The Inverted Turtle Playbook

How to systematically dismantle the turtle position using MODERN sport BJJ concepts

Flow outline

  1. Open Turtle

    • Once set, usually the starting point. opponent is turtled up, giving you access to their back and legs. from here, you can initiate the reverse tight waist series, go for the crucifix, or start working your near hook game

  2. Reverse Tight Waist Series

    • From here, often a foundational control series from turtle. you secure a reverse tight waist grip, setting up entries into the scorpion position and creating opportunities to transition to cross body ride or capitalize on opponent reactions

  3. Crucifix Series

    • Key detail: if it shows up, the money position. series details the pathways to secure the crucifix, a dominant control position where you trap one of your opponent's arms between your legs, opening up strangles and back takes

  4. Turtle With Near Hook

    • Once set, you've secured a near-side hook on the turtled opponent. is a strong control point that can be used to climb up into a tighter turtle control or to initiate other sequences

  5. Get Scorpion

    • Usually You've achieved the scorpion position (also known as the crab ride). is a dynamic, leg-entangling control from turtle that offers multiple options: transitioning to cross body ride, or climbing back up to a tight turtle if they defend. Timing beats strength

  6. Cross Body Ride

    • A dominant upper-body pin from turtle. You've established cross-body control, similar to kesa-gatame but from the back. is a high-pressure position to work submissions or advance

  7. Roll Through Controlling Far Leg

    • From here, a technical rolling sequence you initiate when the opponent tries to roll away from your scorpion control. you keep control of their far leg throughout the roll to secure a dominant position. don’t force it

  8. Turtle Upper Body Grips

    • If they frame, quick note: you've established controlling grips on the opponent's upper body while they are turtled. is a precursor to trapping the near arm and initiating the crucifix setup

  9. Crack Down Position With Crotch Lock

    • From here, a controlling position you achieve when the opponent sits you down to your hip. you secure a crotch lock (figure-four on the leg) to stabilize and then advance to cross body ride

  10. Crucifix

    • Most of the time You've secured the crucifix. Their arm is trapped between your legs, giving you immense control. From here, attack the one-arm strangle or be ready to take the back if they bridge to defend

  11. One Arm Strangle

    • Once set, the primary submission from the crucifix. you're applying a strangle using the trapped arm as a lever. finish here or transition based on their defense

  12. Take Back When Opponent Bridges

    • Key detail: if it shows up, the opponent bridges to alleviate the strangle pressure. you use movement to release the crucifix and seamlessly transition to taking their back, maintaining control of the trapped arm

  13. Knock Over And Finish

    • If they frame, quick note: you couldn't secure the strangle from the roll-through, so you use your control to knock the opponent over and finish the sequence, likely transitioning to a dominant pin or submission

  14. Attack Juji With Figure Four Legs

    • Usually From a posted arm scenario, you attack a juji-gatame (straight armlock) using a figure-four leg configuration for control. A slick leg-and-arm entanglement

  15. Crucifix

    • Quick note: You've completed a forward roll, capitalizing on the opponent's arm rotation defense, and re-secured the crucifix position. The cycle continues from dominant control

Branch conditions