SubmissionBack/turtle control attackBelt: blue+Risk: moderateIBJJFADCCNo-GiSub-OnlyMMA
The crucifix back attack is a dominant control and submission sequence from the turtle, trapping one arm with your legs and attacking the exposed neck or isolated arm. It is highly effective because it immobilizes the opponent's defensive limbs, allowing for high-percentage chokes or armbars. Mastery of this position is crucial for turning turtle scrambles into decisive finishes.
Start
Crucifix
End
Submission
Prerequisites: Seatbelt grip control · Breaking down turtle · Kimura grip from top · Threading hooks from the back
Steps
1
Establish Crucifix Control
From top turtle, use your near-side arm to thread under their far-side armpit and grab their wrist with a C-grip. Step your near-side leg over their trapped arm, pinching your knee tightly to your heel to immobilize their limb.
2
Secure the Opposite Arm
With your far-side arm, reach around their neck (seatbelt grip) and use your far-side leg to block their near-side arm, preventing them from defending their neck.
3
Flatten and Stabilize
Roll your hips towards their head, pulling them onto their side or belly-down. Keep your chest glued to their upper back and your head close to their head to deny space.
4
Set Up the Choke Grip
Release your seatbelt and thread your choking arm (usually far-side) under their chin, palm up. Grab your own wrist or use a short rear-naked choke grip, keeping your elbow tight to their jawline.
5
Finish the Choke
Squeeze your elbows together and retract your shoulders, expanding your chest into their back. Keep your legs pinched and flex your feet to maintain the crucifix as you apply steady pressure for the choke.
6
Transition to Armbar (if Choke Fails)
If they defend the neck, switch your grip to their trapped arm. Slide your hips back, curl your heel to your butt, and use your knees to hyperextend their elbow, finishing the armbar while maintaining leg control over their wrist.
7
Control and Reset if Needed
If they attempt to roll or bridge, post your free hand for base and adjust your chest pressure to keep them flat, ready to re-attack the neck or arm as opportunities arise.
Key details most people miss
Pinch your knees and flex your feet to prevent their arm from slipping free—leg tension is essential.
Keep your head close to theirs to block their ability to rotate or bridge out of the crucifix.
When attacking the choke, angle your choking arm palm up and keep your elbow tight to maximize leverage.
For the armbar, ensure your hips are directly over their elbow and your heel is tight to your own butt for maximal extension.
Common mistakes
Allowing your knees to separate, which lets their arm escape and breaks the crucifix.
Leaning too far forward, giving them space to roll or scramble out.
Failing to control their far-side wrist, allowing them to defend the choke with their free hand.
Rushing the choke setup, resulting in a shallow grip that they can peel off.
Counters & responses
They try: Opponent tucks chin and grips your choking arm
You do: Switch to attacking the isolated arm with the armbar or transition to a short choke by sliding your forearm across their jaw.
They try: Opponent bridges and tries to roll out of the crucifix
You do: Post your free hand for base, flatten them with chest pressure, and re-secure your leg trap before attacking again.
They try: Opponent frees their trapped arm by straightening it
You do: Pinch your knees tighter, flex your feet, and re-capture their wrist with a C-grip before resuming the attack.
They try: Opponent grabs your leg to pull it off their arm
You do: Kick your leg back in a circular motion while maintaining knee pinch, then immediately re-trap their arm and reset control.
Drill prescription
5 rounds × 3 minutes; partner starts in turtle, top player must establish crucifix and finish with choke or armbar at 60% resistance; goal: 3 clean submissions per round, reset after each finish or escape.
How the masters teach it
Marcelo Garcia
Famous for his seamless transitions to the crucifix from turtle and relentless back attacks, especially in no-gi.
Bernardo Faria BJJ Fanatics
Xande Ribeiro
Utilizes heavy pressure and precise leg positioning to maintain crucifix control and systematically attack the neck.