⚠️ SAFETY: Electric Chair Submission targets the Knee joint, hip flexors, and posterior chain. Risk: Medial collateral ligament (MCL) sprain or tear. Release immediately upon tap.
The Electric Chair is a signature submission technique from 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu, primarily executed from the lockdown position in half guard. This compression-based submission creates intense pressure on the opponent’s trapped leg by combining hip extension, knee torque, and spinal rotation. Unlike traditional joint locks that isolate a single articulation, the Electric Chair simultaneously attacks multiple anatomical structures including the knee joint, hip flexors, IT band, and lower back.
The submission derives its effectiveness from the lockdown control system, where the bottom player uses a figure-four leg configuration to trap and extend the opponent’s leg while controlling their posture. From this foundation, the practitioner transitions to an inverted position, creating a powerful lever that forces the opponent’s knee into hyperextension while applying rotational torque to the hip joint. The Electric Chair represents a perfect example of how systematic position control can lead to high-percentage finishing opportunities.
Historically developed and refined by Eddie Bravo and the 10th Planet system, the Electric Chair has proven effective in both gi and no-gi competition contexts. The technique emphasizes pressure over speed, rewarding practitioners who develop strong lockdown mechanics and understand the progressive nature of compression submissions. When executed properly with controlled application speed, it serves as both a legitimate finishing threat and a powerful sweeping mechanism that forces opponents into defensive reactions.
Category: Compression Type: Knee and Hip Compression Target Area: Knee joint, hip flexors, and posterior chain Starting Position: Lockdown Success Rates: Beginner 35%, Intermediate 55%, Advanced 70%
Safety Guide
Injury Risks:
| Injury | Severity | Recovery Time |
|---|---|---|
| Medial collateral ligament (MCL) sprain or tear | High | 4-12 weeks for grade 1-2 sprains; 3-6 months for grade 3 tears |
| Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) strain | Medium | 2-8 weeks for minor strains; 3-6 months for significant injuries |
| IT band inflammation and hip flexor strain | Medium | 2-6 weeks with proper rest and treatment |
| Lower back strain from spinal rotation | Medium | 1-4 weeks depending on severity |
| Hamstring and adductor muscle strains | Low | 1-3 weeks for minor strains |
Application Speed: EXTREMELY SLOW and progressive - minimum 5-7 seconds from initial pressure to maximum extension; compression submissions require gradual intensity increase
Tap Signals:
- Verbal tap or verbal distress signal
- Physical hand tap on partner or mat
- Physical foot tap on mat or partner
- Any audible pain vocalization
- Tapping with free leg on mat
- Any visible distress or panic response
Release Protocol:
- Immediately cease all extension pressure upon tap signal
- Release lockdown leg configuration first to remove compression
- Control opponent’s leg as you release to prevent sudden movement
- Gradually lower opponent’s leg back to neutral position
- Maintain communication to ensure partner safety
- Allow partner time to assess their knee and hip before continuing
Training Restrictions:
- Never apply explosive or jerking movements during extension
- Never use competition-speed application in training environments
- Always maintain verbal communication with training partner
- Never continue pressure after tap signal for any reason
- Avoid training this submission with partners who have existing knee injuries
- Never practice on partners who lack flexibility in hips and hamstrings without proper warm-up
- Always ensure partner has clear access to tap with both hands
- Never attempt full extension in initial learning phases
Key Principles
- Lockdown control must be established and maintained throughout - the figure-four leg configuration provides the foundation for all subsequent pressure
- Hip extension creates the primary compression force - driving hips forward and up generates leverage against the trapped leg
- Spinal rotation amplifies pressure - turning away from opponent adds rotational torque to the knee and hip
- Posture control prevents escape - controlling opponent’s upper body with underhook or whip-up prevents postural recovery
- Progressive pressure application - gradually increase compression over 5-7 seconds minimum to allow safe tap opportunity
- Multiple attack angles exist - Electric Chair can be finished while inverted, from Old School position, or during sweep transitions
- Submission and sweep synergy - the threat of the submission often facilitates sweep completion as opponent defends
Prerequisites
- Secure lockdown position with figure-four leg configuration on opponent’s trapped leg
- Establish underhook on the same side as the lockdown or control opponent’s far arm
- Create sufficient space to begin hip movement and inversion
- Break opponent’s posture forward or prevent them from posting far hand
- Position opponent’s weight slightly forward to prevent backward escape
- Ensure your lockdown is high and tight on opponent’s thigh for maximum control
- Control opponent’s near arm to prevent them from blocking your movement
- Maintain strong connection between your shoulder and opponent’s torso
Execution Steps
