Back to Techniques
Back MountTop
AdvancedTruck
N/A
Taught by:Nathan Merkle
Share
Share this page
About This Technique
The Truck Technique
Overview
The "Truck" is a unique and versatile grappling position used in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). It is a powerful tool to set up various submissions and transitions, most notably the "Twister" submission. It is primarily associated with the back control position and often employed to achieve dominant positions or capitalize on a submission opportunity.
Positions
- Primary Position: Back Mount
- Other Possible Entries: Turtle, Side Control
Japanese Name
- N/A (Unknown)
Step-by-Step Instructions
-
Starting from Back Control:
- Begin with the opponent in your Back Control, with tight hooks and a secured seatbelt grip.
-
Transition to the Truck:
- Remove hooks: If both hooks are in, allow one hook to slip out while maintaining control with your opposite hand over their shoulder.
- Cross grab the far foot: Using your arm that isn't gripping the seatbelt (typically the bottom arm), reach across the opponent's body and grab their far foot, pulling it towards your hip.
-
Enter the Truck:
- Roll to the side: Roll towards the side where you have control of the opponent's foot, causing the opponent to roll over with you.
- Re-establish control: Place the hook of your free leg on the inside of the thigh on the same side you are controlling the foot.
-
Secure the Truck position:
- Use your other leg as a back hook: Your opposite leg should hook under the opponent's far thigh, establishing control and preventing them from escaping.
- Maintain foot control: Keep a strong grip on the opponent’s foot, maintaining pressure to stabilize the position.
-
Set-Up Submissions or Transitions:
- Twister Transition: From the Truck, release your hook and use a corkscrew motion to rotate towards the opponent's head, over their body, transitioning into the Twister submission.
- Calf Slicer Potential: Use your grip on the opponent's foot to position their leg against your hip, applying pressure for a calf slicer.
-
Maintain Truck Specifics:
- Always ensure your body hugs tight to your opponent, minimizing space.
- Keep your opponent's foot immobilized to increase control and submission threat.
Tips for Mastery
- Awareness: Always be conscious of the opponent's attempts to roll or create space and adjust accordingly.
- Balance: As you roll into the Truck, control the roll to avoid losing position or allowing opponent escapes.
- Drill Transitions: Practice transitions into the Truck from various starting positions, emphasizing smooth and fluid movements.
Conclusion
The Truck is an advanced BJJ position that provides numerous opportunities for submission or transitioning to other dominant positions. Mastery of the Truck requires a solid understanding of body mechanics and control to effectively utilize its potential in both sport and self-defense settings.
How to Execute
# Truck from Back Mount
## Setup
- **Initial Position Details**: Start from the back mount position where you have your opponent's back and you're controlling them with your hooks (your feet inside their thighs) and seatbelt grip (one arm over their shoulder and the other under their arm).
- **Grips and Controls Needed**: Ensure a tight seatbelt grip with your underhook arm controlling their far shoulder and your overhook arm grabbing your own wrist. Your hooks should be engaged, controlling their hips and preventing them from turning.
## Steps
1. **Transition to One Hook**:
- Release your seatbelt grip and transition to a cross-body underhook by weaving your underhook arm deeper across their body.
- Simultaneously, remove your bottom hook (the one nearest to the mat) while keeping your top hook (the one over their hip) engaged.
2. **Control the Far Leg**:
- Use your free hand to reach for your opponent’s far leg, grabbing their ankle or pants to control their limb. This will prevent them from escaping and set up your next move.
3. **Create Space for the Roll**:
- Using the grip on their leg, pull their leg towards you while simultaneously scooting your hips away to create space.
- Your top hook should remain engaged the entire time to maintain control over their hips.
4. **Initiate the Roll**:
- With a strong grip on their far leg, use your top hook to lift and turn them slightly towards you.
- As you do this, begin rolling towards the side where your hook is engaged, pulling their leg with you.
5. **Enter the Truck Position**:
- During the roll, use your top hook to guide their near leg across your body.
- Your free leg (previously the bottom hook) should thread under their near leg and over your own top hook, effectively trapping their leg with a figure-four configuration.
6. **Lock and Control**:
- Secure the Truck position by locking your legs around their trapped leg, ensuring tight control.
- Maintain a firm grip on their far leg to limit their movement and solidify your control.
## Key Points
- **Important Details to Remember**:
- Keep your hooks and grips tight throughout the transition to prevent your opponent from escaping.
- The roll should be initiated smoothly, using leverage rather than force, to maintain control and avoid losing position.
- **Common Mistakes to Avoid**:
- Do not release your grip on their leg too early, as this may allow them to escape or reverse the position.
- Avoid being too loose with your hooks or grips, as this can lead to losing the position or failing to secure the Truck.
- Ensure you roll with control, maintaining balance and positioning to effectively trap their leg and transition smoothly into the Truck.
By following these steps and focusing on the key points, you can effectively transition from the back mount to the Truck position in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Rate This Technique
Sign in to rate techniques
Sign In