The turtle position in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu represents both vulnerability and opportunity. Skilled grapplers recognize this defensive posture as a prime target for high-percentage attacks that can quickly end matches. While many practitioners focus solely on back takes, a thorough turtle attack arsenal includes submissions, positional advances, and tactical reversals. Understanding these five proven techniques transforms a seemingly defensive scenario into a strategic advantage. The difference between novice and advanced BJJ often lies in this ability to exploit what appears safe to the untrained eye.
The Crucifix Roll: Immobilizing Arms for Easy Submissions
Most BJJ practitioners overlook the turtle position‘s offensive potential, particularly when executing the crucifix roll.
This technique transforms a defensive scenario into a dominant attacking position by methodically isolating one of the opponent’s arms while controlling their upper body.
The effectiveness lies in proper arm control—practitioners secure the opponent’s near-side arm between their legs while simultaneously capturing the far-side arm under their armpit.
From this configuration, several crucifix variations become available, including chokes, arm locks, and neck cranks.
The crucifix roll requires minimal energy expenditure while offering maximum submission potential, making it an essential component of advanced turtle attacks.
Sit-Through to Back Take: Capitalizing on Your Opponent’s Weight Distribution
Exploiting momentum represents the fundamental principle behind the sit-through to back take, one of BJJ’s most efficient turtle position counters.
The technique capitalizes on the opponent’s weight distribution when they pressure forward, creating a perfect opportunity to slip underneath.
As the opponent leans weight onto the turtled practitioner, executing a quick sit-through motion diverts their forward pressure into empty space.
This counter technique requires precise timing—waiting until the opponent commits their weight before sliding the hips through.
The practitioner then secures hooks, establishing back control through minimal effort by using the opponent’s own forward momentum against them.
Rolling Kimura: Converting Defense to Offensive Control
The rolling Kimura transforms a defensive turtle position into a potent submission opportunity through its unique rotational mechanics. When executed properly, this technique capitalizes on an opponent’s forward pressure during turtle defense.
The practitioner secures a Kimura grip from the defensive turtle, then initiates a forward roll while maintaining wrist control. This rolling motion creates momentum that destabilizes the opponent’s base while simultaneously positioning the grappler on top.
This technique exemplifies efficient offensive changes, converting vulnerability into control.
The key elements—secure grip, proper shoulder positioning, and fluid rolling mechanics—must work in concert to successfully shift from defense to attack position.
The Wrestling Switch: Explosive Reversal for Immediate Top Position
Wrestlers have long employed the switch as a formidable defensive counter, making it equally valuable in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu’s turtle position repertoire. This technique leverages core wrestling fundamentals to transform defensive vulnerability into offensive opportunity.
The switch execution requires precise timing and hip awareness. When an opponent attempts to control from behind, the defending grappler posts their inside arm firmly while simultaneously swinging their outside leg backward. This creates momentum for the critical hip rotation that follows.
The effectiveness lies in explosive movements that catch opponents off-balance. By committing to the full rotation with proper weight distribution, practitioners can seamlessly convert from bottom turtle to top control position.
Clock Choke: The Deceptively Simple Lapel Strangle
While wrestling-based reversals offer powerful escapes, attacking from the top against a turtled opponent presents equally valuable opportunities, particularly with the clock choke.
The clock choke exploits the vulnerable neck position of the turtled opponent through precise lapel grip mechanics. The attacker secures a deep cross-collar grip, threads the lapel across the opponent’s neck, and applies pressure by rotating their body perpendicular to the defender. This rotation mimics a clock hand’s movement, creating a devastating strangle.
Effective execution requires maintaining chest-to-back pressure while controlling the opponent’s far arm, preventing defensive frames.
The technique’s power lies in its simplicity—minimal strength required when proper body positioning amplifies the choking pressure.
