Turtle Position in BJJ: Control, Attacks, and Escapes

What Is the Turtle Position and Why It Matters

In jiu jitsu, the turtle position is when the bottom player is on hands, elbows, and/or knees, keeping hips tucked and elbows tight while protecting the neck and preventing hooks. The top player is typically behind or to the side, hunting back exposure, turnovers, and submissions. Turtle shows up after sprawls, guard passes that aren’t fully secured, and during scrambles—making it an essential connector between wrestling, guard, and back control.

Turtle matters because it’s a pivotal scoring and survival zone. For the top player, the turtle is a doorway to back control (one of the highest-percentage finishing positions) and to front headlock chains. For the bottom player, it’s a chance to avoid conceding side control or mount, re-guard, or stand up. Whether you train gi or no-gi, understanding the bjj turtle position improves your ability to transition cleanly and win scrambles.

Turtle Videos on BJJ University (Top 20 Videos, Top 10 Courses)

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Triangle from Turtle - Gyaku Sankaku Jime

37s · Knight Jiu-Jitsu

The video, presented by Knight Jiu-Jitsu, features a detailed demonstration of the setup and execution of a Gyaku Sankaku Jime, a technique popularly known as Triangle Choke from the Turtle position. The instructor first walks viewers through the basics of establishing a controlling position via a "power half" to create separation. He then instructively guides the audience through a series of steps to secure the chokehold, explaining additional strategies like the 'Shotgun Style Arm Bar Stretch' for ensuring a submission if the opponent is resistant to the choke.

Technique: Triangle Choke Position: Turtle Category: Submissions

Alexander Volkanovski and Craig Jones Teach the Back Escape Technique

4m · Alexander Volkanovski

In this YouTube video, UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski teams up with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu expert Craig Jones to teach viewers how to perform a back escape from the turtle position. The technique, called a "Hip Sit," is designed not only to escape back control but also to end up in a top control position. First, they discuss the importance of not allowing your opponent to deepen their hook and how to use a hip switch to trap the opponent’s hook. Then they explain how to counter the opponent's attempt to extend or stretch you out, and how to execute a scissor motion to end up on top. They highlight that this technique works in both MMA and BJJ.

Position: Turtle Category: Escapes

PREMIUM

Turtle & Back Attacks Bundle by Gordon Ryan

$419.00 • BJJ Fanatics

This video features Gordon Ryan teaching his specialized turtle position transitions and back attacks. Gordon demonstrates key fundamentals, hand fighting systems, and techniques for securing hooks and achieving back control. The instruction is broken down with footage of Gordon rolling, highlighting these transitions and attacks in real-life grappling scenarios. Throughout, Gordon emphasizes the strategic use of these techniques, sharing the same skills that have helped him become a successful no-gi black belt champion.

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How To Use Wrestling to Beat Jiu-Jitsu | Craig Jones Free BJJ Fanatics Technique

8m · Craig Jones

The video is an instructional tutorial by Craig Jones on how to use wrestling principles such as standing up from a turtle position to beat Jiu-Jitsu. Craig explains that the ability to stand up, shake guys off, and strip grips can be extremely effective in a Jiu-Jitsu setting. He further provides step by step details on how to effectively perform a wrestling-based escape when in a turtle position and shows how to address the 'Power Half' situation. Finally, he emphasizes that the technique helps turn a bad situation into a beneficial one by using the opponent's body weight against them.

Technique: Wrestling Concepts Position: Turtle Category: Escapes

Destroy your opponent’s confidence in Jiu Jitsu with the turtle attack!

44s · Malachy Friedman

The video tutorial is presented by Malachy Friedman who teaches how to transition from a turtle position to the back using a turtle attack strategy. He starts by reaching under the opponent's gi with his far arm and grabs it, then walks around to the other side while also opening the opponent's knee. He places his head inside facing upwards and rolls to his back, flipping the opponent over him. After maintaining grip on the collar and knee to prevent escape, he then throws his leg over and slides up to take the back, releasing his grip once he gets there.

Technique: Back Take Position: Turtle Category: Transitions

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Systematically Attacking the Turtle Position by Gordon Ryan

$349.00 • BJJ Fanatics

The video features instructor Gordon Ryan who thoroughly explains and demonstrates his approach to attacking the turtle position step-by-step, focusing on handfighting, setting traps, and sinking hooks for back control. The approach taught in the video is largely responsible for Ryan's successful back control and submissions, with notable success in the ADCC. The instructional video is part of an eight-volume series that showcases how Ryan strategically gets to his opponents' backs and sinks in fight ending strangles. His methodical and detailed technique is easy to understand, setting the course for other grapplers wanting to improve their turtle position attacking techniques.

