Introduction to Neck Crank Techniques

This instructional guide covers legal and illegal neck crank variations from side control, with emphasis on proper positioning and control mechanics. The instructor will demonstrate both IBJF-compliant submissions and advanced techniques used in catch wrestling and MMA applications.

Initial Head Control from Side Control

From side control, the instructor lifts the opponent's head while weaving the arm deep behind the armpit. Proper positioning requires maintaining contact toward the neck rather than the forehead to ensure effective lifting mechanics.

Arm Weave and Fist Placement

The instructor catches their own fist against the opponent's armpit, establishing foundational control. This position allows for multiple follow-up techniques including gift wraps and mounted triangle setups.

Transition to Mount Position

From the armpit control, the instructor steps over the opponent's body with one or two steps depending on desired control level. A two-step approach provides deeper positioning around the neck, allowing the leg to wrap high around the opponent's torso rather than catching at the ankle.

Legal Mounted Triangle Finish

To execute a legal mounted triangle, base the forehead on the mat and bring knees together before scissoring the legs. The instructor can finish by coming up to mounted armored position or executing a far-side hip walk with sustained leg pressure.

Illegal Neck Crank Setup

From side control, instead of stepping over, the instructor replaces the fist control with the foot, walking it close to the armpit. This foot placement locks both of the opponent's arms in place, preventing escape to either side.

Gable Grip Chin Control

The instructor applies a gable grip around the opponent's chin, positioning the wrist on the chin rather than underneath it. This allows for head control and rotation rather than a choking action, setting up the neck crank finish.

Crucifix Position Entry

The back leg flares toward the opponent as the instructor pulls them over into a crucifix position. This traps the opponent's arms while maintaining chin control, preventing escape attempts in either direction.

Neck Crank Execution and Finishing

While in crucifix with gable grip control on the chin, the instructor extends the opponent's body while twisting the head to apply the neck crank. This technique is illegal in IBJF competition but common in catch wrestling and MMA contexts.

Legal Alternatives and Safety Considerations

The instructor emphasizes that legal variations exist, including the Cobra clutch, no-gi Ezekiel choke, and mounted armored positions. Practitioners should exercise extreme caution with neck cranks due to their severity and ensure training partners consent before applying such techniques.

Neck cranks

Energia Martial Arts

Cradle Neck Crank

2 min read·10 key moments·PT5M46S video

Key Takeaways

•Introduction to Neck Crank Techniques
•Initial Head Control from Side Control
•Arm Weave and Fist Placement
•Transition to Mount Position

Neck cranks So after a lot of very practical and super professional videos we decided it was time to teach you guys how to get instantly disqualified at your local jiujitsu tournament! In this video we will be covering several neck cranks and other extremely nasty submissions. Please don't try this with innocent white belts ;) ! Remember to put on notifications to receive an update anytime we drop a new video ! For more content, videos, solo drills and behind the scenes click on this link: https://www.patreon.com/Energia_martialarts?fan_landing=true Visit BJJ Fanatics for our top instructionals: https://bjjfanatics.com/search?q=tum To check out our gear go to: https://energia-martialarts.com/energia-fight-wear/ Instagram: @Tumenergia Instruction: Tum Energia Assisting: Frank Lemmen Music: Mr. Ortiz #wrestlemania #wrestling #judo #submissions #counters #rearnakedchoke #bjj #submission #energiamartialarts #strangle #submissiongrappling #mma #brazilianjiujitsu #UFC #anklelock #leglock #rearnakedchoke #choke #mma #guard #backtake #chokes #berimbolo #mount

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about cradle neck crank?

This video covers introduction to neck crank techniques, initial head control from side control, arm weave and fist placement. It provides detailed instruction from Energia Martial Arts.

How long does it take to learn cradle neck crank?

The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 10-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.