Turtle Position
Turtle is the position where the bottom player is on their knees and elbows, shelled up, with the top player on top or beside them. It is a crossroads: the top player hunts the back or a breakdown, while the bottom player works to escape or recover guard.
Browse Turtle Position flowcharts in ExploreAttacking the turtle
From the top, the seatbelt and a hook turn turtle into a back take, while breakdowns and the clock choke pressure the bottom player to give up position. The turtle is often the fastest doorway to the back in the whole game.
Escaping the turtle
From the bottom, turtle is not a place to stall, it is a place to move. Granby rolls, sit-outs, and standing up recover guard or reverse the position before the top player can lock in the seatbelt and hooks.
Frequently asked questions
Is the turtle position bad in BJJ?
It is a defensive position, but not a lost one. It becomes dangerous only if you stall there and let the top player attack the back; used as a transition, it is a legitimate way to recover.
How do I attack someone in turtle?
Establish the seatbelt, bring in a hook to take the back, or use breakdowns and the clock choke to force them to flatten or turn into you.
How do I escape the turtle position?
Keep moving. Granby rolls, sit-outs, and standing up recover guard or reverse position. The mistake is staying static and letting the top player set up the back.
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