Introduction and Safety Prerequisites

Face locks and neck cranks are advanced techniques considered aggressive in sport Brazilian jiu-jitsu and should only be practiced with willing, informed training partners. These techniques carry significant risk of injury to the cervical spine and surrounding structures, potentially causing weeks or months of recovery if applied without proper control.

Self-Defense vs. Sport Training Philosophy

While Brazilian jiu-jitsu offers value as both a sport and self-defense system, practitioners focusing on self-defense applications may explore techniques restricted in tournament play. This approach requires elevated awareness and responsibility, as training partners cannot be replaced if injured.

Anatomical Principles and Force Application

Face locks operate by drawing the opponent's head into the practitioner's center of power, rotating the cervical spine, and applying collapsing pressure. Understanding the spine's vulnerability when flexed and extended is critical to executing these techniques safely and effectively.

Orbital Ridge and Eye Socket Targeting

The thin bone surrounding the eye socket creates an effective pressure point for face locks. The practitioner cuts and grinds along the orbital ridge with the wrist, pulling the head into their power base while rotating through chest and lat engagement, then collapses the structure downward.

Bridge of Nose and Submandibular Techniques

Pressure applied to the nasal bridge combined with rotational force proves highly effective. Pressure beneath the nose and along the mandible also works well, though caution is required on the chin area as excessive force can cause mandibular dislocation.

Hand Position Variations and Knuckle Applications

Practitioners can adapt hand and arm positioning to fit anatomical variations between training partners. Knuckle-to-eye pressure combined with elbow collapse provides an alternative application, though extreme care must be taken to avoid dental damage or orbital injury.

Secondary Contact Points and Lateral Application

The jawline, forehead, and lateral skull regions can serve as secondary contact points for face lock variations. Lateral rotational applications using the orbital ridge demonstrate how directional force multiplies the technique's effect.

Compliance Holds and Self-Defense Context

These techniques function as compliance holds in self-defense scenarios where immediate pain compliance may be necessary. The distinction between sport tapping and genuine distress response is important, as experienced grapplers may not tap to lower-intensity versions.

Mechanical Execution and Progressive Training

The sawing action—dragging the elbow inward while maintaining pressure and then collapsing—generates the mechanical advantage that makes face locks effective. Progressive, controlled practice allows practitioners to develop competence while maintaining absolute respect for partner safety.

Face locks / Neck cranks

AZ Battle School

Face Crank From Crucifix

2 min read·9 key moments·PT6M24S video

Key Takeaways

•Introduction and Safety Prerequisites
•Self-Defense vs. Sport Training Philosophy
•Anatomical Principles and Force Application
•Orbital Ridge and Eye Socket Targeting

Caution! Be extremely careful. Only train this with a certified professional. This is for information only.

Related Techniques

Face Crank From Rear Mount

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about face crank from crucifix?

This video covers introduction and safety prerequisites, self-defense vs. sport training philosophy, anatomical principles and force application. It provides detailed instruction from AZ Battle School.

How long does it take to learn face crank from crucifix?

The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 9-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.