Crab Ride Guide | BJJ App Wiki
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Complete guide to the crab ride position in BJJ: entry, control, back take, and leg lock entries from saddle.
The crab ride is a powerful back-body control position that serves as a gateway to back takes, leg locks, and twister entries.
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What Is the Crab Ride?
The crab ride (also called the body lock or hook position) is a wrestling/BJJ hybrid position where you control your opponent's body from behind with a seatbelt or body lock while threatening multiple attacks. It is used extensively in no-gi and MMA.
How to Enter the Crab Ride
Common entries include: from a scramble when opponent attempts to stand, from turtle position by inserting inside hooks, or after a failed takedown by your opponent. Secure a body lock, insert inside knee hooks, and maintain head position to the side.
Attacks from Crab Ride
From the crab ride you can threaten: back take by inserting both hooks, inside heel hook via ashi garami entry, knee reap and outside heel hook, or the twister by establishing a spine lock before rolling through.
Crab Ride vs. Back Mount
Crab ride differs from back mount — it is a transitional body control position, not a stable scoring position. Use it as a launchpad for back takes and leg lock entries rather than a destination. Transitioning quickly is key.
Crab Ride in Competition
The crab ride is heavily used at high-level no-gi competitions like ADCC. Athletes like Gordon Ryan and Nicky Rodriguez use body-lock passing systems that incorporate crab ride concepts for back takes and leg lock chains.
Frequently Asked Questions
The body lock portion is legal; however, reaping the knee for heel hooks depends on the ruleset and belt level. Check IBJJF rules before competing.
Turtle attacks are typically done from top position on a turtled opponent. The crab ride involves a full body lock with hooks, often used in scrambles or from standing.
The concepts can be introduced at blue belt, but the full leg lock chain from crab ride is best learned at purple belt or above when heel hooks are permitted in training.
Related Guides
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Common BJJ Problems & FAQ
Your knee pain is likely due to excessive internal rotation and pressure directly on the kneecap. To alleviate this, focus on hip angling your body so your shin is across their hip, not directly on their knee, and use your glutes and hamstrings to drive your hips forward, creating pressure with your outer thigh and hip bone.
When they turn in, use their momentum against them by stepping your outside leg over their hip and driving your hips down and to the side, creating a wedge. Simultaneously, reach under their armpit with your opposite arm to secure a strong grip on their far hip or belt, preventing their escape and solidifying your control.
To counter their size, focus on driving your hips low and into their core, almost like you're trying to 'sit' on their pelvis. Use your free leg to hook their far ankle or calf, creating a strong base and preventing them from generating upward bucking pressure. Maintain a tight chest-to-back connection with your upper body to further limit their movement.
More Questions
How do I prevent my opponent from turning into me when I have the crab ride?
To prevent them from turning in, focus on keeping your hips heavy and driving them towards the mat. Use your top leg to hook their hip or thigh, creating a strong anchor and limiting their mobility.
What are the common submissions from the crab ride?
The most common submissions are the armbar and the kimura. From the crab ride, you can isolate an arm for an armbar by controlling their posture and stepping over their head, or secure a kimura grip by reaching across their body.
How do I transition to other positions if the crab ride isn't working?
If your opponent is defending well, you can transition to a side control or mount by using your top leg to clear their hips and drive forward. Alternatively, you can use the crab ride to set up a back take by unhooking your leg and swinging it around to their back.