- Establish and tighten lockdown control: From half guard bottom, secure your lockdown by threading your outside leg under opponent’s trapped leg and locking your feet in a figure-four configuration. Pull your feet toward your body to create immediate pressure on their trapped leg while maintaining tight connection with your inside leg around their thigh. This foundational control must be solid before attempting any submission mechanics. (Timing: 2-3 seconds to secure proper lockdown configuration) [Pressure: Moderate]
- Secure underhook and break posture: Establish a deep underhook on the same side as your lockdown, driving your shoulder into opponent’s armpit and controlling their far shoulder. Simultaneously use your lockdown to pull opponent forward, breaking their posture and preventing them from maintaining upright base. Your underhook arm should be active, constantly pulling opponent’s weight forward over your centerline. (Timing: 1-2 seconds to secure underhook and break posture) [Pressure: Firm]
- Begin inversion and create angle: Start rotating your body away from opponent by pushing off your bottom shoulder and beginning to invert underneath them. As you rotate, use your underhook to maintain connection while creating the angle necessary for hip extension. Your head should move toward the mat in the direction away from opponent, creating approximately 45-90 degrees of rotation from your starting position. (Timing: 2-3 seconds for controlled rotation) [Pressure: Moderate]
- Extend hips and initiate compression: As you continue inverting, begin extending your hips forward and upward while maintaining lockdown pressure. This hip extension creates the primary compression force on opponent’s trapped leg. Your hips should drive in a direction that creates a straight line through your body and opponent’s trapped leg, maximizing the lever arm. Focus on smooth, progressive extension rather than explosive movement. (Timing: 3-4 seconds minimum for progressive pressure increase) [Pressure: Firm]
- Add rotational torque: While maintaining hip extension, increase your spinal rotation by continuing to turn your shoulders away from opponent. This rotation adds significant torque to their knee joint and hip flexors. Your chest should be facing away from opponent while your lockdown maintains control of their leg. The combination of extension and rotation creates the characteristic Electric Chair pressure that attacks multiple anatomical structures simultaneously. (Timing: 2-3 seconds to add rotational component) [Pressure: Firm]
- Maximize extension and control finish: Continue progressive hip extension while maintaining all controls. Your body should be nearly inverted with maximum hip extension creating a powerful lever against opponent’s trapped leg. Maintain tight lockdown pressure throughout and control their upper body to prevent escape attempts. Apply final pressure slowly over 2-3 seconds minimum, watching carefully for tap signals. If opponent does not tap, maintain position and consider transitioning to sweep rather than forcing excessive pressure. (Timing: 2-3 seconds for final controlled pressure application) [Pressure: Maximum]
- Release safely upon tap or transition to sweep: Upon receiving tap signal, immediately cease all extension pressure and begin controlled release of lockdown. If no tap occurs within safe pressure limits, use the inverted position and opponent’s defensive reactions to transition into Old School sweep or other positional advancement. Never force submission beyond safe training intensity - the position offers multiple attack options beyond pure submission finish. (Timing: 1-2 seconds for safe release protocol) [Pressure: Light]
Opponent Defenses
- Posting far hand on mat to prevent inversion (Effectiveness: High) - Your Adjustment: Control opponent’s posting arm with your free hand, redirecting it away from mat or switching to alternative lockdown attacks like Old School sweep
- Pulling trapped leg back toward centerline to reduce extension (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Adjustment: Increase lockdown squeeze and focus on rotational pressure rather than pure extension; use their backward pull to facilitate sweep completion
- Driving weight backward and maintaining upright posture (Effectiveness: High) - Your Adjustment: Use underhook to prevent posture recovery; if unsuccessful, transition to alternative lockdown sequences or attempt whip-up to break posture
- Attempting to unlock lockdown by attacking your feet (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Adjustment: Maintain tight lockdown positioning and accelerate submission attempt before opponent can unlock; alternatively, transition to different lockdown attack
- Sprawling hips backward to create distance (Effectiveness: Low) - Your Adjustment: Follow opponent’s movement with your inversion and increase hip extension as they create distance, often amplifying submission pressure
Test Your Knowledge
Q1: What is the minimum safe application time for Electric Chair compression in training environments? [SAFETY-CRITICAL] A: The minimum safe application time is 5-7 seconds from initial pressure to maximum extension. Compression submissions like Electric Chair require extremely slow, progressive pressure application to allow training partners adequate time to recognize the submission and tap safely. This extended timeframe is essential because the submission attacks multiple anatomical structures simultaneously and can cause injury if applied explosively.
