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Turtle Attacks

Quick Introduction​

Attacking the turtle position is one of the highest-value skill sets in Jiu-Jitsu, as it provides direct pathways to back control (4 points + submissions) and numerous finishing submissions. When your opponent turtles, they're in a temporary defensive shell - your job is to break that shell systematically through grips, weight manipulation, and technical attacks. The fundamental principle is establishing control first (seatbelt grip) before committing to specific attacks, with back control being the primary goal and submissions being opportunistic.

Position Overview​

Station: Immobilization Attacks / Turtle Top Position

When you're here: Opponent in defensive turtle after guard pass attempts, scrambles, or defensive turns

Goal: Establish back control, execute submissions, or turn opponent to achieve dominant pin positions

Primary outcomes: Back mount (highest value), submissions (clock choke, crucifix setups), turnovers to side control or mount

Turtle Attack Techniques (4 Main Categories)​

🎯 Back Take from Turtle (Highest Priority)​

Objective

Establish back control with hooks and seatbelt from opponent's turtle position; highest-value attack (4 points + submission opportunities)

Main Characteristic

Seatbelt grip establishment followed by systematic hook insertion

Execution (Step by Step)

  1. Opponent in defensive turtle position
  2. Position yourself behind and slightly to one side of opponent
  3. Establish seatbelt grip (one arm over shoulder, one under opposite armpit)
  4. Lock hands together at their chest (palm to palm or gable grip)
  5. Insert your leg-side hook first (opposite side from where you're positioned)
  6. Use seatbelt to control and slightly roll them toward you
  7. Create space for second hook by pulling with seatbelt
  8. Insert second hook (near-side leg)
  9. Fall to side with both hooks in, maintaining seatbelt
  10. Secure back mount position, immediately attack rear naked choke

Technical Details

  • Seatbelt BEFORE hooks - grip control establishes position
  • Top arm (over shoulder) is your primary control
  • Bottom arm (under armpit) supports and prevents their escape
  • First hook goes on opposite side (creates leverage)
  • Don't rush hook insertion - control position first
  • Your chest stays glued to their back throughout
  • If they stand, hang on and insert hooks while standing
  • Weight slightly forward prevents them driving backward

Critical Timing Windows

  • When they first turtle (before structure settles)
  • When they attempt to stand or move
  • When their elbows separate from knees
  • After failed turtle escape attempt

Tactical Advantage

Scores 4 points in competition; direct path to highest-percentage submission (RNC); most dominant position in BJJ; forces opponent to defend multiple threats; difficult to escape once established

⏰ Clock Choke (High-Percentage Submission)​

Objective

Finish submission directly from turtle without taking back; efficient attack using gi collar and leg positioning

Main Characteristic

Collar grip combined with circular leg movement around opponent's head

Execution (Step by Step)

  1. Opponent in turtle position
  2. Reach over their far shoulder, deep collar grip (four fingers inside)
  3. Second hand grabs their near-side collar (palm up grip)
  4. Your chest heavy on their back
  5. Walk your legs around toward their head (clockwise or counter-clockwise)
  6. As you circle, pull collar grips tight
  7. Position your body perpendicular to theirs
  8. Fall to your hip on the side you're circling toward
  9. Lock your legs (optional: figure-four) away from their head
  10. Extend body away from them while pulling collar grips
  11. Squeeze and finish choke

Technical Details

  • Deep first collar grip is essential (four fingers in, thumb out)
  • Second grip palm-up creates proper angle
  • Walking motion is circular, not straight
  • Your head should be near their far hip at finish
  • Legs lock for stability but arms finish the choke
  • If they turn into you, you may get back mount instead (bonus)
  • Can finish on either side depending on grip opportunity

When to Use

  • They're defending back take well (preventing seatbelt)
  • Gi training only
  • When collar grips are available
  • They're staying tight in turtle (not moving)
  • Competition situation where submission better than taking time for back

Tactical Advantage

High-percentage submission; difficult to defend once grips established; can transition to back if they counter; intimidation factor makes opponents nervous in turtle; immediate finish without positional advancement needed

🔄 Crucifix Position Setup​

Objective

Trap both opponent's arms for complete control and submission opportunities; advanced control position from turtle

