Front Headlock Foundation
The crucifix choke setup begins from the front headlock position, typically established after the opponent shoots for a takedown and the instructor sprawls. The instructor secures a gable grip with the palm-up hand, positioning the shoulder behind the opponent's neck to establish control and create the necessary angle for the technique.
Arm Control and Hand Placement
Before advancing position, the instructor must chop and control the opponent's arm using the gable grip, preventing the opponent from grabbing the waist or leg. This arm control is critical—advancing without it allows the opponent to improve their position or execute a takedown.
Creating the Gap and Knee Placement
The instructor walks around the opponent while maintaining the arm chop, creating space to insert the knee between the opponent's elbow and knee. The elbow check at the hip prevents the opponent from tracking and walking out of the position, which would compromise the setup.
Trapping the Arm Above the Elbow
The instructor traps the opponent's arm above the elbow by cupping the wrist and dragging it tight, bringing the heel close to the knee. Trapping below the elbow allows the opponent an easier escape, while controlling the wrist forces the opponent to either reach for the far leg or be caught in the crucifix.
Forward Roll Entry
When the opponent leans away to free their arm, the instructor controls the far arm by feeding the wrist between the opponent's legs toward the belly. The instructor rolls forward over the opponent's shoulder—not over their base of support—and uses hand placement to hop around and create the proper angle for the choke.
Hip Positioning and Forcing Capitulation
The instructor positions the hip above the opponent's hip while looking to the right and tucking the chin over the shoulder. The instructor drags the opponent down by the arm, and if the opponent remains on turtle, both legs and hip trapping the arm will attack the shoulder, forcing a roll or submission.
Choke Finish with Figure Four
With both of the opponent's arms trapped, the instructor gets the hand under the chin and wraps around the neck to establish the choke. The instructor aligns the elbow with the opponent's chin, places the chin over their own hand, and applies pressure by pulling the elbow back to cut both sides of the neck.
Sit-Down Entry Variation
When the opponent drives forward into the instructor, the sit-down variation is executed by dropping onto the hip while maintaining control of the opponent's arm above the elbow. This alternative path to the crucifix choke proves effective when the opponent actively drives into the instructor rather than pulling away.
How To Set Up The Crucifix Choke From Turtle Position
Key Takeaways
- •Front Headlock Foundation
- •Arm Control and Hand Placement
- •Creating the Gap and Knee Placement
- •Trapping the Arm Above the Elbow
Got Crucifix Choke? If you want to spice things up when in top Turtle position, then take a look at this video where I explain how to execute one of the most classic positions in Jiu-Jitsu, the Crucifix, and how to finish it with a choke. There are basically 2 ways of setting up the crucifix, either rolling forward or sitting down. It all depends on your opponent's reaction. Here are the details... -Professor Gustavo Gasperin BJJ Courses: https://www.mmaleech.com/best-bjj-instructionals-for-beginners/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mmaleech/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mmaleech/ Free BJJ Mini-Courses: https://www.mmaleech.com/free-stuff/
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this video teach about standard crucifix roll?
This video covers front headlock foundation, arm control and hand placement, creating the gap and knee placement. It provides detailed instruction from MMA Leech.
How long does it take to learn standard crucifix roll?
The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 8-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.
What are the key details for finishing standard crucifix roll?
With both of the opponent's arms trapped, the instructor gets the hand under the chin and wraps around the neck to establish the choke. The instructor aligns the elbow with the opponent's chin, places the chin over their own hand, and applies pressure by pulling the elbow back to cut both sides of the neck.
