Crab Ride Guide
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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.
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.