Main Characteristic

Isolating opponent's arms using your legs and arms simultaneously

Execution (Step by Step)

  1. Opponent in turtle position
  2. Establish seatbelt grip from behind
  3. Insert your near-side hook (leg inside their thigh)
  4. Roll them toward you onto their side
  5. As they roll, trap their top arm between your legs
  6. Thread your bottom leg over their trapped arm
  7. Bottom leg hooks under their bottom arm
  8. Your arms control their other arm
  9. Complete crucifix: both their arms isolated, your legs controlling one, your arms controlling other
  10. Attack with chokes (using free arm), armlocks, or maintain control

Technical Details

  • Requires initial back control attempt
  • Works best when they defend seatbelt aggressively
  • Rolling motion is key - don't force against stable turtle
  • Once one arm trapped in legs, they can't defend effectively
  • Can finish RNC with one arm, armlock trapped arm, or use positional control
  • If incomplete, may have "truck" position (legs controlling one arm)
  • Advanced position requiring precise timing

Attack Options from Crucifix

  • Rear naked choke (one-armed variation)
  • Armlock on the trapped arm
  • Collar chokes (gi)
  • Back mount transition if they escape partially

Tactical Advantage

Complete control; multiple submission pathways; opponent extremely limited in defense options; competition advantage (4 points for back); psychological dominance

🔄 Turnovers to Pins (Positional Advancement)​

Objective

Force opponent from turtle to flat position for pin control (side control, mount, north-south)

Main Characteristic

Using leverage and weight to break turtle structure and establish top pin

Execution - Opposite Side Turnover

  1. Opponent in turtle position
  2. Position beside them (perpendicular to their body)
  3. Far arm reaches under their far armpit (deep underhook)
  4. Near arm controls their near hip from behind
  5. Drive your weight forward and down
  6. Lift their far side with underhook while pushing hip
  7. Roll them to their back or side
  8. Land in side control position
  9. Establish pin control immediately

Execution - Same Side Turnover

  1. Opponent in turtle position
  2. Position beside them
  3. Near arm goes under their near armpit (underhook)
  4. Far arm reaches over their back, grabs far hip
  5. Pull their near side up with underhook
  6. Push their far hip away
  7. Roll them toward you onto their back
  8. Establish side control as they flatten

Execution - Front Headlock Turnover

  1. Opponent in turtle position
  2. Your arm wrapped around their head (front headlock)
  3. Other hand controls their near arm (wrist or tricep)
  4. Step over their back with far leg
  5. Fall to your hip on that side
  6. Roll them to their back using headlock leverage
  7. Land in side control or north-south

Technical Details

  • Choose turnover based on their weight distribution
  • If they're heavy on one side, turn them to that side
  • Maintain constant pressure throughout turnover
  • Don't commit if they have strong base
  • Chain multiple turnover attempts if first fails
  • Back take often better option (more points, better position)
  • Use turnovers when back control unavailable or highly defended

Tactical Advantage

Scores 3 points for guard pass completion; achieves pin position; easier than back take if opponent defends well; leads to submission opportunities from pins; psychological pressure on opponent

Important Observations (General Rules)​

Core Principles​

  1. 🎯 Seatbelt first, everything else second - Control the position before committing to specific attacks; seatbelt grip is the foundation of all turtle attacks
  2. 🎖️ Back take is highest priority - 4 points + best submissions > 3 points for pass; always favor back control when available
  3. ⏱️ Attack immediately - Turtle is transitional; opponent will escape if you hesitate; immediate offensive pressure is essential
  4. 💪 Weight forward and down - Constant pressure prevents them strengthening their structure; don't let them feel comfortable
  5. 🔄 Chain attacks fluidly - If back take blocked, try clock choke; if clock choke unavailable, try turnover; keep pressure constant
  6. 🎮 Grip fighting is crucial - Fight their defensive grips while establishing your offensive grips; hand fighting determines success
  7. ⚠️ Don't commit to low-percentage attacks - If they have strong turtle defense, secure position first rather than forcing failed attacks

Connection to Theories​

Applying core principles:

