⚠️ SAFETY: Crucifix Submissions targets the Neck and isolated arm. Risk: Shoulder dislocation from trapped arm. Release immediately upon tap.
The Crucifix position represents one of the most dominant control positions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, offering multiple high-percentage submission opportunities while maintaining exceptional control. From the crucifix, both arms of the opponent are trapped and isolated - one arm controlled between your legs while the other is trapped by your body weight and positioning. This dual arm isolation creates a unique submission environment where the opponent has severely limited defensive capacity. The position derives its name from the cross-like configuration of the opponent’s trapped arms, reminiscent of crucifixion imagery. From this superior control position, you can attack with chokes targeting the neck and carotid arteries, or joint locks attacking the isolated arm. The crucifix is most commonly entered from back control, turtle position, or during scrambles where you can capture and isolate the opponent’s arms. Understanding the fundamental mechanics of arm isolation and maintaining the crucifix structure is essential before attempting submissions, as losing the position often results in the opponent escaping to a more favorable position.
Category: Combination Type: Multiple Submissions Target Area: Neck and isolated arm Starting Position: Crucifix Success Rates: Beginner 35%, Intermediate 55%, Advanced 75%
Safety Guide
Injury Risks:
| Injury | Severity | Recovery Time |
|---|---|---|
| Shoulder dislocation from trapped arm | High | 6-12 weeks with possible surgery |
| Elbow hyperextension or dislocation | High | 4-8 weeks |
| Unconsciousness from choke | CRITICAL | Immediate danger - release on tap |
| Neck strain from choke pressure | Medium | 1-2 weeks |
Application Speed: SLOW and progressive - 3-5 seconds minimum for joint locks, 5-7 seconds for chokes
Tap Signals:
- Verbal tap - any vocal signal
- Physical hand tap - multiple taps with free hand
- Physical foot tap - stomping or tapping with feet
- Any distress signal - grunting, body convulsion
- Loss of resistance - immediate release required
Release Protocol:
- Immediately cease all pressure upon tap signal
- Release leg control from trapped arm first
- Remove choking arm or attacking grip completely
- Allow opponent to move to neutral position
- Check partner’s condition before continuing training
- Never spike or jerk submissions during release
Training Restrictions:
- Never apply submissions at competition speed in training
- Always allow clear tap access with at least one limb
- Never crank or jerk arm locks - slow progressive pressure only
- Stop immediately if partner shows distress signals
- Beginners should drill position control before attempting submissions
- Never practice on partners with existing shoulder or neck injuries without explicit permission
Key Principles
- Dual arm isolation - control both opponent’s arms simultaneously to eliminate defensive capacity
- Hip pressure into opponent’s back maintains crucifix structure and prevents escape
- Weight distribution on upper back and shoulders prevents forward rolling escapes
- Leg squeeze on trapped arm creates constant baseline control and setup for armlocks
- Head control or collar grip establishes foundation for all choking attacks
- Switching between submission threats creates multiple dilemmas for opponent
- Maintaining connection through hips and legs even while attacking with upper body
Prerequisites
- Opponent’s near arm must be trapped between your legs with secure control
- Opponent’s far arm must be controlled and isolated away from their body
- Your hips must be tight to opponent’s back to prevent space creation
- Your weight must be distributed across opponent’s upper back and shoulders
- Control of opponent’s head or collar for choke setups
- Your legs must form a figure-four or similar configuration around trapped arm
- Opponent must be flattened or on their side to eliminate posture and base
Execution Steps
- Establish crucifix control: From back control or turtle, secure one opponent arm between your legs while trapping the other arm with your upper body. Your legs should form a tight figure-four or similar configuration around the trapped arm, with your hips tight to the opponent’s back. The opponent’s free arm should be controlled with your hands or trapped under your body weight. (Timing: Initial setup phase - establish before attacking) [Pressure: Firm]
- Flatten opponent and consolidate position: Drive your hips forward into the opponent’s back while distributing your weight across their upper back and shoulders. This flattens the opponent to the mat and eliminates their ability to create space or posture. Keep constant pressure with your legs on the trapped arm while maintaining control of the free arm. Your chest should be heavy on their shoulder area. (Timing: 2-3 seconds to consolidate control) [Pressure: Maximum]