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Getting Out of Turtle Postion | Jiu-Jitsu Transitions

10m · Eli Knight

The video, by instructor Eli Knight, teaches multiple techniques to transition out of the turtle position in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The turtle position is integral to the sport, providing substantial defense mechanisms. Eli Knight first explains the turtle position's defensive posture and then demonstrates techniques such as the "Sit Out" and "Reverse", which help one to transition out of this position safely. The instructor also provides advice on how to maneuver depending on your opponent's specific grips and movements.

Position: Turtle Category: Transitions

Darce Choke Tutorial

22s · Sideshow Jiu-Jitsu

In this instructional video, the instructor from Sideshow Jiu-Jitsu demonstrates how to execute the Darce Choke from the turtle position. The technique involves entering from the armpit area, ending up on the other side of the opponent's neck. The practicioner then grabs their own bicep and places the other hand on the opponent's back before squeezing and walking into the opponent to complete the choke.

Technique: Darce Choke Position: Turtle Category: Submissions

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The Turtle System by Henry Akins

$279.00 • BJJ Fanatics

In this instructional video, Henry Akins, a black belt instructor, provides a masterclass on the dynamic Turtle position in BJJ. The tutorial covers powerful attacks, smooth transitions, and efficient defenses, aiming to transform the viewer's understanding and usage of the turtle position within their game. Akins emphasizes the strategic value of the turtle, detailing techniques to transition into dominant positions, execute potent back takes and submissions. The goal is to enhance one's overall BJJ skills via effective application of the Turtle position.

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Recovering from the Turtle (Lachlan Giles)

6m · Lachlan Giles

In this YouTube video, instructor Lachlan Giles teaches the technique of recovery from the turtle position in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). BJJ is a martial art and combat sport that focuses on grappling with an emphasis on ground fighting. Giles emphasizes the importance of blocking the opponent's arm and lifting the hips to escape this position. Additionally, it is important to quickly transition from the turtle position due to its defensive disadvantage.

Position: Turtle Category: Escapes

Jiu Jitsu vs Wrestling - Understanding Turtle Position by Gordon Ryan

12m · Gordon Ryan

In this video, highly renowned no-gi grappler Gordon Ryan discusses the differences between Turtle Position in wrestling and in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ). He shares exhaustive details on how the approach, techniques, and aims of the Turtle Position vary significantly in both sports. He explains how wrestlers aim for their partner's back to hit the mat, while in BJJ, the objective is to expose the partner's back. He also highlights the importance of understanding the closed and open turtle stance and demonstrates how to adapt your attack based on these stances. Lastly, he emphasizes the threat of submissions in BJJ, which doesn't exist in wrestling.

Position: Turtle Category: Positional Control

PREMIUM

Gracie Fundamentals: Turtle Mastery by Rayron Gracie

$197.00 • BJJ Fanatics

In this video, Instructor Rayron Gracie, renowned for his solid Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) fundamentals, presents his unique approach to mastering the Turtle position. Coming from the revered Gracie lineage which emphasizes simplicity in technique and strong fundamentals, Rayron shares his knowledge on the classic approach to BJJ. Students will dive into the reasons why many enthusiasts are keen to learn from Rayron, as he represents the next generation of the Gracie family's innovative approaches to training.

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PERUVIAN NECKTIE - Keith Kricorian

26s · Keith Kricorian

The video is a short instructional clip taught by Keith Kricorian demonstrating the Peruvian Necktie submission from a turtle position. The technique involves employing a no-thumb Grip known as the vice grip, placing both legs over their back, and pulling the grip into your body. By extending the legs and maintaining the grip, the choke can be successfully applied to finish the opponent.

Position: Turtle Category: Submissions

5 Ways To Recover Guard From Turtle Position | BJJ MUST KNOW |

8m · Marshall Local

This YouTube video, by instructor Marshall Local, provides instruction on five different techniques to escape from turtle position and recover guard. The intent is to avoid having the opponent take your back while transitioning from turtle position. The techniques highlighted include preventing the opponent from applying a seatbelt grip, from both headlock and body control positions. Practitioners are also guided on how to escape when caught in a seatbelt. Each technique is demonstrated from different angles for clarity. The video encourages viewers to try these options and not get stuck in turtle position.