  • Control Before Submission: Seatbelt grip establishes control; attacks come from control
  • Weight Distribution: Forward pressure breaks their defensive structure
  • Connection Points: Multiple grips (seatbelt, collars, underhooks) create control web
  • Limb Distribution: Using your four limbs to control their movement options
  • Orbital Theory: Circular motion (clock choke, walking around) creates angles
  • Leverage Over Strength: Technical leverage (turnovers, chokes) beats static strength
  • Positional Hierarchy: Back mount > side control > turtle control

Common Mistakes​

⚠️ Rushing attacks without control - Committing to submissions before establishing seatbelt; leads to lost position

⚠️ Static pressure - Just holding them down without progressing; opponent escapes or referee stands you up

⚠️ Ignoring back take opportunities - Getting distracted by submissions when clean back take available; always prefer back mount

⚠️ Weak seatbelt grip - Allowing them to strip grips easily; must lock hands tight and maintain pressure

⚠️ Poor weight distribution - Weight too far back allows them to sit to guard; weight too far forward allows them to stand

⚠️ Forcing turnovers against strong base - Wasting energy on low-percentage turnovers; back take or wait for movement better options

⚠️ Telegraphing attacks - Obvious setup allows them to defend; use grip variations and misdirection

⚠️ Giving up position for submission - Losing control while chasing neck; position first, submission second

🥋 Additional Turtle Attacks​

Guillotine from Turtle​

Setup: Opponent has low posture in turtle

Execution:

  1. Opponent's head accessible from turtle
  2. Wrap arm around their head (guillotine grip)
  3. Lock hands (palm-to-palm or gable)
  4. Fall to guard pulling them with you
  5. Finish guillotine from closed guard
  6. Alternative: finish from front headlock position if they resist

Key Details: Opportunistic attack; requires their head position to be forward; transitions to guard; effective in no-gi

Tactical Use: Quick finish when they turtle with poor head position; common in scrambles

Darce/Anaconda Choke​

Setup: Opponent in turtle with space under neck

Execution:

  1. Opponent turtle position
  2. Your arm threads under their neck, over their far arm
  3. Lock darce grip (hand to bicep)
  4. Roll them to their side toward trapped arm
  5. Lock body position
  6. Squeeze and finish choke

Key Details: Advanced choke; requires specific positioning; no-gi common; difficult to finish from pure turtle

Tactical Use: Opportunistic when neck exposed; effective if clock choke unavailable (no-gi)

Arm Trap Series​

Setup: Isolating single arm from turtle

Execution:

  1. Opponent in turtle
  2. Trap one of their arms (underhook, overhook, or grip their wrist)
  3. Circle to trapped arm side
  4. Multiple options:
    • Kimura grip and finish
    • Roll to armlock
    • Use trapped arm to facilitate back take
    • Turn them to their back with one arm isolated

Key Details: Requires committing to single arm control; sacrifices some positional control; opportunistic attack

Tactical Use: When opponent defends back take by keeping arms tight; creates submission or position opportunities

The Truck Position​

Setup: Advanced leg entanglement from turtle

Execution:

  1. Opponent in turtle
  2. Establish seatbelt grip
  3. Insert one hook deep
  4. Instead of second hook, trap their leg
  5. Roll them toward trapped leg
  6. Establish "truck" position (back control with leg trap)
  7. Attack with clock choke, crotch ripper, or back take completion

Key Details: Advanced no-gi position; requires specific entry; modern technique popularized by competitors; leads to various attacks

Tactical Use: No-gi specialist technique; when traditional back take defended well; competition innovation

🎓 Training Progressions​

Solo Drills​

  1. Seatbelt Grip Practice (5 minutes)

    • Practice establishing seatbelt on heavy bag or dummy
    • Both configurations (left and right)
    • Focus on hand locking and grip strength
    • Build muscle memory for grip establishment

  2. Hook Insertion Drill (10 reps each side)

    • From standing, practice motion of inserting hooks
    • Simulate opponent's body position
    • Practice first hook, then second hook sequence
    • Build coordination and movement pattern

  3. Clock Choke Motion (10 reps each direction)

    • Practice walking around in circular pattern
    • Simulate collar grips on gi or towel
    • Build comfort with circular movement
    • Understand angles and body positioning

Partner Drills​

Level 1: Back Take Basics (Cooperative)

  • Partner gives you turtle position
  • Practice seatbelt establishment
  • Insert hooks slowly and methodically
  • 10 reps each side
  • Focus: proper technique and sequence