Q2: Why is the lockdown position essential for Electric Chair effectiveness, and what happens if it’s released during submission attempt? A: The lockdown provides the foundational control system that enables all Electric Chair mechanics. The figure-four leg configuration traps opponent’s leg and creates the platform for hip extension and rotational pressure. If lockdown is released during the submission attempt, opponent can immediately free their trapped leg and escape, completely eliminating the submission threat. The lockdown must remain tight and active throughout all phases - setup, inversion, and finish.
Q3: What are the three primary anatomical structures attacked by the Electric Chair submission? A: The Electric Chair simultaneously attacks: (1) the knee joint through hyperextension and rotational torque, (2) the hip flexors and IT band through compression and stretching, and (3) the lower back and posterior chain through spinal rotation combined with leg extension. This multi-structure attack is what makes the submission so effective - it creates pressure across multiple pain points simultaneously, making it difficult for opponents to defend against all components.
Q4: How should you respond if a training partner taps to Electric Chair but you suspect they may have sustained a minor injury? [SAFETY-CRITICAL] A: Immediately cease all pressure and follow the complete release protocol: release lockdown first, control their leg during release to prevent sudden movement, gradually lower leg to neutral position, and maintain communication. After release, give partner extended time to assess their knee and hip before continuing. Ask if they need to take a break or if any area requires attention. Never pressure partner to continue training if they express discomfort. Document the incident if injury occurred and adjust training intensity for future sessions. Partner safety and long-term health always take priority over training continuity.
Q5: What is the relationship between hip extension and rotational torque in creating Electric Chair pressure? A: Hip extension and rotational torque work synergistically to create the characteristic Electric Chair compression. Hip extension (driving hips forward and up) creates the primary lever arm that stretches opponent’s trapped leg and compresses the knee joint. Rotational torque (turning shoulders and chest away from opponent) adds a twisting component that amplifies pressure on the IT band, hip flexors, and medial knee structures. Neither component alone produces optimal submission pressure - maximum effectiveness requires smooth integration of both extension and rotation applied progressively.
Q6: Why is Eddie Bravo’s Electric Chair considered both a submission and a sweeping mechanism? A: The Electric Chair functions as both submission and sweep because the inverted position and hip extension required for the submission naturally create sweeping momentum. When opponent defends the submission by attempting to maintain posture and pull their leg back, their defensive movements often facilitate sweep completion into Old School position or complete reversal. This dual-threat nature is strategic - if opponent focuses on defending the submission, the sweep becomes available; if they defend the sweep, submission pressure increases. This represents the ‘10th Planet dilemma’ philosophy where every position offers multiple attacking options.
Q7: What specific flexibility limitations make an opponent more vulnerable to Electric Chair injury risk? [SAFETY-CRITICAL] A: Opponents with limited hip flexor flexibility, tight hamstrings, or restricted IT band mobility face increased injury risk from Electric Chair even when proper application speed is used. These flexibility limitations mean their anatomical structures reach dangerous stress levels at lower compression intensities. Training partners should communicate about flexibility restrictions, use extended warm-up protocols focusing on hip mobility, and consider avoiding or significantly reducing Electric Chair pressure on partners with known flexibility limitations. The compression nature of this submission makes it particularly important to account for individual flexibility variations.
From Which Positions?