- Secure head or collar control for choke: With the opponent flattened and both arms controlled, use your hands to establish a collar grip or direct head control. For gi training, feed a lapel across the neck or establish a deep collar grip. For no-gi, slide your forearm under the chin or around the neck. Maintain all existing controls while establishing this grip - do not sacrifice arm isolation for the choke. (Timing: 1-2 seconds to establish grip) [Pressure: Light]
- Apply choke or transition to armlock: Execute your chosen submission: For collar chokes, pull the collar tight across the carotid arteries while maintaining body pressure. For rear naked choke variations, slide your choking arm deep under the chin and secure with your other hand. For armlocks, shift your leg position on the trapped arm to create extension pressure on the elbow joint. Apply pressure slowly and progressively over 3-5 seconds minimum. (Timing: 3-5 seconds progressive application) [Pressure: Moderate]
- Maintain position while increasing submission pressure: As you apply the submission, maintain all positional controls. Your hips stay tight to their back, your weight stays distributed across their shoulders, and both arms remain isolated. For chokes, gradually tighten the collar or arm pressure while keeping your body structure solid. For armlocks, incrementally extend the arm while controlling rotation with your legs. (Timing: 2-4 seconds to full submission) [Pressure: Maximum]
- Finish submission or switch attacks: Complete the submission by maintaining maximum pressure until tap, or if the opponent defends successfully, immediately switch to an alternative attack. Common switches include transitioning from choke to armlock, or from one choke variation to another. Never release all controls when switching - maintain at least the leg isolation on the trapped arm throughout all transitions. (Timing: Finish within 5-7 seconds or switch attacks) [Pressure: Maximum]
Opponent Defenses
- Attempting to pull trapped arm free from leg control (Effectiveness: Low) - Your Adjustment: Increase leg squeeze pressure and drive hips forward into their back. The harder they pull, the tighter your leg control should become. Consider transitioning to an armlock on the trapped arm.
- Rolling forward to escape over their shoulder (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Adjustment: Immediately shift your weight forward and post your free leg on the ground. Drive your chest into their upper back and shoulders to prevent the roll. If they commit fully, follow the roll and maintain crucifix control in the new position.
- Tucking chin to prevent choke entry (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Adjustment: Switch attack focus to the trapped arm with an armlock or shoulder pressure. The chin tuck exposes their arm positioning. Alternatively, use collar grips to work around the chin defense rather than fighting through it directly.
- Creating space with bridge or shrimp movement (Effectiveness: Low) - Your Adjustment: Counter any space creation by driving your hips forward harder and redistributing your weight. Use your legs to prevent hip movement by maintaining constant pressure on the trapped arm side. Stay heavy and connected throughout their movement attempts.
Test Your Knowledge
Q1: What are the two fundamental arm controls that define the crucifix position? A: The crucifix requires one arm trapped between your legs with a figure-four or similar tight leg configuration, while the other arm is controlled and isolated by your upper body or hands. Both arms must be simultaneously controlled and separated from the opponent’s body to create the crucifix structure.
Q2: Why must you maintain hip pressure into the opponent’s back during crucifix submissions? A: Hip pressure into the opponent’s back prevents them from creating space, rolling forward, or turning into your guard. This connection is the structural foundation that keeps both arms isolated. Without constant hip pressure, the opponent can generate movement and begin escaping the position, even if you maintain some arm controls.
Q3: What is the correct application speed for crucifix chokes in training and why? [SAFETY-CRITICAL] A: Crucifix chokes must be applied slowly and progressively over 5-7 seconds minimum in training. This slow application allows your partner time to recognize the submission and tap safely before losing consciousness. Rapid choke application can cause loss of consciousness before the partner realizes they’re in danger, creating a critical safety risk.
Q4: What is the most common error when transitioning from crucifix position control to submission attempts? A: The most common error is releasing leg control on the trapped arm while adjusting grips for the submission. This allows the opponent to immediately free their arm and begin defending or escaping. You must maintain constant leg pressure and arm isolation while adjusting your upper body position for submissions.
Q5: How should you respond if an opponent attempts to roll forward over their shoulder to escape the crucifix? A: Immediately shift your weight forward and post your free leg on the ground to prevent the roll. Drive your chest into their upper back and shoulders to counter the rolling motion. If they commit fully to the roll, follow their movement while maintaining crucifix controls in the new position rather than fighting against the momentum.