Position: Turtle Category: Escapes

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Strangles & Turtle Breakdowns: BJJ Fundamentals - Go Further Faster by John Danaher

$197.00 • BJJ Fanatics

The video, created by the renowned BJJ coach, John Danaher, is a deep-dive into the performance of effective gi strangles and turtle breakdown techniques. A 3x3 approach is adopted for gi strangles - sliding collar strangles, cross collar strangles, and Ezekiel strangles. The video also comprehensively covers the strategic breakdown of a turtle position to assume a dominant stance. Importantly, these teachings are aimed at helping practitioners across all skill levels advance their BJJ competency more swiftly.

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Josh Barnett's Turtle Defense: Escape the Seatbelt Grip

52s · Josh Barnett

The video is a tutorial by Josh Barnett on escaping the seatbelt grip from the turtle position. He explains the difference between a controlling grip and a choking threat, and how to respond to each. The instructor demonstrates a method to deal with the controlling grip by pivoting and creating an angle, which leaves a wide gap for movement and escape.

Technique: Grip Fighting / Hand Fighting Position: Turtle Category: Escapes

The 2 Easiest Attacks Against the Turtle Position

4m · Stephan Kesting

This video, presented by Stephan Kesting, teaches two primary attacks against the turtle position in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo. The first technique, the forearm trap, occurs when the opponent is tight and defensive in the turtle position; it relies on separating the opponent's elbow and knee and trapping the forearm for a potential reversal. The second strategy involves hunting for the material around the opponent's elbow and knee, sustaining weight while popping to the feet, and transitioning to the knee mount. Throughout the video, Kesting reinforces the importance of these techniques to disrupt the opponent's defense and create openings for other potential attacks.

Position: Turtle Category: Transitions

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The Ultimate Turtle Bundle by Priit Mihkelson

$154.00 • BJJ Fanatics

This video features BJJ instructor, Priit Mihkelson, teaching defensive measures, guard retention strategies, and reversals from the turtle position. Priit's teaching method emphasizes safety and includes a creative approach using a position known as the 'Panda'. He instructs how to use the turtle position not only defensively against aggressive guard passers, but also to transition into offense. This comprehensive guide transforms the turtle position into a dynamic one, and is suitable for BJJ practitioners seeking to enhance their defensive and offensive tactics.

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#2 The Bow and Arrow Choke from Turtle | Cobrinha BJJ

29s · Cobrinha

The video teaches how to execute a bow and arrow choke from the turtle position. The instructor, Cobrinha, explains and demonstrates how to grip the collar and elbow, push the opponent forward, step the leg over, and roll over the shoulder. The technique is then completed by straightening the legs, pulling the collar, and pulling the knee simultaneously. If the opponent defends against the choke, an armbar follow-up is also shown.

Position: Turtle Category: Submissions

CLOCK CHOKE John Danaher

28s · John Danaher

John Danaher, a renowned BJJ instructor, teaches how to execute the Clock Choke from the Turtle position. Unlike symmetrical positioning, Danaher emphasizes the importance of asymmetrical hands: one hand remains high as the strangle hand while the other stays low to control and remove the slack from the jacket. The aim of this technique, as explained by Danaher, is to create a efficient strangle mechanism that can effectively subdue the opponent.

Position: Turtle Category: Submissions

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Back Escapes For Everyone by Gregor Gracie

$149.00 • BJJ Fanatics

In this instructional video, Gregor Gracie teaches how to effectively escape from the turtle position. He covers various choke defenses, making you able to counter collar chokes, bow and arrow chokes, guillotines and more. His detailed escape plan is designed to make you immune to your opponent's back attack offense and virtually impossible to control or submit from this challenging position.

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The Schultz Headlock Choke

41s · Not Mapped

The video is an instructional guide on how to perform a Schultz Headlock Choke, a submission technique, from the turtle position. The instructor breaks down the technique by explaining how to set it up similarly to an Anaconda choke, with the choking arm going from the neck to the armpit of the opponent. Instead of rolling under as in an Anaconda, the head is tucked next to the opponent's armpit, and the hips are then walked around to the outside. The video highlights that this choke is fast and effective for breaking down the opponent's turtle defense and securing a submission.

