Kiss of the Dragon

The Kiss of the Dragon is an advanced rolling back take technique that allows the top player to bypass the turtle position’s defensive structure and directly establish back control. Named for its distinctive forward rolling motion that resembles a dragon’s head curling down, this technique exploits the moment when an opponent turtles defensively. The practitioner uses a forward somersault while maintaining grip control on the opponent’s hips or belt, rolling underneath and behind the turtle position to emerge directly on the back. This dynamic movement is particularly effective against opponents who are skilled at defending traditional back take attempts, as it circumvents the typical defensive frames and hand fighting that occur during standard back attacks. The technique requires excellent spatial awareness, timing, and the ability to maintain connection throughout the inversion. When executed properly, the Kiss of the Dragon provides an almost undefendable path to the back, as the defender’s protective layers are bypassed entirely through the rolling motion.

Starting Position: Turtle Ending Position: Back Control Success Rates: Beginner 25%, Intermediate 40%, Advanced 60%

Key Principles

Maintain constant connection to opponent’s hips throughout the roll
Forward roll must be tight and controlled to emerge in proper position
Timing the entry when opponent commits weight forward into turtle
Keep head tucked and spine rounded during inversion for safety and control
Establish seatbelt grip immediately upon completing the roll
Use momentum from the roll to penetrate hooks before opponent can defend
Control opponent’s hips to prevent them from following your rotation

Prerequisites

Opponent in turtle position with weight distributed forward
Strong grip on opponent’s belt, back of pants, or hip control established
Top position with ability to get head lower than opponent’s hips
Clear space to execute forward roll without obstruction
Opponent’s defensive posture focused on preventing traditional back takes
Control of at least one side of opponent’s body to anchor the roll

Execution Steps

Establish hip control from top turtle: From top turtle position, secure a firm grip on opponent’s belt or the back of their pants at the hip level. This grip serves as your anchor point throughout the entire technique. Position yourself slightly to one side of the turtle position rather than directly behind, as this creates the angle needed for entry. (Timing: When opponent settles into defensive turtle structure)
Drop head below opponent’s hips: Lower your head and shoulders beneath the level of your opponent’s hips while maintaining your grip. This positioning is critical as it creates the proper axis for your forward roll. Your forehead should be pointing toward the mat, and your spine should begin to round in preparation for the somersault motion. (Timing: As opponent’s weight shifts forward or they brace against traditional back attacks)
Initiate forward roll under opponent: Execute a tight forward somersault while pulling on the hip grip to maintain connection. Tuck your chin to your chest and roll over your shoulder, directing your momentum to pass underneath the opponent’s center of gravity. The roll should be compact and controlled, with your body staying connected to the opponent’s hips throughout the rotation. (Timing: Explosive initiation once head is properly positioned)
Maintain hip connection through inversion: As you roll inverted underneath your opponent, actively pull on your hip grip to keep your body connected to theirs. This prevents separation and ensures you emerge in the correct position relative to their back. Your legs may briefly go over your head during this phase as you complete the somersault motion underneath them. (Timing: Continuous throughout the rolling motion)
Emerge behind opponent’s back: Complete the forward roll to emerge directly behind your opponent’s back, ending in a position where you are sitting up and they are still in turtle facing away from you. Your grip on their hips should still be intact. Your chest should be approaching their back as you come out of the roll. (Timing: As rotational momentum completes and you return to upright orientation)
Establish seatbelt control: Immediately transition your grips to establish the seatbelt position by threading one arm over the opponent’s shoulder and the other under their armpit, clasping your hands together. This control must be established quickly before the opponent can turn to face you or defend the back position. (Timing: Immediately upon completing roll)
Insert hooks and secure back control: With seatbelt control established, use your legs to insert both hooks inside your opponent’s thighs, establishing full back control. The momentum from your roll and the surprise of your position makes hook insertion significantly easier than traditional back takes. Pull your opponent’s weight back onto you to flatten them and consolidate your dominant position. (Timing: Before opponent can turn into you or establish defensive frames)

