Introduction to Crucifix Submissions

The crucifix position offers numerous submission opportunities, yet many practitioners struggle to identify viable finishes, particularly in no-gi grappling. This instructional sequence explores unconventional submission options that emerge from proper crucifix positioning and control mechanics.

Establishing the Crucifix from Turtle Position

From turtle position, the instructor creates necessary openings for the crucifix roll by placing the shin on the opponent's thigh and positioning the knee in the pocket to expose their arm. The near arm is pushed through while the far arm is scooped and pulled back using both legs in a switching motion to transition to the crucifix position.

Arm Trap and Seatbelt Control

Using seatbelt grip principles, the instructor secures both hands on the opponent's far-side arm to scoop and pull the elbow beneath their body, displacing their shoulder toward the mat. This arm-trapping mechanism removes the opponent's primary defense while establishing the base position for the subsequent roll.

Short Arm Lock from Crucifix

Once positioned in crucifix, the instructor removes one foot and crosses both ankles over the opponent's wrist before applying downward heel pressure with hip leverage. This creates a mechanical short arm lock with minimal positional adjustment and maximal efficiency.

One-Arm Choke Mechanics

The one-arm choke is executed by trapping both of the opponent's arms while isolating one side of the neck. Rather than relying purely on squeezing force, the instructor grabs the opponent's trapezius and pulls the elbow back toward the lap, creating a short forearm choke rather than a traditional rear naked choke.

Arm Triangle Choke with Leg Lock

When the opponent defends by turning their chin away, the instructor circles the head and uses the tricep to press the opponent's face away. The top leg is brought into play while reaching underneath to grab both hands together, creating a tight compression choke without requiring exceptional flexibility.

Head and Arm Choke to Guillotine

If the opponent traps the instructor's ankle between their legs, the control transitions by releasing the opponent's arm and reaching through the pocket to grab their tricep. The arm is pulled through tightly while posted against the knee, creating a guillotine-style head and arm choke finish.

Back Take with Triangle and Shoulder Lock Options

From the guillotine position, if the finish isn't available, the instructor scoops to the opposite side of the opponent's arm and slides the knee through to take their back. With control of one hip, the neck, and one arm, a triangle lock becomes immediately available, or alternatively, a shoulder-lock finish resembling an Americana variation.

North-South Choke from Crucifix

If the initial crucifix choke attempt fails, the instructor keeps the opponent's arm trapped and reaches through to the opposite side, then transitions belly-down to establish a north-south choke position. From this angle, head positioning and squeeze mechanics produce an effective choke finish while maintaining crucifix control.

Strategic Value of Position Variety

These unorthodox submission sequences serve a dual strategic purpose: they present varied finishing options against different opponent defenses while simultaneously creating positional disorientation that forces defensive adjustments. The unpredictability generates new openings and submission opportunities while maintaining offensive momentum.

Crucifix Submission Options | Jiu-Jitsu Submissions

Knight Jiu-Jitsu

Crucifix Rear Strangle

3 min read·10 key moments·PT6M11S video

Key Takeaways

•Introduction to Crucifix Submissions
•Establishing the Crucifix from Turtle Position
•Arm Trap and Seatbelt Control
•Short Arm Lock from Crucifix

The Crucifix is such a dominant position, but I get lots of questions about submission options from there, particularly without the gi. In this video I show how to set it up and some of my favorite options from the crucifix, some standard and some unorthodox. Hope you like it! Please be sure to turn on notifications for new videos if you haven’t, so you can find out as soon as I upload a new one each week. Become a member of this channel for exclusive class videos not available for free. Super cheap cost for access to lots of exclusive content. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ If you haven’t checked out my Jiu-Jitsu Deep Dive yet, go to www.martialartsdigitalseminars.com/Jiu-Jitsu-Deep-Dive to get it. • Exclusive Class Content at Patreon.com/KnightJiuJitsu • BJJ Fanatics Instructionals here: https://bjjfanatics.com/search?q=Eli+... • T-Shirts available here: tinyurl.com/wzu6ufb • Instagram @knight_jiu_jitsu_ • TikTok @knightjiujitsu • Follow me on DTube: https://d.tube/#!/c/knightbjj • Follow me on Steemit: https://steempeak.com/@knightbjj

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about crucifix rear strangle?

This video covers introduction to crucifix submissions, establishing the crucifix from turtle position, arm trap and seatbelt control. It provides detailed instruction from Knight Jiu-Jitsu.

How long does it take to learn crucifix rear strangle?

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.