Position: Turtle Category: Submissions

Spiral Ride by Craig Jones

3m · Craig Jones

Craig Jones, an experienced BJJ practitioner, introduces the Spiral Ride technique and explains its value in controlling an opponent in the turtle position. He discusses the limitation of traditional jiu-jitsu strategies like taking a seat belt grip and highlights the effectiveness of the Spiral Ride in providing superior control. It involves the use of a claw grip and a spiral motion to obstruct the opponent's potential movements and counter-actions. He also emphasizes maintaining the principles of body alignment while performing this move to successfully control the opponent.

Position: Turtle Category: Positional Control

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Tactical Turtle by Neil Melanson

$127.00 • BJJ Fanatics

This video is an instructional video by Neil Melanson, renowned grappling coach experienced in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, catch wrestling, MMA ground game, and other grappling disciplines. The focus is on the "Tactical Turtle" technique, which transforms a defensive turtle position into an offensive one. Melanson instructs viewers on how to effectively use the turtle position for safety while also teaching transitions into dominant positions, which include wrestling reversals such as ankle picks, single legs, rolls, and peek outs. Submissions, including Neil's devastating double wrist lock kimura series, are also part of the instruction.

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3 submissions from turtle guard

17s · Dubious Dom

This video by Dubious Dom teaches three submissions from the Turtle Guard position. These submissions are broken down into the Triangle Armbar, Rolling Armbar, and the Bow and Arrow Choke. Each technique is explained with clear, concise instructions, making it easy for viewers to follow along and replicate each move. The video is short but informative, providing clear and focused content on these specific BJJ submissions.

Technique: Armbar Position: Turtle Category: Submissions

Clock Strangle - Strangle Without Hooks by John Danaher

13m · John Danaher

In this instructional video, renowned BJJ instructor John Danaher demonstrates how to execute the Clock Strangle from a turtle position. He insists strangles without hooks are possible and valuable. The tutorial covers usage of legs and hips for power, variations of the turtle position as starting points, and the intricacies of gripping, especially a two-on-one lapel sequence. He points out how strangulation can be achieved with the leverage of your weight, even without hooks, as long as the movement is done accurately.

Position: Turtle Category: Submissions

PREMIUM

The Roger Gracie Turtle Attack System by Roger Gracie

$127.00 • BJJ Fanatics

In this video, Roger Gracie, a 10-time BJJ World Champion, presents his Turtle Attack System. The tutorial aims to enhance learners' BJJ proficiency by teaching effective attack strategies, improving positional control, and shutting down possible escapes from the Turtle position. Emphasizing a technique-focused approach, Gracie demonstrates systematic methods for taking the back and securing hooks, thus opening up guarded opponents. This series of techniques is intended to make the viewer's ground game progressively dangerous.

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SPINNING ARMBAR From TURTLE Buchecha

26s · Buchecha

In this YouTube video, the instructor, Buchecha, demonstrates how to execute a spinning armbar from the turtle position in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Buchecha emphasizes the importance of controlling the opponent's head and shoulder to successfully perform the technique. He also shows a few adjustments that can be made as you progress through the movement. The video is designed to be a tutorial and include helpful advice and tips regarding the technique.

Technique: Armbar Position: Turtle Category: Submissions

Take the Back from Turtle Position by GORDON RYAN

52s · Gordon Ryan

In this video, world-class BJJ competitor Gordon Ryan teaches how to transition from the turtle position to taking the opponent's back. He explains that when the opponent is knocked down to an unathletic position, he can predict their reactions, putting them on the defensive. If the opponent falls to their shoulder, Gordon recommends inserting the top hook to control the opponent from the back, pulling them to an unathletic position where he has the potential to take their back.

Position: Turtle Category: Transitions

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Crack The Turtle by Neil Melanson

$127.00 • BJJ Fanatics

The video features renowned MMA and BJJ coach, Neil Melanson, teaching a comprehensive Turtle Crack course. This course guides you through a unique system of attacking the Turtle position including techniques like front headlock submissions, go behinds, placing hooks, and taking the back. Neil also shows tactics for maintaining top control and implementing high-level techniques like the goose choke, gator choke, and face lock. Viewers also learn creative strategies like leg shelving, tilts, and butt drags to catch the opponent off guard.

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Objectives for Top and Bottom Players

Top player objectives:

• +Win the inside space: secure seatbelt or strong cross-collar/head-and-arm grips; wedge a knee or hook between elbow and hip to open the shell.
• +Control before submission: stabilize with chest-to-shoulder pressure, block hips, and track the roll to prevent granby-style escapes.
• +Progress to dominant control: get one hook safely, then the second; or force a turnover to side control/knee on belly; or clamp into crucifix or front headlock. Submissions follow structure—control first, finish second.

