BJJ Graph

Banana Split

Jun 15, 202511 min read

Banana Split

bjjtransitionsubmission10thplanettruckposition

Required Properties for State Machine

Core Identifiers

  • Submission ID: S302
  • Submission Name: Banana Split
  • Alternative Names: Groin Stretch, Inner Thigh Split

State Machine Properties

Submission Properties

  • Success Probability: Beginner 35%, Intermediate 60%, Advanced 80% - core probability data
  • Execution Complexity: Medium to High - technical difficulty assessment
  • Energy Cost: High - physical demand of execution
  • Time Required: Moderate - duration of submission attempt
  • Risk Level: Medium - chance of position loss if failed

Physical Requirements

  • Strength Requirements: Medium for grip and hip drive
  • Flexibility Requirements: Medium for hamstring and hip mobility
  • Coordination Requirements: High for simultaneous upper and lower body control
  • Endurance Requirements: Medium for maintaining pressure during finish

State Machine Content Elements

Visual Execution Sequence

Detailed step-by-step description for clear movement sequence visualization:

From the Truck Position, you start with a tight figure-four leg entanglement on one of the opponent’s legs, ensuring complete control as you prepare to target their free leg. Your outside arm secures a grip on their free leg, typically at the ankle or shin, while your other arm controls their upper body by gripping their collar, arm, or head to prevent defensive rotation. You adjust your body to a perpendicular angle relative to the opponent, elevating your hips and driving them forward to create the foundation for the stretching force. Then, you pull their free leg toward their head while pushing their upper body in the opposite direction, generating a powerful split that applies intense pressure to their groin and inner thigh muscles until they submit or tap out due to the discomfort or potential muscle strain.

Template: “From Truck Position, secure figure-four on one leg and grip their free leg at ankle or shin. Control their upper body with your other arm to block rotation. Adjust to a perpendicular angle, elevate hips, and drive forward. Pull free leg toward head and push upper body opposite for a groin stretch until submission.”

Execution Steps (Numbered Sequence)

  1. Setup Requirements: Establish complete Truck Position with figure-four leg entanglement
  2. Initial Movement: Secure grip on opponent’s free leg at ankle or shin
  3. Opponent Response: Opponent may attempt to extend leg or turn upper body
  4. Adaptation: Use outside arm to control their upper body (collar, arm, or head)
  5. Positioning: Adjust to perpendicular angle, elevate and drive hips forward
  6. Pressure Application: Pull free leg toward head while pushing upper body opposite
  7. Completion: Maintain control and increase stretching pressure for submission

Key Technical Details

Critical elements that determine success:

  • Grip Requirements: Strong hold on free leg at ankle or shin for leverage
  • Base/Foundation: Tight figure-four control in Truck Position for stability
  • Timing Windows: Execute after full Truck control is established
  • Leverage Points: Hip drive and opposing force vectors for stretching pressure
  • Common Adjustments: Fine-tune angle and grip based on defensive reactions

Success Modifiers

Factors that increase/decrease probability:

  • Setup Quality: Strong figure-four and Truck Position control (+/-20%)
  • Timing Precision: Executing before opponent counters Truck control (+/-15%)
  • Opponent Fatigue: Reduced defensive mobility over time (+/-5%)
  • Knowledge Test Performance: Understanding stretching mechanics (+/-10%)
  • Hip Drive Effectiveness: Power and angle of hip elevation (+/-10%)

Counter-Attack Analysis

Common Counters

Opponent responses with success rates:

  • Hip Escape: Shrimping to reduce angle of stretch → Angle Reduction (Success Rate: 40%, Conditions: early reaction)
  • Leg Extension: Straightening free leg to relieve pressure → Pressure Relief (Success Rate: 35%, Conditions: strong leg control)
  • Upper Body Turn: Rotating torso to change alignment → Alignment Change (Success Rate: 30%, Conditions: upper body mobility)
  • Forward Roll: Rolling forward to escape position → Escape Attempt (Success Rate: 25%, Conditions: significant momentum)
  • Grip Fighting: Breaking grip on free leg or upper body → Control Break (Success Rate: 20%, Conditions: quick grip defense)

Format: [[Counter Technique]] → [[Result State]] (Success Rate: X%, Conditions: [when applicable])

Decision Logic for Opponent Behavior

If [banana split setup] is not fully secured:
- Execute [[Hip Escape]] (Probability: 40%)

Else if [leg control] allows straightening:
- Execute [[Leg Extension]] (Probability: 35%)