Opponent Counters

Opponent follows your roll by turning with you (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Break your roll mid-rotation and transition to a leg entanglement or guard recovery rather than completing the full somersault. Alternatively, accelerate your roll and grip adjustment to complete the technique before they can fully track your movement.
Opponent sprawls weight back to prevent you from getting under (Effectiveness: High) - Your Response: Abandon the technique and transition to traditional back take methods like the crab ride or cross body ride. The Kiss of the Dragon requires forward weight commitment from the opponent, so adjust your strategy when they shift their weight backward.
Opponent sits to guard as you roll (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Continue your roll and establish a leg entanglement position such as ashi garami or X-guard, using your momentum to sweep or enter into a leg attack system. Your rolling motion naturally positions you for lower body attacks if back control becomes unavailable.
Opponent breaks your hip grip during the roll (Effectiveness: High) - Your Response: If grip breaks early in the roll, abort and return to top turtle control. If it breaks late in the roll, complete your rotation and immediately work to re-establish grips or transition to a scramble position rather than trying to force back control without connection.

Common Mistakes

Mistake: Rolling too far away from opponent without maintaining connection
- Consequence: You complete the somersault but emerge too far from the opponent’s back, giving them time to turn and face you or escape entirely
- Correction: Maintain constant tension on your hip grip throughout the roll, actively pulling yourself into the opponent rather than simply rolling in space. The grip should draw you along a tight arc around their body.
Mistake: Attempting technique when opponent’s weight is posted back
- Consequence: Unable to get head and shoulders under opponent’s hips, resulting in incomplete roll or getting crushed as opponent drives forward
- Correction: Only attempt Kiss of the Dragon when opponent has committed weight forward into defensive turtle. Create this condition by threatening traditional back takes to draw their defensive weight forward.
Mistake: Rolling with flat back instead of rounded spine
- Consequence: Painful impact on spine, slower rotation, and loss of control during the technique, potentially resulting in neck or back injury
- Correction: Tuck chin to chest and maintain rounded spine throughout the roll. Think of making your back into a wheel shape that rolls smoothly. Practice the rolling motion in isolation before adding opponent resistance.
Mistake: Failing to establish seatbelt immediately upon completing roll
- Consequence: Opponent turns into you and escapes to guard or reverses position before you can secure back control
- Correction: Have a clear mental sequence: as soon as you emerge from the roll, your hands should be reaching for seatbelt position. The hip grip must transition to upper body control within one second of completing the rotation.
Mistake: Initiating roll from directly behind opponent instead of at an angle
- Consequence: Roll trajectory takes you past the opponent or results in incomplete rotation that leaves you in poor position
- Correction: Position yourself at a 45-degree angle to one side of the turtle before initiating. This angle allows your roll to arc properly around the opponent’s body rather than straight past them.
Mistake: Using too slow or too fast rolling speed
- Consequence: Too slow allows opponent to track and counter your movement; too fast causes you to overshoot position and lose connection
- Correction: Roll speed should be controlled and deliberate—fast enough to prevent reaction but smooth enough to maintain connection. Practice with a metronome or count to develop consistent timing.

Training Progressions

Phase 1: Rolling Mechanics - Master the forward roll motion without opponent Practice forward rolls in isolation, focusing on tucked chin, rounded spine, and smooth rotation. Start from kneeling position and gradually add speed. Perform 20-30 repetitions to build muscle memory and comfort with inversion. (Resistance: None)

Phase 2: Static Position Drilling - Execute technique from frozen turtle position Partner holds static turtle position while you practice the complete technique sequence from grip establishment through back control. Partner remains stationary to allow you to refine movement patterns and timing. Focus on maintaining hip connection throughout the roll. Perform 10-15 repetitions per training session. (Resistance: None)

