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Turtle Attacks

Quick Introduction​

Attacking the turtle provides direct pathways to back control (4 points + submissions) and high-percentage finishes. When your opponent turtles, establish control first (seatbelt grip), then commit to specific attacks. Back control is the primary goal — submissions are opportunistic.

Position Overview​

From: Opponent in defensive turtle after guard passes, scrambles, or defensive turns | Leads to: Back mount (highest value), submissions, turnovers to side control/mount

Back Take (Highest Priority)​

  1. Position behind and slightly to one side
  2. Establish seatbelt grip (one arm over shoulder, one under opposite armpit)
  3. Lock hands at their chest (gable grip or palm-to-palm)
  4. Insert far-side hook first (creates leverage)
  5. Use seatbelt to slightly roll them toward you for second hook space
  6. Insert near-side hook
  7. Fall to side with both hooks — immediately attack rear naked choke

Key detail: Seatbelt BEFORE hooks. Top arm (over shoulder) is primary control. Don't rush hook insertion — control position first. Chest stays glued to their back throughout. If they stand, hang on and insert hooks while standing.

Clock Choke (Gi Only)​

  1. Reach over their far shoulder — deep collar grip (four fingers inside)
  2. Second hand grabs near-side collar (palm up)
  3. Chest heavy on their back
  4. Walk legs around toward their head (circular motion)
  5. Body becomes perpendicular to theirs
  6. Fall to hip on circling side
  7. Extend body away while pulling collar grips — squeeze

Key detail: Deep first collar grip essential (four fingers in, thumb out). Walking motion is circular, not straight. If they turn into you, may get back mount instead (bonus). Use when they defend back take well.

Crucifix Position Setup​

  1. Establish seatbelt from behind
  2. Insert near-side hook, roll them toward you
  3. As they roll, trap their top arm between your legs
  4. Bottom leg hooks under their bottom arm
  5. Both arms isolated — attack with one-armed RNC, armlocks, or collar chokes

Key detail: Works best when they defend seatbelt aggressively. Advanced position requiring precise timing. Once one arm trapped in legs, defense is extremely limited.

Turnovers to Pins​

Opposite side turnover:

  1. Position perpendicular to them
  2. Far arm reaches under their far armpit (deep underhook)
  3. Near arm controls their near hip
  4. Drive weight forward — lift with underhook, push hip
  5. Roll them to back, establish side control

Front headlock turnover:

  1. Arm around their head (front headlock)
  2. Other hand controls near arm
  3. Step over their back with far leg
  4. Fall to hip, roll them to back
  5. Land in side control or north-south

Key detail: Choose turnover direction based on their weight distribution. Back take is usually better (more points), but turnovers work when back control is strongly defended.

Core Principles​

  1. Seatbelt first, everything else second — Control position before committing to attacks
  2. Back take is highest priority — 4 points + best submissions > 3 points for turnover
  3. Attack immediately — Turtle is transitional; opponent will escape if you hesitate
  4. Weight forward and down — Constant pressure prevents them strengthening structure
  5. Chain attacks fluidly — Back take blocked → clock choke; clock choke unavailable → turnover

Common Mistakes​

MistakeFix
Rushing without seatbeltEstablish seatbelt grip before any other attack
Static pressureMust progress — opponent escapes or ref stands you up
Ignoring back takeAlways prefer back mount when available
Weak seatbeltLock hands tight; maintain constant pressure
Telegraphing attacksUse grip variations and misdirection
Giving up position for submissionPosition first, submission second

Next Steps​

  1. Back Mount - Where turtle attacks lead
  2. Turtle Escapes - Understand both sides
  3. Rear Naked Choke - Primary finish from back