Level 2: Attack Selection (25% Resistance)

  • Partner in turtle with light defense
  • You practice back takes, clock chokes, turnovers
  • Partner gives opportunities when you establish control
  • 3-minute rounds
  • Focus: recognizing which attack is available

Level 3: Positional Sparring (50-75%)

  • Partner turtles, actively defends
  • You attack for back control or submissions
  • Partner escapes or defends with moderate resistance
  • 3-minute rounds
  • Focus: maintaining pressure and chaining attacks

Level 4: Live Turtle Attacks (100%)

  • Start from turtle position (or let them turtle during rolling)
  • Full resistance from both sides
  • You attack, they defend and escape
  • 5-minute rounds
  • Focus: timing, explosive entries, finishing under pressure

Common Drill Sequences​

Drill 1: Back Take to RNC Flow

  1. Partner in turtle
  2. Establish seatbelt
  3. Insert both hooks
  4. Secure back mount
  5. Immediately attack rear naked choke
  6. 10 reps, complete sequence each time
  7. Build automatic finishing mentality

Drill 2: Attack Chain (Back → Clock → Turnover)

  1. Partner in turtle
  2. Attempt back take
  3. Partner defends seatbelt
  4. Switch to clock choke attempt
  5. Partner defends collar
  6. Execute turnover to side control
  7. 5 reps, practice smooth transitions

Drill 3: Multiple Entries

  1. Start from various positions leading to turtle
  2. Guard pass → turtle → back take
  3. Scramble → turtle → clock choke
  4. Standing → turtle → turnover
  5. Build recognition of turtle opportunities in live rolling

See detailed drilling methodology

Progression Timeline​

Following training methods:

  • Week 1-2: Basic back take from turtle, seatbelt mastery
  • Week 3-4: Clock choke introduction, grip fighting
  • Week 5-8: Turnovers, attack chains, timing development
  • Month 3-6: Live application, high-percentage finishes
  • Month 6+: Advanced attacks (crucifix, truck), teaching ability

🔧 Troubleshooting Guide​

Problem: They Keep Escaping Before I Get Hooks In​

Solutions:

  1. Establish seatbelt grip FIRST before thinking about hooks
  2. Keep chest pressure on their back
  3. Your weight must be forward and down
  4. First hook goes opposite side (creates leverage)
  5. Use seatbelt to slightly roll them toward you for hook space
  6. Don't reach for hooks if seatbelt not secure
  7. May need to attack clock choke if they defend hooks perfectly

Problem: Can't Get Deep Collar Grip for Clock Choke​

Solutions:

  1. Create space by pulling their far shoulder back
  2. Reach early while they're still settling into turtle
  3. Use your head to push their head down (creates neck space)
  4. Four fingers in, thumb out for maximum depth
  5. If deep grip unavailable, attack back take instead
  6. Your chest weight keeps them flat while reaching
  7. Practice grip timing in drilling - it's a moment-of-opportunity technique

Problem: Turnovers Keep Failing​

Solutions:

  1. Choose turnover direction based on their weight distribution
  2. Don't force against strong base - wait or choose different attack
  3. Chain turnover attempt into back take when they defend
  4. May need more forward pressure before initiating turnover
  5. Underhook must be deep for leverage
  6. Explosive execution - slow turnovers get defended
  7. Back take is usually better option (more points, better position)

Problem: They Stand Up Before I Can Attack​

Solutions:

  1. Immediate pressure when they turtle - don't give them time
  2. If they stand with you attached, hang on and insert hooks while standing
  3. Heavy chest-to-back pressure prevents standing
  4. Seatbelt grip must be established before they start standing
  5. If standing inevitable, transition to standing back control
  6. Your legs can hook while standing (body lock alternative)
  7. Speed of attack is critical - hesitation allows escape

Problem: Can't Maintain Seatbelt Grip​

Solutions:

  1. Lock hands together firmly (gable grip or palm-to-palm)
  2. Top arm is primary control - focus there
  3. Pull them tight to your chest
  4. Don't let them get hands between your arms and their body
  5. Keep constant tension in seatbelt
  6. Your head positioned over their shoulder prevents escape
  7. If one side fails, immediately switch seatbelt configuration