Phase 3: Limited Resistance Entry - Add defensive frames and posture from partner Partner maintains turtle but can adjust their posture and use frames to create realistic defensive structure. They do not actively counter your technique but present obstacles you must navigate. Practice timing your entry when they shift weight forward. Perform 8-10 repetitions focusing on reading defensive cues. (Resistance: Light)

Phase 4: Progressive Counters - Partner introduces specific counters one at a time Partner applies one predetermined counter technique (following your roll, breaking grip, or sprawling back). Practice recognizing and responding to each counter type before adding additional defensive options. Cycle through each counter type for 5 repetitions before moving to the next. (Resistance: Medium)

Phase 5: Full Resistance from Turtle - Execute technique during live positional sparring Start from top turtle position with partner defending at full resistance using any methods they choose. Attempt Kiss of the Dragon when opportunity presents itself. Reset to starting position after each attempt regardless of success. 5-minute rounds with multiple partners of varying skill levels. (Resistance: Full)

Phase 6: Integration into Open Rolling - Apply technique during unrestricted sparring Use Kiss of the Dragon during normal training rolls when opponent assumes turtle position. No starting position restrictions. Track success rate and identify common scenarios where technique works best. Record attempts and outcomes to refine timing and setup recognition. (Resistance: Full)

Variations

No-Gi Kiss of the Dragon: Without belt or gi pants to grip, establish control by cupping underneath the opponent’s hips with both hands or gripping the back of their thighs. The rolling motion remains the same but requires stronger arm engagement to maintain connection without fabric grips. Often combined with a front headlock position before initiating the roll. (When to use: No-gi competition or training when traditional gi grips are unavailable)

Single Arm Kiss of the Dragon: Execute the technique with only one hand maintaining hip contact while the other arm threads under the opponent’s body to establish seatbelt during the roll. This variant reduces grip dependence but requires more precise timing and body positioning. The free arm can pre-emptively position for back control, making the finishing position faster to secure. (When to use: When opponent’s hand fighting prevents two-handed hip grip or when transitioning from front headlock control)

Kiss of the Dragon to Truck: Instead of emerging directly to back control, complete the roll while controlling one leg, ending in the truck position. From turtle, grip one ankle and the opposite hip, then roll while maintaining leg control. This creates leg lock opportunities in addition to back attacks and is particularly effective in no-gi or submission-only formats. (When to use: Against opponents who defend back takes well but are vulnerable to leg entanglements, or in rule sets that favor submissions over positional dominance)

Matrix Style Entry: From standing position behind a turtled opponent, perform an arcing cartwheel or matrix-style bridge motion rather than a forward somersault, traveling over and around the opponent in a wider arc. This variation generates more momentum and can be executed from greater distance but requires higher athleticism and spatial awareness. (When to use: When opponent is in low flat turtle and you have space to execute the more athletic entry, or when surprise and speed are paramount)

Test Your Knowledge

Q1: What is the primary purpose of the hip grip during the Kiss of the Dragon? A: The hip grip serves as the anchor point that maintains connection to the opponent throughout the forward roll. It prevents separation during the inversion phase and ensures you emerge in the correct position relative to their back. Without this constant connection, you would roll into empty space rather than arriving at back control. The grip must be maintained with active pulling tension throughout the entire technique.

Q2: Why is the Kiss of the Dragon more effective than traditional back takes against defensive opponents? A: The Kiss of the Dragon bypasses the typical defensive layers that opponents use to prevent back takes, such as hand fighting, sitting to guard, or rolling through. By using an inverted rolling motion underneath the turtle position, the technique circumvents frames and defensive structures entirely, arriving at the back before the opponent can mount a defense. Traditional back takes must overcome these defensive barriers sequentially, while the Kiss of the Dragon renders them irrelevant through its unique approach vector.

Q3: What adjustment should you make if your opponent begins to follow your roll by turning with you? A: If the opponent successfully tracks your rotation by turning their body to follow you, you should abort the complete somersault and transition to alternative positions such as leg entanglements or guard recovery. Attempting to force the back take when they are turning with you typically results in a scramble where you lose positional advantage. Alternatively, if you recognize their turn early enough, you can accelerate your roll and rapidly adjust your grips to complete the technique before they can fully track your movement.

