Turtle Attacks Guide
☰Contents
BJJ turtle position attacks from top — back take, seat belt setup, clock choke, bow and arrow choke, and body fold takedown.
When your opponent turtles, it creates specific attack opportunities. The key is establishing control before attempting submissions — rushing to the back without proper control leads to escapes.
Back Take from Turtle
Establishing Seat Belt
From the side of turtle, reach your near arm under their far armpit (underhook) and your far arm over their shoulder (overhook). Clasp your hands in front of their chest.
Hook Insertion
Roll them to their side by pulling the seat belt. As they roll, insert your bottom hook first, then top hook. Secure back position with both hooks in.
Clock Choke
Setup
From turtle, reach around to grab their near collar with your near hand (thumb in). Pin their head to the mat with your other hand or push your chest into their head.
Finish
Walk your legs in a clock-like arc around their head while maintaining collar pressure. The combination of collar and body pressure creates the choke without needing a figure-4.
Bow and Arrow from Turtle
Transition
After taking the back from turtle, when they defend by reaching across, grab their far collar with your top arm. Control their pants/leg with your lower arm. Extend your body to finish.
Body Fold Takedown
From standing over turtle: reach around their waist, clasp your hands on their far hip. Lift and fold them forward onto their back. Effective in no-gi and wrestling.