Else if [upper body] has mobility:
- Execute [[Upper Body Turn]] (Probability: 30%)

Else if [momentum] can be created:
- Execute [[Forward Roll]] (Probability: 25%)

Else [optimal submission execution]:
- Accept submission (Probability: Success Rate - Modifiers)

Defensive Considerations

Common Threats During Attempt

Primary risks while attempting this submission:

  • Position Loss: Opponent escapes Truck Position → Escape Attempt (Threat Level: Medium)
  • Counter Submission: Opponent attacks with leg locks if control slips → Leg Lock Control (Threat Level: Low)
  • Escape: Opponent breaks grip and reduces angle → Angle Reduction (Threat Level: Medium)
  • Stalemate: Opponent stalls with strong defensive posture → Pressure Relief (Threat Level: Low)

Format: [[Threat Type]] → [[Resulting Position]] (Threat Level: X)

Defensive Strategies

Methods to mitigate threats:

  • Figure-Four Maintenance: Keep tight control on entangled leg to prevent escape
  • Grip Security: Maintain strong holds on free leg and upper body
  • Hip Drive: Use continuous forward pressure to limit opponent’s mobility
  • Angle Adjustment: Optimize perpendicular positioning to maximize stretch
  • Defensive Awareness: Anticipate and counter hip escapes or rolls early

Educational Content

Expert Insights

Commentary as if from recognized authorities:

  • John Danaher: “While not a primary focus in my system, the Banana Split showcases the power of multidirectional pressure. Its effectiveness lies in targeting multiple anatomical structures simultaneously, making defense challenging. This submission illustrates how unique angles can create devastating mechanical advantages.”
  • Gordon Ryan: “The Banana Split is a specialized tool that shines when Truck Position control is absolute. I focus on precise angle creation and progressive pressure to avoid giving the opponent defensive windows. It demonstrates how unconventional submissions can catch even skilled grapplers off-guard.”
  • Eddie Bravo: “As a signature move in the 10th Planet system, the Banana Split is a game-changer from the Truck Position. The key is coordinating upper and lower body control with powerful hip drive to maximize the stretch. This technique embodies our approach to innovative submissions that exploit unique body mechanics.”

Each insight should focus on one key technical or strategic element.

Common Errors

For knowledge test generation:

  • Error: Insufficient figure-four control in Truck Position

  • Why It Fails: Allows opponent to escape or reduce stretching pressure

  • Correction: Maintain tight entanglement to secure base for submission

  • Recognition: Opponent easily pulls entangled leg free during attempt

  • Error: Poor grip on free leg or upper body

  • Why It Fails: Reduces ability to create opposing force vectors for stretch

  • Correction: Secure strong holds at ankle/shin and collar/arm/head

  • Recognition: Opponent moves free leg or torso without resistance

  • Error: Inadequate hip drive or improper angle

  • Why It Fails: Limits stretching pressure on groin and inner thigh

  • Correction: Elevate hips and drive forward at perpendicular angle

  • Recognition: Submission feels weak despite leg and body control

Timing Considerations

When to attempt this submission:

  • Optimal Conditions: After complete Truck Position control is established
  • Avoid When: Opponent maintains strong defensive posture or mobility
  • Setup Sequences: Following transitions to Truck from various positions
  • Follow-up Windows: Must complete within 5-10 seconds to prevent counter or fatigue

Prerequisites

Requirements before attempting:

  • Technical Skills: Understanding of Truck Position and stretching mechanics
  • Physical Preparation: Hip mobility and strength for driving pressure
  • Positional Knowledge: Strong control from Truck Position setups
  • Experience Level: Intermediate to Advanced - requires specific system familiarity

Technical Assessment Elements

Knowledge Assessment Questions

5 technical questions with multiple choice answers:

  • Mechanical Understanding: “What creates the stretching pressure in the Banana Split?”
  • Timing Recognition: “When is the optimal moment to initiate the Banana Split?”
  • Error Prevention: “What is the most common mistake in applying pressure for this submission?”
  • Setup Requirements: “Which control element is essential before attempting the Banana Split?”
  • Adaptation: “How do you adjust if the opponent starts to escape the Truck Position during the attempt?”