Q6: What are the mandatory safety protocols when applying armlock submissions from the crucifix position? [SAFETY-CRITICAL] A: Armlock submissions from crucifix must be applied with slow progressive pressure over 3-5 seconds minimum, never cranked or jerked. You must ensure proper leg configuration before extending the arm to prevent improper leverage that could cause injury. Always allow clear tap access and release all pressure immediately upon any tap signal. Never practice on partners with existing shoulder or arm injuries without explicit permission.
Q7: Why is the crucifix position considered one of the most dominant submission positions in BJJ? A: The crucifix eliminates the opponent’s defensive capacity by simultaneously controlling both arms, leaving them unable to defend their neck or create frames. Combined with superior weight distribution and hip pressure, the position offers multiple high-percentage submission options (chokes and armlocks) while maintaining exceptional control. The opponent has severely limited mobility and almost no offensive options.
From Which Positions?
Expert Insights
- Danaher System: The crucifix position represents the pinnacle of positional dominance in ground fighting. When you achieve dual arm isolation - one arm trapped between your legs while the other is controlled by your upper body - you have created a situation where the opponent’s defensive capacity is reduced to nearly zero. The fundamental principle underlying all crucifix work is that humans require their arms for both offense and defense; remove both arms from the equation and they become entirely reactive rather than proactive. The structural integrity of your crucifix depends on three primary mechanical connections: the leg control on the trapped arm must be a proper figure-four or similar configuration that prevents rotation and extraction; your hip pressure into their back must be constant and forward-driving to prevent space creation; and your weight distribution across their upper back and shoulders must prevent forward rolling escapes. From this position, you can attack the neck with various choking methods or attack the trapped arm with extension-based submissions. The key is never releasing one control to establish another - maintain the foundation while building the submission. In training, the crucifix offers an excellent opportunity to develop your understanding of positional hierarchy and control before submission, as you must fully consolidate the position before attacking. The safety considerations are paramount - when your partner’s arms are trapped and they cannot defend themselves, you bear complete responsibility for their safety during submission application.
- Gordon Ryan: In competition, the crucifix is one of my highest percentage positions because once you get there, the opponent has almost nothing they can do. Their arms are gone, they can’t create frames, they can’t defend their neck - it’s completely one-sided. The key difference between training and competition is how you establish the position. In training, you can take your time and work for the perfect setup. In competition, you often have to take the crucifix during scrambles or transitions when the opportunity presents itself, even if it’s not perfectly established. From there, you tighten everything while they’re still processing what happened. For the submissions, I prefer collar chokes in gi because they’re faster and you can get the tap before the referee stands you up. In no-gi, the rear naked choke from crucifix is money if you can get your arm under the chin while maintaining all your controls. The biggest mistake I see people make is releasing the leg control on the trapped arm when they go for the choke. You have to keep that leg squeeze constant - that’s your insurance policy. If the choke doesn’t work, you still have the arm and you can switch to an armlock. That’s the beauty of the crucifix - you have multiple attacks from one dominant position. In training, you absolutely have to be careful with how fast you apply these submissions because your partner literally cannot defend with their hands. Take your time, let them tap early. In competition, obviously it’s different, but even there I’m not trying to injure anyone - I apply pressure until they tap and then I stop immediately.
- Eddie Bravo: The crucifix is sick because it’s like you’ve completely tied up your opponent - they’re crucified, man, that’s why it’s called that. In the 10th Planet system, we use the crucifix as part of our overall back attack game, especially when we’re working the truck position or coming from the twister side control. The cool thing about crucifix is you can get really creative with how you trap the arms. Traditional crucifix is awesome, but you can also do modified versions where you’re trapping the arms in different configurations depending on what they give you during the scramble. For submissions, we work a lot on the choke variations, especially no-gi chokes that don’t rely on collar grips. The rear naked choke from crucifix is fundamental, but you can also do variations where you use their own arm to create pressure against their neck - it’s pretty brutal. The armlock from crucifix is slick too, especially if you can combine it with some rotation pressure on the shoulder. What’s key in training is understanding that when someone’s in crucifix, they’re totally helpless - both arms are trapped, they can’t tap with their hands sometimes. So you have to give them a way to tap with their feet or verbally, and you have to go slow and progressive with all the submissions. This position is all about control and precision, not power. You’ve already won the position, now you’re just finishing the job carefully and safely. Safety culture is huge in our gyms - we want everyone training tomorrow, not injured today.