Top 10 neck cranks- how to get instantly DQ’d from a BJJ tournament

Ten ways to crank a neck in submission grappling… or how to get instantly disqualified from a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tournament.
Neck cranks, spinal locks, and face locks are dark and evil submission fighting techniques from the fiery pits of the abyss that will make your training partners strongly dislike you. Proceed with extreme caution.
When practicing any neck and spinal lock, seriously, use EXTRME CAUTION!
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Ramsey Dewey is a retired pro fighter, combat sports coach, referee, and fight commentator… and occasional musician based in Shanghai, China.
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Thanks to my channel sponsor:
Xmartial: catering to all kinds of combat sports athletes from BJJ, MMA, Muay Thai etc. find rash guards, fight shorts, grappling spats, boxing gloves and other training gear. Use my code RAMSEY10 for a 10% discount on everything at
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This video features original music by Ramsey Dewey
Follow me on Instagram at: / ramseydewey
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I fought professionally in Mixed Martial arts, Sanda, Muay Thai, K1 and American kickboxing from 2004-2011 when I was forced to retire due to a broken skull and being blinded in one eye. I hold a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Black belts in multiple traditional martial arts, including Taekwondo and kyokushin karate. I also train in catch wrestling, sambo, taijiquan, judo, and boxing.
I currently coach at the Animal MMA gym, the Extreme Fight Lab, and the Mordor Fight Club, all in Shanghai, China.

[@venomousstriker4715]

All I hear is “do these in your next BJJ competition”

[@jestfullgremblim8002]

Exactly

[@pedroalexandredillemburg3751]

Don't

[@venomousstriker4715]

@@pedroalexandredillemburg3751 do

[@Atilolzz]

My favorite one is the "The weak must fear the strong" neck crank

[@hagenanon9484]

"Whereever there is a neck, there is a way to crank it" - Ramsey Dewey Im putting this into the entry hall of my gym

[@williamfeliciano8980]

"Wherever there's a neck, There's a way to CRANK it." 😳😵 This needs to be on a T-shirt.

[@internetrules8522]

I actually started crying from laughter at the Insane Octopus Attack. I gotta do that one day

[@The_Stickle_Cell]

Thanks, I was worried I'd have to actually compete, now I know how to get dq'ed!

[@IncredibleMD]

I was halfway through this video on how to get disqualified from any BJJ tournament before I realized the bald man wasn't Icy Mike.

[@RamseyDewey]

Hahahahaha! Oh wow. I recently spent a week with Icy Mike in Australia. Maybe his mannerisms rubbed off on me or something.

[@billmcc64]

Ok, Ramsey. Now I have to go find a video on defending the top 10 neck cranks.

[@RamseyDewey]

That would be all the boring positional wrestling videos, guard passing videos, guard retention videos, positional improvement videos… you know, the important stuff that no one watches.

[@husamal-dinbeybars3013]

There is a universal defense for all of these 10! Its called the tap :)

[@Xzontyr]

The transition of someone going from Sambo to Bjj can be a funny event at times. Sometimes old habits never change. A buddy of mine is great at getting someones back, he did a ton of wrestling in his early sambo days, but as most would know, no chokes or cranks were ever learned or used. It also turns out that this mma gym we frequent with bjj as its grappling base also has a really high standard for choke defense, so it really is a comedic situation when you have a guy new to chokes getting someone's back and instead of even thinking of going for rnc hel start working for an arm or leg lock, it's pretty funny to see, but regardless of what it is, the back is the place to be. What he's found however is that rather than getting a choke it, he can get a good crank in. Which we never do really, but just sparring with buds, he's somewhat hinted that he could get it in, never putting alot of pressure on it. We use to train in trying to get multiple submission at once long ago. It rarely ever happened, but the same guy I mentioned was the one guy that could pretzel a guy more often than not. Some of us had alot more visible muscle mass than him, but it had to be the guy that resembled Lincoln that would pretzel us up. Those were good days. To this day, it's very automatic for any of us to turtle as soon as we hit the mat from a belly to back lift and drop. If not, a leg was getting laced past an arm, while the other arm was getting grabbed, and than next thing you know your getting rolled into a crucifix position. After getting into it a few times, you learn to defend hard against it. The one double submission my buddy would get on us was after he took us down and had us flat on the ground face first, or by even breaking our turtle, a drill he probably worked on for atleast 10 hours a week when he was younger, he would first usually let us buck a bit and than ensure an arm was low so a position change could be attempted. By the tike we all knew what he was up to he'd just have to grab an arm lol, usually our right since that muscle around the shoulder was that much tighter, so it hurt alot more, but it was also based on taking away a decent pushing arm, so he'd do a basic hammer lock, which would get a tap, but than to show off, if he had your left leg locked in and was riding your hips as such, than he'd ensure it was grapevine high on the femur, and than release his outside foot, which would be his left in a basic situation, so that if any chance you did try reposition, which you wouldn't be with thr hammerlock, he could brace that foot out quickly, so, obviously with his right still laced between the floor and just about the knee, he'd than place his left foot on the back of our calf/heel, wherever he could a do a very unique knee bar, which would be very simple yes for the armchair warriors to get out of ofcourse, but ensure your training partner does it right first with you in a hammerlock belly down. Now, there's also a reason why if the right arm is hammerlocked, the left leg is targeted, but any real grappler would already know why, I'm just simply reminding any doubters. Just trying to share some knowledge. Alot of people probably didn't know about that kind of knee bar. Check it out, it's pretty neet.

