Introduction to Neck Cranks

Neck cranks are highly effective submission techniques commonly used in jiu-jitsu and submission grappling. While powerful, they carry significant injury risk and should only be practiced with training partners who consent to their use. This instructional guide covers seven variations of neck cranks across different positional scenarios.

The Can Opener from Closed Guard

The can opener is a foundational neck crank executed from closed guard when the opponent resists traditional guard-opening techniques. The practitioner bases out, cups the crown of the opponent's head with both hands, places their forearm against the opponent's collarbone, and drives forward while sitting back to curl the head downward. This pressure forces the opponent to open their guard to relieve the cranking force, enabling guard passage.

Neck Crank from Scarf Hold

From scarf hold or kesa gatame position, the practitioner can execute a neck crank by collecting the opponent's arm while applying compressive pressure to the neck. The placement of the forearm is critical—positioning it higher toward the temple or hairline creates a crank rather than a simple squeeze. The technique is enhanced by lifting the hips and rolling the ribs back into the opponent's torso for increased compression.

The Accordion Squeeze Variation

Also known as the trash compactor or shark machine, this position combines leg compression with neck pressure from side control. The practitioner grabs their own inner thigh, fishes for the opponent's near-side leg, and locks both legs together using leg squeezing pressure. This submission simultaneously restricts breathing through both neck compression and thoracic pressure.

Cheekbone Crank from Rear Control

When the opponent defends the rear naked choke by tucking their chin, the practitioner can target the cheekbone using the radius bone of their wrist (snuff box). Positioning this bone under the cheekbone and connecting with a gable grip, the practitioner applies pressure by bringing their forearm behind the opponent's shoulder and pulling the nose toward their chest. This technique combines cheekbone compression, jaw pressure, and neck torque into a highly uncomfortable submission.

Legal and Safety Considerations

Many neck crank variations are illegal under various competition rulesets and carry significant injury potential. Practitioners must verify specific tournament regulations and always consult their coach regarding which techniques are permissible in their training environment. These submissions should only be applied against willing, consenting partners who understand the associated injury risks.

Seven Deadly Neck Cranks | Jiu-Jitsu & Submission Grappling

Knight Jiu-Jitsu

Rear Neck Crank

2 min read·6 key moments·PT17M1S video

Key Takeaways

•Introduction to Neck Cranks
•The Can Opener from Closed Guard
•Neck Crank from Scarf Hold
•The Accordion Squeeze Variation

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

Related Techniques

Face Crank Nelson Neck Crank

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about rear neck 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 rear neck 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.