Expert Insights
- Danaher System: The Electric Chair represents a fascinating case study in submission mechanics because it violates certain traditional principles while remaining highly effective. Most leg attacks in our systematic approach isolate single joints - the straight ankle lock attacks the ankle, the heel hook attacks the knee, and so forth. The Electric Chair, by contrast, creates a multi-structural attack that simultaneously compromises the knee joint, hip flexors, IT band, and lower back through a combination of extension and rotation. From a biomechanical perspective, this distributed pressure pattern makes the submission difficult to defend because protecting one anatomical structure often increases vulnerability in another. The key technical element is the lockdown control system, which functions analogously to how we use inside sankaku control in heel hook positions - it immobilizes the target leg and creates a stable platform for applying rotational and extensional forces. The submission’s effectiveness stems from proper sequencing: lockdown establishment, posture disruption, angle creation through inversion, and progressive pressure application. Students must understand that the Electric Chair requires exceptional safety awareness because its multi-structural nature means injury can occur in multiple locations simultaneously if applied explosively. In training environments, I recommend application times of 7-10 seconds minimum to ensure adequate tap opportunity. The position also teaches important lessons about creating attacking dilemmas - when executed properly, opponent’s defensive responses to the submission often facilitate sweep completion, exemplifying how position and submission should work synergistically rather than as isolated techniques.
- Gordon Ryan: The Electric Chair is one of those submissions where there’s a huge difference between how it works in the training room versus competition. In training, you can take your time setting it up from lockdown, inverting slowly, and applying progressive pressure over 5-7 seconds. In competition, especially at high levels, you rarely get that luxury because opponents understand the danger signs and defend aggressively the moment they feel lockdown pressure. My approach to Electric Chair in competition is to view it primarily as a sweeping mechanism with submission as a secondary bonus finish. When I get lockdown control, I’m immediately working toward Old School sweep or other positional advancement, and if opponent overcommits to defending the sweep, the Electric Chair becomes available. The submission finish happens maybe 20% of the time in high-level competition, but the threat of it happening creates the reactions I need to complete sweeps and take the back. That said, when the finish is there - usually because opponent has made a defensive error or I’ve set it up perfectly from a scramble - it’s extremely high percentage because the pressure accumulates so quickly once you achieve proper inversion angle. The key difference-maker is hip extension power and timing. You need explosive hip drive to maximize the lever arm, but in training you must control that explosiveness and apply it progressively. I’ve tapped plenty of high-level black belts with this technique when they underestimate the pressure or defend incorrectly, but I’ve also learned that forcing it against elite defensive players often leads to losing position. The modern competitive meta requires you to flow between Electric Chair attempts, sweeps, and back take options rather than committing exclusively to the submission finish.
- Eddie Bravo: The Electric Chair is the heart and soul of the 10th Planet lockdown system, man. I developed this submission because I was frustrated with how limited traditional half guard seemed - you could stall there all day but finishing from bottom half was rare. The Electric Chair changed everything because it turned half guard into this aggressive attacking position where you’re constantly threatening to destroy their leg and sweep them at the same time. The beauty of it is the dilemma creation: if they defend the submission by pulling their leg back, they help you sweep; if they defend the sweep by driving forward, the submission gets tighter. It’s a perfect example of the 10th Planet philosophy - create positions where every defensive option leads to another attack. Now, let me be real about safety because this submission can absolutely wreck somebody’s knee if you’re stupid with it. I’ve seen too many white belts try to rip this thing on like it’s a heel hook, and that’s how people get hurt. In our academy, we drill the hell out of the setup and inversion mechanics before we ever apply real pressure, and even then it’s slow as hell in training - like 7 to 10 seconds minimum from start to finish. The submission works because of the rotation combined with extension, not because of speed or strength. When you’re teaching this, emphasize the journey not the destination - the goal is controlling the lockdown, achieving perfect inversion, and creating the angle. The tap is just what happens when you do everything right. Also, this submission has evolved a ton since I first developed it. We’ve got variations from Old School position, transitions to Twister and Banana Split, entries from deep half - it’s become this whole web of attacks. The key is staying creative and not getting locked into just one way of finishing it. Every body type is different, every flexibility level is different, so you gotta adjust your angle and pressure based on what you’re working with. But always, always, always prioritize safety over the tap. There’s gonna be another roll tomorrow, and your training partners need their knees to keep training.