Introduction to Neck Cranks
Neck cranks are effective submission techniques that the instructor demonstrates despite personal reservations about their safety implications. This instructional series covers seven distinct variations used in jiu-jitsu and submission grappling, ranging from basic to advanced applications. These techniques are particularly potent for competitors prioritizing submission acquisition over training partner welfare.
The Can Opener from Closed Guard
The can opener represents one of the most fundamental neck cranks taught to beginning practitioners and wrestlers transitioning into jiu-jitsu. The practitioner establishes a base, cups the back of the opponent's head, places the forearm on the collarbone, and doubles both hands on the crown of the head. By driving forward and sitting back while curling the head inward, the instructor forces the opponent to open their guard to relieve the pressure, facilitating guard passage.
Neck Crank from Scarf Hold
From a standard scarf hold or judo side control position, the practitioner can execute a crank by compressing the opponent's neck and head. The technique becomes more effective when the practitioner controls the opponent's arm with a butterfly grip or gable grip, adding compression through hip elevation and rib rotation. Proper forearm placement targeting the temple and hairline area, combined with pulling the ear toward the chest, maximizes the cranking effect.
The Accordion Squeeze
Also known as the trash compactor or shark machine, this variation combines neck cranking with lower-body compression mechanics. The practitioner grabs their own thigh, fishes for the opponent's near-side leg, and then engages both legs to squeeze simultaneously. This technique creates dual compression points that severely compromise the opponent's breathing and structural integrity.
Cheekbone Crank from Rear Control
When the opponent defends the rear naked choke by tucking their chin, the practitioner can target the snuff box (the radius bone near the wrist) and position it under the opponent's cheekbone. By switching into a short choke configuration with a gable grip and placing the forearm behind the opponent's shoulder, the practitioner cranks the nose toward their chest. This creates uncomfortable pressure on the cheekbone, jaw, and neck simultaneously through unnatural rotation.
Legal and Safety Considerations
Many neck cranks remain illegal in tournament competition depending on ruleset and skill level, requiring practitioners to verify regulations with their coaching staff before application. These techniques carry significant injury potential and cause considerable pain, making them inappropriate for most training environments without explicit consent. Strategic application to expose the opponent's neck for cleaner submissions represents more responsible usage than purely aggressive cranking.
Seven Deadly Neck Cranks | Jiu-Jitsu & Submission Grappling
Key Takeaways
- •Introduction to Neck Cranks
- •The Can Opener from Closed Guard
- •Neck Crank from Scarf Hold
- •The Accordion Squeeze
There are obviously more than 7 neck cranks in grappling, but the title has to be catchy... Neck cranks are some of the most brutal submissions possible in grappling. This video explores options, setups and combinations used for neck cranks. Below are time stamps for techniques: 0:00 - 0:25: Intro 0:26 - 1:48: Can Opener 1:49 - 3:45: Cranks from Kesa Gatame 3:46 - 5:40: Face Crank from Back Control 5:41 - 7:03: Front Standing Neck Crank 7:04 - 8:54: Dragon Sleeper Hold 8:55 - 10:05: Iron Neck Benefits 10:06 - 11:41: 100% Neck Crank & Sweep 11:42 - 13:16: Crucifix Neck Crank 13:17 - 16:13: Twister 16:14 - 17:00: Outtro Hope you like it! Gear from @RollBliss If you’re interested in having me for a seminar, message me here or on other socials or email me at [email protected] Thank you for your continued support through watching and subscribing. Turn on those notifications to know as soon as I post! Hundreds more class instruction videos at Patreon.com/KnightJiuJitsu, BJJ Fanatics & Jiu-Jitsu X. 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. • Exclusive Class Content at Patreon.com/KnightJiuJitsu • BJJ Fanatics Instructionals here: https://tinyurl.com/y4ujekp6 • T-Shirts available here: tinyurl.com/wzu6ufb • Instagram @knight_jiu_jitsu_ • TikTok @knightjiujitsu
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does this video teach about face crank?
This video covers introduction to neck cranks, the can opener from closed guard, neck crank from scarf hold. It provides detailed instruction from Knight Jiu-Jitsu.
How long does it take to learn face crank?
The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 6-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.
What are the key details for finishing face crank?
When the opponent defends the rear naked choke by tucking their chin, the practitioner can target the snuff box (the radius bone near the wrist) and position it under the opponent's cheekbone. By switching into a short choke configuration with a gable grip and placing the forearm behind the opponent's shoulder, the practitioner cranks the nose toward their chest. This creates uncomfortable pressure on the cheekbone, jaw, and neck simultaneously through unnatural rotation.
