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About This Technique
Technique: Twister
The Twister is a spine-twisting submission popularized by Eddie Bravo in the realm of no-gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and commonly seen in the 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu system. It is often executed from a position resembling back control but can also be set up from various other positions.
Possible Positions:
- Truck Position
- Back Mount
Step-by-Step Instructions:
-
Establish Control in the Truck Position
- Start from a back mount, ensuring your opponent is flat on their back while you're on one side.
- Hook one of your legs over their leg (such that your shin hooks behind their knee), this is called the Truck Position.
- Secure control by holding your opponent's far leg and keeping your own foot posted on the ground.
-
Secure the Opponent's Head
- Reach around the opponent's head with your far-side arm (from the Truck Position) and grip their near-side arm around their head, achieving a grip on your own wrist.
- This motion should turn their body slightly allowing you access and the setup for the twister.
-
Lock the Twister
- Move your head towards the opponent's back, maintaining a grip around their head with your forearm.
- Your aim is to utilize your entire body as a wrench while closing your forearm towards the back of your opponent’s head.
-
Create the Twist and Achieve the Submission
- With your arm around the head secured tightly, bring your opponent's head further across their own body by using a twisting motion with your upper body.
- Simultaneously, pull their far-side leg in the opposite direction to enhance the spinal twist effect.
- Apply gradual pressure until the opponent verbally submits or taps out.
Important Notes:
- Safety First: The Twister can put a lot of pressure on the spine, so it is crucial to apply control and gradually apply pressure to avoid injury.
- Control and Balance: Ensuring a stable base during the execution of the Twister will prevent counters and maintain dominance.
- Transition Skills: Especially effective as either a finishing hold or a transition into other dominant positions if the opponent attempts to escape.
Caution:
Mastering the Twister requires not only technical knowledge but also significant practice to execute smoothly and safely. Always train with a trusted partner who understands the inherent risks of spinal manipulations.
Conclusion:
The Twister is more than just a flashy submission—it showcases the artistry and strategic depth inherent in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. When executed with precision and control, it stands as a versatile tool for practitioners who favor controlling the human body's range of motion.
Additional Resources:
- Video Demonstrations: Explore online video classes or tutorials that demonstrate proper technique and application of the Twister for nuanced learning.
How to Execute
# Twister from Back Mount Position in BJJ
## Setup
- **Initial Position Details**: Begin in the back mount position with your opponent. You should have your hooks in (feet inside their thighs) and your seat belt grip secured (one arm over their shoulder, the other under their opposite armpit, with your hands locked together at their chest).
- **Grips and Controls Needed**: Ensure a tight seat belt grip and maintain chest-to-back pressure. Position your head on the same side as your overhook arm to control their head movement.
## Steps
1. **Transition to Truck Position**:
- From the back mount, remove your bottom hook (the one closest to the mat) and shift your hips to bring your opponent to one side.
- As they turn, slide your bottom leg through between their legs, hooking their far leg with your foot. This creates a 'Truck' position.
2. **Control the Near Leg**:
- Use your free hand (the one previously underhooking) to grab your opponent's far leg, pulling it towards you. This is the leg you will control to set up the Twister.
3. **Secure the Twister Hook**:
- With your bottom leg still controlling their far leg, use your top leg to step over their near leg, trapping it under your knee. This is your Twister hook.
4. **Transition to Twister Side Control**:
- Release your seat belt grip and use the hand that was over their shoulder to palm their head, controlling it for the transition.
- Simultaneously, pull the far leg towards you with your other hand and twist your body to face their legs, bringing your head close to their hip.
5. **Apply the Twister**:
- With the opponent's far leg controlled and their near leg trapped, use your free hand to reach over their shoulder and grab their head.
- Pull their head towards you while pushing their far leg away with your other hand, applying lateral pressure to their spine.
## Key Points
- **Important Details to Remember**:
- Maintain constant control of your opponent's legs throughout the transition to ensure they cannot escape.
- Your head should remain close to their hip during the transition to maintain control and prevent them from turning back into you.
- **Common Mistakes to Avoid**:
- Failing to control the opponent's far leg can lead to their escape. Ensure your hook is tight and secure.
- Not controlling the head properly when applying the Twister can allow the opponent to relieve pressure and escape. Ensure a firm grip on their head.
- Rushing the transition can lead to loss of position. Move deliberately and maintain pressure throughout.
By following these instructions, you can effectively execute the Twister from back mount position while maintaining control over your opponent.
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