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Twister Finish | BJJ Submission Guide | BJJ Graph

Oct 25, 20259 min read

Twister Finish

bjjtransitionsubmission10thplanetspinal_lock

Required Properties for State Machine

Core Identifiers

  • Submission ID: SUB028
  • Submission Name: Twister Finish
  • Alternative Names: Twister Submission, Spinal Lock Finish

State Machine Properties

⚠️ Safety Considerations

Injury Risks

Twister submissions are EXTREMELY dangerous and can cause catastrophic injuries:

  • Spinal Cord Damage (Severity: CRITICAL, Recovery: Permanent paralysis possible) - Excessive rotation can damage vertebrae and spinal cord
  • Disc Herniation (Severity: Critical, Recovery: 6-12 months, surgery often required) - Twisting force can herniate cervical or thoracic discs
  • Vertebrae Fracture (Severity: Critical, Recovery: 3-6 months minimum) - Extreme pressure can fracture vertebrae
  • Nerve Damage (Severity: High to Critical, Recovery: Weeks to permanent) - Spinal rotation can compress or damage nerves
  • Neck Strain/Tear (Severity: High, Recovery: 4-8 weeks) - Rotational forces can tear cervical ligaments and muscles

Application Speed

  • Apply twister EXTREMELY SLOWLY over 5-10 seconds MINIMUM
  • This is NOT a submission to rush - spinal injuries are career-ending
  • Increase rotation incrementally in tiny degrees
  • Constant verbal communication: “Pressure okay?” throughout application
  • NEVER apply explosive or sudden rotational force

Tap Signals

Given the extreme danger, tap protocols are CRITICAL:

  • Verbal Tap: Saying “tap” or “stop” IMMEDIATELY - do not wait for pain
  • Physical Tap: Tapping with any available limb (minimum 2 taps)
  • Emergency Signal: ANY indication of discomfort should stop technique immediately
  • Pre-tap Communication: Partner should tap at FIRST sign of pressure, not pain

Release Protocol

When partner taps (or shows any distress):

  1. IMMEDIATELY stop all rotational pressure
  2. Slowly and carefully release threading arm from neck
  3. Gradually release leg control on trapped leg
  4. Allow partner’s spine to return to neutral alignment slowly
  5. Check on partner extensively - ask about neck, back, breathing

Training Progression

  • Weeks 1-4: Position control ONLY - absolutely NO finishing attempts
  • Weeks 5-8: EXTREMELY slow positional flow (5% speed), partner taps at 10% pressure
  • Weeks 9-16: Very slow application (20% speed), partner taps at 20% pressure
  • Advanced Only: This submission should ONLY be practiced by advanced practitioners (purple belt+)
  • Competition Only: Many instructors recommend never finishing twisters in training

Partner Communication

  • Establish EXPLICIT understanding that this is a dangerous submission
  • Discuss any back, neck, or spinal issues before even attempting position
  • Verbal communication throughout: “Okay?” “Too much?” “Stop?”
  • Agreement to tap at FIRST hint of pressure, not waiting for pain
  • Consider avoiding this submission entirely with newer training partners
  • Success Probability: Beginner 25%, Intermediate 60%, Advanced 85% - core probability data
  • Execution Complexity: High - technical difficulty assessment
  • Energy Cost: High - physical demand of execution
  • Time Required: Medium - duration of submission attempt
  • Risk Level: High - chance of position loss if failed and potential for injury

Physical Requirements

  • Strength Requirements: High for grip and core strength to maintain control
  • Flexibility Requirements: Medium for hip mobility and positioning
  • Coordination Requirements: High for precise alignment of multiple control points
  • Endurance Requirements: Medium for sustained pressure during finish

State Machine Content Elements

Visual Execution Sequence

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

From the Twister Control position, you begin by ensuring complete perpendicular alignment to your opponent, with your threading arm deeply positioned under their neck or head, palm-up for maximum control. Secure their trapped leg by grabbing the foot or ankle, often with a figure-four grip, to isolate their lower body and prevent defensive movement. Compress their neck toward their shoulder using your threading arm while simultaneously pulling their trapped leg toward their head, creating initial rotational pressure through opposing forces. Gradually increase this rotational force by lifting your hips and driving your shoulders, applying refined pressure by pulling their head in one direction while twisting their lower body in the opposite direction, maintaining control through potential defensive reactions until submission is secured due to the extreme spinal and neck rotation.

Template: “From Twister Control, align perpendicular, thread arm under neck. Secure trapped leg with figure-four grip. Compress neck to shoulder, pull leg to head for rotation. Lift hips, drive shoulders for spinal pressure until submission.”