Variants and Configurations

Different setups within the submission:

  • Standard Banana Split: Classic 10th Planet approach with basic grips
  • Modified Banana Split with Head Control: Enhanced upper body immobilization
  • Elevated Banana Split: Maximized hip pressure variant for greater stretch
  • Rolling Banana Split: Dynamic application during transitions
  • Reverse Grip Banana Split: Alternative grip configuration for control

Training Progressions

Skill development pathway:

  • Control Familiarization: Practice figure-four entanglement in Truck Position solo
  • Grip Drilling: Work with partner on securing free leg and upper body control
  • Angle Integration: Add perpendicular positioning and hip elevation to setup
  • Pressure Practice: Incorporate stretching force with progressive resistance
  • Live Application: Use in sparring from Truck Position with focus on coordination

Audio & Narration Elements

Action Descriptions

Dynamic language for TTS narration:

  • Movement Verbs: Secure, grip, adjust, elevate, drive, pull, push
  • Spatial References: Figure-four entanglement, perpendicular angle, free leg
  • Pressure Dynamics: Stretching force, hip drive, groin pressure
  • Momentum Descriptions: Continuous forward drive, progressive stretch increase

Coaching Commentary

Real-time instruction and feedback:

  • Setup Cues: “Lock in the figure-four and grip their free leg at the ankle”
  • Execution Guidance: “Control their upper body to prevent any rotation”
  • Adjustment Prompts: “Elevate your hips and drive forward for maximum stretch”
  • Completion Confirmation: “Pull the leg and push the body for the submission tap”

Technical Specifications

Control Mechanics

Scientific submission analysis:

  • Force Vectors: Opposing pulls on free leg and upper body for stretch
  • Leverage Points: Hip drive as fulcrum for groin and inner thigh pressure
  • Stability Factors: Figure-four entanglement for control and base
  • Mobility Dynamics: Hip elevation and angle adjustment for optimal stretch
  • Energy Efficiency: High energy use with significant submission return

Success Factors

Elements that strengthen submission:

  • Figure-Four Control: Quality of leg entanglement in Truck Position (+/-20%)
  • Hip Drive: Power and angle of forward pressure (+/-15%)
  • Grip Quality: Strength of holds on free leg and upper body (+/-15%)
  • Opponent Fatigue: Reduced defensive resistance over time (+/-5%)
  • Experience Level: Familiarity with 10th Planet system mechanics (+/-10%)

Validation Checklist

Every submission file must include:

  • All required properties with specific values
  • Detailed visual execution sequence (minimum 4 sentences)
  • Complete execution steps list (minimum 7 steps)
  • Strategic advantages and common challenges
  • At least 3 high-probability counters with success rates
  • Expert insights from all three authorities
  • Minimum 3 common errors with corrections
  • 5 knowledge test questions with answers
  • Defensive considerations and strategies
  • Training progression pathway

Example Implementation

See Americana for a complete example implementing all standard requirements.

Notes for Developers

This standard ensures:

  • Consistent submission data for state machine implementation
  • Detailed control mechanics for realistic modeling
  • Rich content for comprehensive technical documentation
  • Educational value through expert analysis
  • Technical depth for authentic understanding
  • Structured counter analysis for complete coverage
  • Knowledge assessment integration
  • Training progression guidance

Updates to this standard should be reflected across all submission files to maintain consistency and educational value.

  • Calf Slicer - Alternative submission from Truck Position
  • Twister - Complementary stretch submission in 10th Planet system
  • Electric Chair - Related stretch from different control position
  • Kneebar - Follow-up if Banana Split control shifts
  • Toe Hold - Secondary attack if leg configuration changes

Historical Context

The Banana Split emerged as part of Eddie Bravo’s development of the 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu system, specifically as a signature submission from the Truck Position. It represents an innovative approach to submissions by focusing on comprehensive stretching mechanics rather than traditional joint locks, gaining prominence in no-gi and submission grappling formats.

Competition Applications

  • IBJJF Rules: Legal at higher belt levels, scores as submission win
  • Strategic Use: Specialized finish from Truck Position in no-gi contexts
  • No-Gi Adaptation: Highly effective due to focus on body mechanics over grips
  • Tournament Impact: Often used to surprise opponents unfamiliar with 10th Planet system

Safety Considerations

  • Pressure Control: Apply stretch gradually to avoid sudden muscle injury
  • Partner Awareness: Monitor opponent’s response during application
  • Mat Space: Ensure adequate space for safe positioning and movement
  • Release Timing: Release immediately upon tap to prevent groin or thigh damage
  • Muscle Safety: Avoid excessive force beyond reasonable stretching point

Submission Integration

Common Banana Split combinations:

Training Applications

  • System Specialization: Essential for 10th Planet system practitioners
  • Competition Preparation: Unique submission for no-gi tournaments
  • Control Training: Builds coordination in upper and lower body control
  • Innovative Development: Encourages exploration of unconventional submissions

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