacker's head and circle away to break their angle / Level Change Defence — recognize the shot early and react with appropriate hip defence.
What are the variants of the Tree-Top Finish?
Common variants: Inside single (shooting to the inside of the lead leg, head inside position); Outside single (attacking from the outside of the lead leg); High crotch (securing the thigh above the knee with head in the hip); Low single (attacking the ankle from outside range without deep penet…).
How effective is the Tree-Top Finish in competition?
The tree-top finish is used in folkstyle and freestyle competition, particularly against opponents who maintain good balance on one leg.
What are common mistakes when doing the Tree-Top Finish?
Top errors to watch for: Not elevating high enough — a half-tree-top with the leg at waist height is easy to defend / Losing your own balance because your base is too narrow while holding the elevated leg / Letting the opponent grab your head or body from the tree-top position for a counter / Taking too long to finish from the top position — push them over before they adjust.
What are other names for the Tree-Top Finish?
The Tree-Top Finish is also known as Tsurī Toppu Finisshu, Tree Top, High Elevation Finish, Over-The-Shoulder Single.