Execution Steps (Numbered Sequence)

  1. Setup Requirements: Establish position (Twister Control)
  2. Initial Movement: Align body perpendicular, thread arm under opponent’s neck/head
  3. Opponent Response: Opponent may attempt to align spine or extend leg
  4. Adaptation: Secure trapped leg with figure-four grip at ankle/foot
  5. Positioning: Compress neck to shoulder, pull leg toward head for initial rotation
  6. Pressure Application: Lift hips, drive shoulders to increase rotational force
  7. Completion: Apply progressive pressure with head and leg in opposing directions until submission

Key Technical Details

Critical elements that determine success:

  • Grip Requirements: Deep threading arm under neck for head control
  • Base/Foundation: Firm control of trapped leg to isolate lower body
  • Timing Windows: Execute when opponent’s defensive capabilities are compromised
  • Leverage Points: Hip elevation and shoulder drive for spinal rotation
  • Common Adjustments: Refine pressure based on defensive reactions

Success Modifiers

Factors that increase/decrease probability:

  • Setup Quality: Security of threading arm and leg control (+/-20%)
  • Timing Precision: Executing during opponent’s defensive compromise (+/-15%)
  • Opponent Fatigue: Reduced defensive resistance over time (+/-5%)
  • Knowledge Test Performance: Understanding spinal lock mechanics (+/-10%)
  • Positional Control: Effectiveness of shoulder and hip alignment (+/-10%)

Counter-Attack Analysis

Common Counters

Opponent responses with success rates:

  • Spine Alignment: Adjusting spine to reduce rotational pressure → Pressure Reduction (Success Rate: 20%, Conditions: early reaction)
  • Leg Extension: Extending trapped leg to escape control → Control Escape (Success Rate: 15%, Conditions: strong leverage)
  • Defensive Bridge: Bridging to disrupt position → Position Disruption (Success Rate: 15%, Conditions: quick movement)
  • Forward Drive: Driving forward to prevent rotation → Mechanical Prevention (Success Rate: 10%, Conditions: significant strength)
  • Chin Tuck: Tucking chin to protect neck → Neck Protection (Success Rate: 10%, Conditions: immediate adjustment)

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

Decision Logic for Opponent Behavior

If [twister finish setup] is not fully secured:
- Execute [[Spine Alignment]] (Probability: 20%)

Else if [leg extension] can escape control:
- Execute [[Leg Extension]] (Probability: 15%)

Else if [defensive bridge] disrupts position:
- Execute [[Defensive Bridge]] (Probability: 15%)

Else if [forward drive] prevents rotation:
- Execute [[Forward Drive]] (Probability: 10%)

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

Defensive Considerations

Common Threats During Attempt

Primary risks while attempting this submission:

  • Spinal Adjustment: Opponent aligns spine to reduce pressure → Standing Position (Threat Level: Medium)
  • Leg Escape: Opponent extends trapped leg → Guard Recovery (Threat Level: Medium)
  • Bridging Defense: Opponent bridges to disrupt position → Turtle Position (Threat Level: Low)
  • Counter Movement: Opponent drives forward or rolls → Standing Position (Threat Level: Low)

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

Defensive Strategies

Methods to mitigate threats:

  • Threading Arm Control: Maintain deep arm position to prevent spinal alignment
  • Leg Isolation: Secure tight grip on trapped leg to counter extension
  • Shoulder Alignment: Keep opponent’s shoulders perpendicular to block bridging
  • Hip Elevation: Use hip lift to counter forward drive or rolling escapes
  • Adaptation Readiness: Be prepared to switch to related submissions if defended

Educational Content

Expert Insights

Commentary as if from recognized authorities:

  • John Danaher: “While not a primary focus in my system due to competition rules, the Twister Finish showcases effective biomechanical principles. Its success hinges on coordinated opposing rotational forces and complete control before pressure application.”
  • Gordon Ryan: “The Twister is a specialized submission with significant impact when applied correctly. Precise control of shoulders and the ability to generate spinal rotation are critical for its effectiveness.”
  • Eddie Bravo: “The Twister Finish is a signature of the 10th Planet system. Detailed mechanics like threading arm position, leg control, and coordinated pressure between upper and lower body make it devastating.”

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

Common Errors

For knowledge test generation:

  • Error: Insufficient threading arm depth under neck

  • Why It Fails: Reduces leverage and control over opponent’s head and neck

  • Correction: Ensure arm is deeply threaded, palm-up for maximum control

  • Recognition: Opponent easily adjusts spine or escapes pressure

  • Error: Poor leg isolation or grip on trapped leg

  • Why It Fails: Allows opponent defensive mobility and escape potential

  • Correction: Secure firm figure-four grip on ankle or foot

  • Recognition: Opponent extends leg or disrupts rotational force

  • Error: Premature or explosive pressure application

  • Why It Fails: Increases risk of injury and provides escape opportunity

  • Correction: Apply pressure progressively and methodically

  • Recognition: Opponent counters before full control is established

Timing Considerations

When to attempt this submission:

  • Optimal Conditions: When opponent’s defensive capabilities are compromised
  • Avoid When: Opponent maintains strong spinal alignment or leg mobility
  • Setup Sequences: As finishing move from Twister Control position
  • Follow-up Windows: Must complete within 10-15 seconds to prevent defense or counter

Prerequisites

Requirements before attempting:

  • Technical Skills: Understanding of spinal lock mechanics and rotational pressure
  • Physical Preparation: Grip and core strength for sustained control
  • Positional Knowledge: Control from Twister Control position
  • Experience Level: Advanced - requires precise coordination and safety awareness

Technical Assessment Elements

Knowledge Assessment Questions

5 technical questions with multiple choice answers:

  • Mechanical Understanding: “What creates the submission pressure in the Twister Finish?”
  • Timing Recognition: “When is the optimal moment to initiate the Twister Finish?”
  • Error Prevention: “What is the most common mistake in threading arm positioning for this submission?”
  • **Setup

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