[@jhor8113]

The grovit is my favorite neck crank as well, followed by the stockade and the dragon sleeper. I've been trying to figure out the Russian cravat off effectively only pictures, and the description "head twist and strangle" because that's all I've been able to find on it. If you or anyone in the comment section has any ideas on how it works I'm all ears.

[@HYPMAN100]

This video is needed !

[@jestfullgremblim8002]

Oh god, yes! I need to bother them BJJ guys

[@tonydismukes4409]

That last one can also be a jaw dislocation, depending on how you apply the force. I use it occasionally in MMA sparring when I'm stuck on the bottom of guard and can't sweep my opponent.

[@RamseyDewey]

Yep

[@scottc3165]

I think that last one Ramsey just wanted a free chiropractic. One on each side.

[@ImranKhan-dr8bb]

05:31 - When you as a volunteer realise you no longer want to volunteer

[@larrydenz1185]

Thanks for the info. Well done.

[@BMO_Creative]

I cranked my neck over just in time to watch this cool video!

[@capthappy345]

Forgot about the neck cranks! Nicely done

[@afightersdream]

I hope I'll become your hero one day Though I'm not learning to grapple yet

[@RamseyDewey]

Everyone who gets out there and trains is my hero.

[@JACK-el7ok]

Cool video ,i don't know anything but all this seems legit.the instructor, seems really dowm to earth and informative,.

[@maddog4186]

Aw neck cranks lovely to do, hateful to receive, my neck is already killing me

[@AliothAncalagon]

One of my favourite neck cranks is another one from mount, which is kinda similar to an Ezekiel. Its a very controlled position and a very straight forward way to use the mount position, which otherwise doesn't have so many super great submissions that stay within the mount.

[@floozilacadabra9501]

Love when you drill Sensei hope I can drill with you one day in Shanghai. In the meantime get up and train ❤🙏

[@CryptoC4T]

Cool video! The problem is not everybody knows they should tap to this and while I will happily choke them to get a point across, breaking their neck seems a bit of an overkill ;)

[@mynameismynameis666]

now show us the transition from the sorcerer into the octopus cryangle doublebar, because im gonna chase this until the end of days from now on

[@michaeldonnelly8068]

exactly the content I came for

[@dyland5379]

Our coach Dainis Ignatans is ex Russian special forces & teaches us to be immune to BJJ techniques using spetznaz energy techniques

[@thebaneking4787]

I love when you do neck cranks. I learn some crazy S from you. Lol

[@tattoodrdoke]

Neck cranks are a thing of beauty. Learn then and they can used to force compliance if needed if it goes to the ground. Applied correctly it feels like they are going to snap your neck. You will feel that grinding feeling or even if you apply pressure to the jaw feel like it's gonna pop out of joint.

[@Senseijefre]

"Convinced me to crank his neck"

[@jasonpoilovs4903]

I use cranks to make my opponent/ partner move. As long as you can make it look like you’re going for a choke there is a grey area 😃

[@maxx0978]

"hey white belt come here I wanna try something" -me after watching this video

[@RamseyDewey]

No white belts in this video.

