Cross Body Ride Top is a dominant controlling position used when the opponent is in turtle position. The top practitioner controls the opponent’s back from a perpendicular angle, using body weight and strategic grips to prevent escapes while setting up back takes and submissions. This position is characterized by the top player’s chest positioned across the opponent’s back, with hooks or control points established to prevent the bottom player from either standing up or rolling through.
The Cross Body Ride is a critical transitional position in no-gi grappling and serves as a gateway to back control, the crucifix, and various submission attacks. It allows the top player to apply heavy shoulder pressure while maintaining mobility to follow the opponent’s defensive movements. The position is particularly effective because it neutralizes the turtle position’s defensive advantages while creating multiple offensive pathways.
Modern approaches to the Cross Body Ride emphasize dynamic control rather than static holding, with practitioners constantly adjusting weight distribution and grip placement based on the opponent’s reactions. This position represents the intersection of technical control and athletic adaptability, requiring practitioners to read and respond to defensive movements while maintaining dominant positioning throughout the engagement.
Position Definition
- Top player’s chest positioned perpendicular across opponent’s back, creating heavy cross-body pressure through shoulder and upper torso contact with opponent’s spine and shoulder blade area
- Opponent in turtle position with knees and hands/elbows on mat, back exposed and facing downward, unable to achieve standing or supine positions
- Top player maintains at least one hook (arm or leg) controlling opponent’s near side, preventing rotation and escape while serving as anchor point for transitions
- Weight distribution directed through shoulder and upper body into opponent’s back, collapsing their turtle structure while maintaining top player’s base on opposite side
- Top player’s hips positioned to side and slightly back, allowing mobility to follow opponent’s movements while maintaining perpendicular angle of attack
Prerequisites
- Opponent in defensive turtle position with back exposed
- Top player has achieved perpendicular angle relative to opponent’s spine
- Initial control established via collar tie, overhook, or seatbelt grip
- Top player’s weight successfully loaded onto opponent’s back
- Bottom player’s forward movement or standing attempts have been neutralized
Key Offensive Principles
- Maintain perpendicular angle with chest across opponent’s back to maximize pressure and control options
- Keep weight heavy on opponent’s shoulders to collapse their turtle structure and limit mobility
- Use near-side hook (arm or leg) as primary anchor point while opposite side maintains base and mobility
- Stay mobile and ready to follow opponent’s rotation, avoiding being rolled through or escaped
- Transition decisively when opponent exposes back or extends limbs, capitalizing on defensive reactions
- Control opponent’s hips and shoulders simultaneously to prevent explosive escapes or position changes
- Maintain constant pressure to drain opponent’s energy while preserving your own through efficient weight distribution
Available Attacks
Turtle to Back Control → Back Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 40%
- Intermediate: 60%
- Advanced: 75%
Crucifix from Turtle → Crucifix
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 25%
- Intermediate: 45%
- Advanced: 65%
Crab Ride to Back → Crab Ride
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 30%
- Intermediate: 50%
- Advanced: 70%
Transition to Mount → Mount
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 35%
- Intermediate: 50%
- Advanced: 65%
Bow and Arrow Choke → Back Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 20%
- Intermediate: 35%
- Advanced: 55%
Rear Naked Choke → Back Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 25%
- Intermediate: 40%
- Advanced: 60%
Armbar from Back → Back Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 15%
- Intermediate: 30%
- Advanced: 50%
Twister → Twister Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 10%
- Intermediate: 25%
- Advanced: 45%
Decision Making from This Position
If opponent stays static in turtle or attempts to hide arms close to body:
- Execute Turtle to Back Control → Back Control (Probability: 70%)
- Execute Crucifix from Turtle → Crucifix (Probability: 60%)
If opponent attempts forward roll, granby, or explosive rotation:
- Execute Back Take Generic → Back Control (Probability: 65%)
- Execute Crab Ride to Back → Crab Ride (Probability: 55%)
If opponent extends near arm to post or defend neck:
- Execute Crucifix from Turtle → Crucifix (Probability: 70%)
- Execute Armbar from Back → Back Control (Probability: 50%)
If opponent attempts to stand or elevate hips significantly:
- Execute Crab Ride to Back → Crab Ride (Probability: 65%)
- Execute Turtle to Back Control → Back Control (Probability: 60%)
If opponent flattens completely to belly exposing back:
- Execute Rear Naked Choke → Back Control (Probability: 65%)
- Execute Bow and Arrow Choke → Back Control (Probability: 55%)
Optimal Submission Paths
Shortest path to submission
Cross Body Ride Top → Turtle to Back Control → Back Control → Rear Naked Choke
High-percentage crucifix path
Cross Body Ride Top → Crucifix from Turtle → Crucifix → Armbar from Crucifix
Bow and arrow sequence
Cross Body Ride Top → Crab Ride to Back → Crab Ride → Bow and Arrow Choke
Twister system path
Cross Body Ride Top → Transition to Truck → Truck → Twister
Mount to submission path
Cross Body Ride Top → Transition to Mount → Mount → Armbar from Mount
Success Rates and Statistics
| Skill Level | Retention Rate | Advancement Probability | Submission Probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner | 50% | 40% | 15% |
| Intermediate | 65% | 60% | 30% |
| Advanced | 80% | 75% | 50% |
Average Time in Position: 30-90 seconds before transition to back control or escape