Bottom player objectives:

• +Protect the neck and inside space: elbows tucked to ribs, hands by cheeks or on posts, chin tucked, shoulder shells turned inward. Don’t reach; move your base instead.
• +Manage direction: deny the top player the seatbelt and second hook, slide knees and elbows to re-square, and anticipate wedges at your hip line.
• +Escape proactively: re-guard using hip heists and sit-outs, roll and invert to recapture guard when safe, or build up to the stand using posts and hand-fighting. Survival is good; turning survival into guard or stand-ups is better.

Attacks, Escapes, and Transitions to Know

Top attacks and transitions:

• +Back takes: seatbelt to near-side hook first, then far hook; or trap the far arm to enter the crucifix. Prioritize chest connection and head position over chasing hooks blindly.
• +Crucifix series: isolate the near arm with your legs while keeping a seatbelt or cross-wrist. From there, attack short chokes, rear naked choke variations, or straight arm locks.
• +Front headlock: if the opponent exposes the head/neck, spin to front headlock; finish with guillotine/d’arce in no-gi or clock choke chains in gi when the collar is available.
• +Turnovers: spiral ride, chop and block, and knee wedges to tip the turtle into side control or knee on belly. Use wedges, not brute force, to open the shell.

Bottom turtle escapes bjj options:

• +Re-guard: elbow-knee connection, hip switch, and granby or peek-out timing to thread a shin back inside. Aim to put your knee across the midline.
• +Stand-ups and wrestle-ups: post a hand and opposite foot, clear grips, and build to your base; finish with single- or double-leg entries if space opens.
• +Sit-outs and hip-heists: when the top commits to one side, sit out to face them and establish seated guard or closed/open guard frames.
• +Emergency defense: hand fight relentlessly, hide the chin, and address the choking arm first. If a hook enters, fight the secondary hook and scoot your hips over it to slide back to half or seated guard.

Control Principles That Make Turtle Work

For the top player:

• +Inside ties win: seatbelt, cross-wrist, or two-on-one beats overhooks. Your head should block their turn-in lane.
• +Wedges not whips: use knees, shins, and hips as doorstops at their elbow-hip gap. Micro-adjust until their base collapses.
• +Follow the roll: anticipate granby or sit-out by staying attached at the shoulders and hip line. Don’t overreach past their hips.

For the bottom player:

• +Shell then move: elbows-knees connected, no long posts. Shift your base before you pummel hands.
• +Beat the hooks: address the second hook first; slide your hips over the top hook and return your knee line inside.
• +Turn defense into offense: once you create space, immediately sit to guard, invert to recover, or stand into a wrestle-up—don’t pause in the danger zone.

What to Study First

Start with fundamentals that appear in every exchange:

• +Hand fighting and neck protection: learn to peel grips, win wrist control, and prioritize the choking arm.
• +Seatbelt mechanics: understand how the top obtains and keeps seatbelt control, so you can both apply it and shut it down.
• +Near-side hook entries and prevention: study how to wedge the first hook and how to block it with elbow-knee connection.
• +Basic turnovers and stand-ups: drill spiral ride to side control for top; drill technical stand-up and sit-out for bottom.
• +Crucifix and front headlock awareness: recognize the cues that lead there so you’re never surprised.

Build your initial study with short, high-rep drills:

• +Bottom: turtle to guard recovery on both sides, turtle to stand, and granby rolls into seated guard.
• +Top: knee wedge to back take, seatbelt to first hook, and front headlock spin to finish or transition. Consistency beats complexity at this stage.

Use BJJ University to Learn the Turtle Position

BJJ University is a free, curated learning hub. Use the navigation menu to browse categorized videos, clips, breakdowns, and instructional resources by instructor, technique, position, category, and training topic. You can jump straight to the Turtle position page, compare different teaching styles, and follow organized playlists for both top attacks and bottom escapes.

How to study with BJJ University:

• +Start at the position’s main page to see core concepts and essential clips before diving into specialty chains.
• +Filter by instructors to compare details like seatbelt grips, crucifix setups, or clock choke mechanics.
• +Explore related positions to connect transitions: back control, front headlock, side control, and knee on belly.

Bookmark the site, revisit often for new additions, and share it with teammates or friends who want more free BJJ learning resources. Browse this page on BJJ University.

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Related BJJ University Pages

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• 4X Guard Position Guide: Compare related BJJ University position study guides.