Problem: They Roll Me Over When I Attack​

Solutions:

  1. Widen your base (knees spread)
  2. Keep weight lower and forward
  3. Don't overcommit to one side prematurely
  4. Post hand out if being rolled
  5. If roll inevitable, maintain seatbelt and complete back take during roll
  6. Your weight must be primarily on them, not beside them
  7. Some opponent movement is acceptable - maintain connection

💡 Advanced Concepts​

Reading Turtle Defense Quality​

Strong Turtle Indicators:

  • Elbows tight to knees consistently
  • Active grip fighting against your seatbelt
  • Good base width and weight distribution
  • Constant small adjustments
  • Quick response to your attacks

Weak Turtle Indicators:

  • Elbows away from knees
  • Static posture (not moving)
  • Base too narrow or too wide
  • Head up (not tucked)
  • Slow to respond to attacks

Strategic Response:

  • Against strong turtle: Be patient, wait for movement, use weight pressure
  • Against weak turtle: Attack immediately and aggressively
  • Adjust aggression based on their defense quality

Gi vs No-Gi Differences​

Gi Turtle Attacks:

  • Clock choke available (major weapon)
  • Collar grips for control
  • Can use gi for leverage in turnovers
  • Slower pace generally
  • More grip fighting options

No-Gi Turtle Attacks:

  • Back take becomes primary focus
  • Darce/anaconda chokes replace clock choke
  • More emphasis on body locks and hooks
  • Faster, more explosive exchanges
  • Underhooks and overhooks more critical
  • Truck position more common
  • Sweat factor makes grips harder

Competition Strategy​

Point Considerations:

  • Back mount = 4 points
  • Guard pass completion (turnover) = 3 points
  • Submission = win
  • Strategic choice: 4 points > 3 points

Time Considerations:

  • Late match: Take safer back control (points + control)
  • Losing: Hunt submissions more aggressively
  • Winning: Control position, don't risk

Opponent Considerations:

  • Dangerous from guard: Favor turnovers to avoid guard
  • Weak turtle: Attack aggressively
  • Strong turtle defense: Be patient, wait for opportunity
  • Exhausted opponent: Increase pressure, force mistakes

Teaching Turtle Attacks​

Beginner Focus:

  • Basic back take only
  • Seatbelt grip establishment
  • Simple hook insertion
  • Build foundation before complexity

Intermediate Development:

  • Add clock choke
  • Basic turnovers
  • Attack chains
  • Timing recognition

Advanced Refinement:

  • Crucifix setups
  • Truck position
  • Complex attack chains
  • Reading opponent's defense
  • Competition application

🎯 Belt-Level Expectations​

White Belt Goals​

Referenced in Beginner's Journey:

  • Understand concept of attacking turtle (Month 5-6)
  • Basic back take from cooperative turtle
  • Seatbelt grip establishment
  • Understand that back control is the goal
  • Attempt rear naked choke after back take
  • Don't stay static on top of turtle

Blue Belt Development​

Referenced in Skill Progression:

  • Consistent back takes from turtle under moderate resistance
  • Clock choke functional in gi
  • Basic turnovers when back unavailable
  • Chain back take attempts with other attacks
  • Finish RNC from turtle back takes
  • Help teach white belts turtle attacks
  • Competition application of turtle attacks

Purple Belt Mastery​

  • Back take from turtle is automatic and high-percentage
  • Multiple turtle submissions (clock choke, guillotine, darce)
  • Crucifix position setups
  • Advanced timing and grip fighting
  • Teaching authority on turtle attacks
  • Competition specialist level
  • Reading opponent's turtle defense quality
  • Truck position and modern variants

🎯 Next Steps​

After understanding turtle attacks:

  1. Master back control → Back Mount - Where turtle attacks lead
  2. Learn turtle escapes → Turtle Escapes - Understand both sides
  3. Perfect RNC → Rear Naked Choke - Primary finish from back
  4. Study turtle defense → Turtle Position - Understand defensive side
  5. Guard passing sequences → Often leads to turtle scenarios
  6. Drilling consistency → Turtle attacks require specific drilling for proficiency

🔗 Related Resources​

Turtle Position System​

Primary Destinations​

Submissions from Turtle​

Theoretical Foundation​

Progress Tracking​