Q4: How does body positioning at a 45-degree angle improve Kiss of the Dragon execution compared to positioning directly behind the turtle? A: Starting at a 45-degree angle to one side creates the proper trajectory for your rolling arc to travel around the opponent’s body rather than straight past them. When positioned directly behind, the forward roll tends to take you past the opponent or results in incomplete rotation because the geometric path doesn’t account for their body as an obstacle. The angled approach allows your roll to follow the curve of their torso, maintaining connection throughout and emerging in optimal position for back control.

Q5: Why must the seatbelt grip be established immediately upon completing the roll? A: The brief moment after completing the roll represents a window of vulnerability where the opponent can turn into you, establish defensive frames, or sit to guard before you secure position. The element of surprise and the momentum from your roll give you a 1-2 second advantage during which the opponent is disoriented by your sudden appearance on their back. If you delay seatbelt establishment to adjust your position or base, this advantage evaporates and the opponent can mount an effective defense. Immediate upper body control capitalizes on their compromised state.

Q6: What physical attributes and movement skills are most important for successfully executing the Kiss of the Dragon? A: The technique requires excellent spatial awareness to maintain proper orientation during inversion, core strength to control the rolling motion while maintaining grip connection, and shoulder mobility to execute the somersault while attached to an opponent. Balance and proprioception are critical for emerging in the correct position relative to the opponent after rotating through space. Grip strength ensures connection is maintained throughout dynamic movement. While the technique appears to require extreme flexibility, it actually demands more from coordination and body control than raw flexibility.

Q7: How does opponent weight distribution in turtle position affect the timing and success rate of Kiss of the Dragon? A: The technique is most successful when the opponent’s weight is committed forward into defensive turtle structure, as this creates the space needed to get your head and shoulders underneath their hips for the roll entry. When an opponent posts their weight backward or sits on their heels, this space collapses and prevents proper execution. Advanced practitioners create forward weight commitment by threatening traditional back takes, forcing the opponent to defend in a manner that opens the Kiss of the Dragon entry. Reading and manipulating weight distribution is therefore essential for consistent success with this technique.

Safety Considerations

The Kiss of the Dragon involves spinal inversion and rolling while attached to an opponent, creating specific safety concerns. Practitioners must have competent forward rolling ability before attempting this technique with a partner to prevent neck and spine injuries. Always tuck the chin tightly to the chest and maintain a rounded spine throughout the roll—rolling with a flat back can cause serious injury. Start training at slow speed with lightweight partners and progress gradually to full resistance. Be aware of mat space and obstacles before initiating the roll. If you feel your grip breaking during the rotation, release completely rather than attempting to hold on, as this can cause you to land awkwardly. Partners should not drive forward into someone executing this technique, as it can cause the rolling practitioner to spike onto their head or neck. Individuals with existing neck, spine, or shoulder injuries should consult medical professionals before training this technique.

Position Integration

The Kiss of the Dragon is a specialized back take technique that fits within the turtle top position control system. It serves as an advanced alternative to traditional back attacks like the crab ride, seatbelt back take, or clock choke when those options are defended. The technique is particularly valuable in no-gi grappling where turtle escapes are more common due to the absence of gi grips that control posture. In the broader positional hierarchy, successful execution elevates you from the turtle top position (typically worth 2-3 points) to back control (4 points in IBJJF rules), representing one of the highest-value position transitions available. The Kiss of the Dragon complements other turtle attacks by providing a completely different attack vector—while most turtle attacks work from the side or above, this technique attacks from underneath, creating a three-dimensional threat system that is difficult to defend comprehensively. Within modern leg lock systems, the Kiss of the Dragon to Truck variation has become increasingly important, providing a bridge between traditional positional grappling and modern leg entanglement approaches.