BJJ Crucifix Position
BJJBJJ App Team·⏱️ 1 min read·🔄 Mar 31, 2026
Master the BJJ crucifix position: entries from turtle, arm isolation mechanics, neck cranks, and rear naked choke setups from crucifix control.
Contents
What Is the Crucifix?
The crucifix is a top position where both of the opponent's arms are isolated and controlled — one arm trapped under your legs, the other controlled by your hands. The position is often called 'double arm isolation' and creates near-inescapable submission setups.
Entering the Crucifix
- From turtle: Reach under and grab the near arm, step over their head, roll them to create the leg-over-arm trap
- From side control: Near arm floats → step leg over it, establish crucifix
- Turtle roll: Clock choke grip → roll through → land in crucifix
Crucifix Attacks
| Attack | Type | Mechanism |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Naked Choke | Blood choke | One arm in (body), choke hand free |
| Armbar (near side) | Joint lock | Leg-trapped arm + hip drop |
| Neck Crank | Cervical compression | Avoid in training — very high injury risk |
⚠️ Neck cranks: Many crucifix attacks can become neck cranks. In training, prioritize the RNC and avoid applying spinal compression. Competition legality varies by organization and rule set.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the crucifix position legal in BJJ competitions?
The position itself is legal in most competitions. However, neck cranks derived from it are regulated — check specific organization rules. The RNC and armbars from crucifix are universally legal.
How do I escape the crucifix position?
The crucifix is one of the hardest positions to escape once fully established. Prevention is better — don't stay in turtle long. If caught, bridge hard to create space and focus on freeing the leg-trapped arm.
How common is the crucifix in competition?
Less common than major positions but dangerous when used correctly. It appears often in no-gi submissions-only events and is a specialty technique for those with strong turtle attack systems.