BJJ Graph

Truck Position

Jun 15, 20255 min read

Truck Position

bjjstatecontrol10thplanetsubmission

State Properties

  • State ID: S039
  • Point Value: 2 (Advantageous control position)
  • Position Type: Specialized control/submission position
  • Risk Level: Low to Medium
  • Energy Cost: Medium
  • Time Sustainability: Medium

State Description

The Truck Position (also known as “The Twister Position”) is a specialized control position developed and popularized by Eddie Bravo within his 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu system. In this position, the controlling practitioner is positioned perpendicular to their opponent, with one leg threaded underneath the opponent’s leg and the other leg hooked over top, creating a figure-four leg entanglement that controls the opponent’s lower body while maintaining upper body control through various grips. This position offers exceptional control with multiple high-percentage submission options including the Twister, Banana Split, Calf Slicer, and back takes, making it one of the most versatile specialized control positions in modern BJJ.

Key Principles

  • Establish figure-four leg entanglement around opponent’s leg
  • Maintain perpendicular body alignment relative to opponent
  • Control opponent’s upper body through effective grips
  • Create and maintain proper pressure against opponent’s hip
  • Prevent opponent from establishing defensive frames
  • Manage transitions to maximize offensive options
  • Apply systematic pressure to isolate limbs for submissions

Prerequisites

  • Understanding of twister/truck mechanics
  • Hip mobility and leg dexterity
  • Recognition of entry opportunities
  • Knowledge of connected submission systems

State Invariants

  • Figure-four leg entanglement around opponent’s leg
  • Perpendicular body positioning
  • Upper body control through grips or hooks
  • Opponent typically on side or partially inverted
  • Control of opponent’s hip mobility

Defensive Responses (When Opponent Has This State)

Offensive Transitions (Available From This State)

Counter Transitions

Expert Insights

  • Danaher System: While not a core position in the Danaher system, recognizes the Truck’s value as a specialized control position with high submission potential, particularly as it connects to leg entanglements. Emphasizes the mechanical principles that make the position effective, focusing on how to systematically break down defensive barriers when in the position.
  • Gordon Ryan: Acknowledges the Truck as a powerful position within specialized submission systems but utilizes it selectively within his overall game. When employing the position, emphasizes maintaining solid control mechanics before pursuing submissions, particularly focusing on preventing defensive escapes.
  • Eddie Bravo: As the primary developer and proponent of the Truck position, has created an extensive subsystem of entries, controls, and submission options from this position. Emphasizes the position’s versatility as both a control mechanism and a launching pad for multiple submission attacks, viewing it as a central hub in his 10th Planet system.

Common Errors

  • Insufficient leg entanglement → Loss of lower body control
  • Poor upper body control → Defensive mobility
  • Rushing submission attempts → Position compromise
  • Neglecting grip control → Escape opportunities
  • Improper body alignment → Reduced leverage

Training Drills

  • Truck position maintenance against progressive resistance
  • Transition flows between Truck and related positions
  • Entry practice from various positions
  • Submission sequences with proper control maintenance
  • Defensive recognition and counter drills

Decision Tree

If opponent actively defends upper body:

Else if opponent attempts to turn away:

Else if opponent tries to free leg:

Else if opponent attempts to roll:

Position Metrics

  • Success Rate: 75% offensive advancement (competition data)
  • Average Time in Position: 15-45 seconds
  • Submission Probability: 65%
  • Back Take Probability: 50%
  • Position Loss Probability: 15%

Optimal Paths

Twister submission path: Truck Position → Twister Setup → Twister Control → Won by Submission

Back-taking path: Truck Position → Truck to Back → Back Control → Rear Naked Choke → Won by Submission

Lower body submission path: Truck Position → Calf Slicer → Won by Submission

Historical Context

The Truck Position was developed and popularized by Eddie Bravo as part of his 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu system in the early 2000s. While initially viewed as an unorthodox or niche position, it has gained wider acceptance as high-level practitioners have demonstrated its effectiveness in competition. The position represents an innovation in how control can be established through asymmetrical body positioning and specialized entanglements, and has been particularly influential in expanding the range of submission options available from non-traditional control positions.

Computer Science Analogy

The Truck Position represents a specialized “state lock” in the BJJ state graph that immobilizes critical degrees of freedom while maintaining flexible transition options for the controlling player. This creates an asymmetric decision space where the controlling player maintains multiple high-probability edges to advantageous states while the defender’s available transitions are severely constrained. The position exemplifies the concept of a “greedy algorithm” in competitive grappling, where local optimization (establishing the truck) leads to globally optimal outcomes (high-percentage submission opportunities).

Graph View

Backlinks