Twister Submission Guide | BJJ App Wiki
☰Contents
The BJJ twister: setup from crab ride and truck position, spinal lock mechanics, rubber guard connection, and competition legality.
This technique carries a high risk of serious injury, especially to the spine or neck. Do not attempt without qualified instructor supervision. Build fundamental skills before training spinal submissions.
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The twister is one of the rarest and most spectacular submissions in BJJ — a spinal lock that targets the neck and spine simultaneously, popularized by Eddie Bravo.
What Is the Twister?
The twister is a submission hold that applies rotational torsion to the spine. It is performed from the truck position (a leg entanglement behind the opponent) and involves hooking the neck while rotating the body in opposite directions to create a spinal twist.
The Truck Position Setup
To enter the twister, you first need the truck position: from a crab ride or turtle attack, insert one leg between your opponent's legs (hook the near leg), lock a tight body triangle or hook with your legs, and control their hips. The truck gives you positional control before going for the submission.
Twister Mechanics
From the truck: reach over the opponent's top shoulder and hook the neck (like a reverse headlock), use your legs to rotate their hips opposite to your arm rotation, squeeze progressively. Tap comes from cervical spine and shoulder pressure.
Rubber Guard Connection
Eddie Bravo's 10th Planet system links the rubber guard to the twister via a series of transitions: rubber guard → mission control → electric chair → twister. The electric chair sweep/submission is also a key attack from the truck position.
Competition Legality
The twister is legal in most no-gi competitions including ADCC and EBI. It may be restricted in some gi tournaments. The spinal lock itself is considered relatively safe when applied gradually — tapping early is advised.
Frequently Asked Questions
Like any spinal submission, improper application can cause injury. Tap early and train with experienced partners who apply it gradually. The twister is generally considered safer than a quick crank if done correctly.
Eddie Bravo submitted Royler Gracie with a twister in ADCC 2003, one of the most famous submissions in BJJ history. Chan Sung Jung (The Korean Zombie) used it in MMA.
The truck position entry can be learned at intermediate level, but the full twister chain from rubber guard requires advanced flexibility and grappling IQ — typically a purple to brown belt concept.
Related Guides
→ 🦵 Leg Entanglement Systems→ 🔗 Submission Chains→ 🎯 Back Attacks Guide→ 🛡️ Guard Types Guide→ 👕 No-Gi ConceptsGet the BJJ Wiki Newsletter
More Questions
How do I prevent my opponent from escaping the Twister?
Control their hips and legs tightly. Maintain a strong shoulder pressure on their back and use your legs to box them in, preventing them from turning or bridging out of the position.
What are the common mistakes people make when attempting the Twister?
A common mistake is not securing the leg lock properly, allowing the opponent to escape. Another is over-extending the opponent's spine before having full control, which can lead to injury and a failed submission.
Is the Twister a safe submission to practice, and what are the risks?
The Twister is a high-risk submission that targets the spine. It should only be practiced with experienced partners and under strict supervision. Improper application can lead to serious spinal injuries, so always prioritize control and communication.
Common BJJ Problems & FAQ
The feeling of your neck being strained in the 🌀 Twister Submission Guide often comes from overextending your hips and not isolating the spinal rotation. Instead of using your neck muscles, focus on driving your hips forward and using your shoulder to control their upper body, creating a fulcrum for the spinal twist.
Against a larger opponent, the key is to use their weight against them by creating an off-balancing situation. A common setup involves securing a leg entanglement like a 'banana split' and then using your shoulder to drive into their hip, forcing them to shift their weight and creating the opening to transition to the 🌀 Twister Submission Guide.
A frequent error is not achieving proper hip control, allowing the opponent to bridge out or escape. Ensure your hip is firmly planted against their hip, creating a solid base, and your knee is tucked behind their leg to prevent them from turning into you, which are crucial for maintaining control during the 🌀 Twister Submission Guide.