[@maxx0978]

@@RamseyDewey the crucifix, cry-angle, kneebar, toehold, armbar might just have to become a new go to

[@tomeralper2827]

Great stuff! Kinda surprised the can opener didn't make it to the top 10 😁

[@RamseyDewey]

Because it’s a stupid submission that’s incredibly easy to counter. Why would it be on a top 10 list?

[@tomeralper2827]

@@RamseyDewey Well you're not wrong :) But still, it's so common! Maybe worth an honorable mention? :) Either way great video!

[@blacksheepdog6969]

gonna practice this on the white belts

[@234fddesa]

neck cranks are cool or whatever but I like the beard, man, it really fits

[@kennedyrobot6672]

Thx! Grandpa didnt stand a chance.

[@cahallo5964]

5:32 isn't that the same position on that "do as many simultaneous submissions as possible" video? the wristlock is right there! I have a slightly related question, in competition, is there a point on applying more than submission at the same time? I feel like there is not point armbaring and neck cranking and wristlocking from the crucifix but if I can and I got there I feel like I should do it just because

[@RamseyDewey]

There is a point to multiple submissions if the first submission attempt serves as a control position (ie: triangle choke, omoplata) in which case, a secondary submission (eg: armbar, kimura, wrist lock) can be applied easily.

[@EgoCZ]

Neck cranks are so fun, when not done to you :D

[@andremaldonado7410]

Been a while since I've gotten to watch a video, when did you get the hdr upgrade? Looks good

[@RamseyDewey]

I have been filming in HDR video for years. KZbin just recently became capable of displaying it.

[@andremaldonado7410]

@@RamseyDewey oh yeah, I remember reading something about that now, well the effort to do so is appreciated

[@Red_Neck]

Ramsey does Catch Wrestling for 10 minutes.

[@IncredibleMD]

0:24: Spoken like a true Krav Maga camo belt.

[@RamseyDewey]

Hahahaha!

[@corunga6465]

What if he bites you tho??? I'd just see red and start biting like a piranha Fo' the streets Fo' the streets Fo' the streets

[@-Banoffee]

I wanna see the Octopus Lock in a real fight now.

[@MartinRoebuck925]

Have you heard of the Crossface Chickenwing, Bob Backlund’s move? It’s a combination of the rear facelock neck crank and hammerlock and it’s sometimes a combination of the rear naked choke and hammerlock and I reckon it would work in MMA and UFC.

[@RamseyDewey]

I’m familiar. Mechanically, the move is fine. The chicken wing grip is a bit redundant and hard to get on a good grappler. If you have back mount, a rear face lock is plenty, since you should already be controlling his hips with your legs and his shoulders with your elbows. If you want a hand fighting advantage, trapping one of his arms under one of your legs is much easier than pummeling for the the chicken wing. I bet I could still do this it to every white belt I know though.

[@MzuMzu-nx1em]

Nice alternative to the kamasutra, I mean the jujitsu ass face ,😂😂🤣😂🤣 6:13 spoke too soon . Should add farts to sedate . Risking to become a war criminal 😂🤣😂😂🤣🤣

[@jedijudoka]

#9: the crippler cross face

[@safdarkh786]

"where ever there's a neck, there is a way to crank it" ~grand master sensei 'the chosen one'~

[@fikriasrofi5312]

I'll do this when roll 😅

[@dzen_dzenkazan8050]

On octopus i was like O_O

[@ciscokid1214]

I have seen the omoplata facelock for so many years in pro wrestling (in that is called the crossface) i never thought of it as a legit summision until now i always saw it as one of those things that look painful in pro wrestling but irl it probably wont work

[@RamseyDewey]

You can kill people with that move.

[@ninpolife7749]

Every time I get caught in a twister I think I get get out of it. Then I cant move my neck or back for a week.

[@karlokamenjasevic921]

i thought there was also going to be the cow catcher

[@KrakenWheeler]

I recently started did my first week of BJJ training, i went in with some submission wrestling experience done Combat Sambo a bit as well, they put me with a purple belt one of the assistant instructors... guess he started getting mad a white belt was giving him a hard time and decided to put me in a Twister type lock which i thankfully was able to escape and found my way to my feet where everyone thought i was being a dick because he said i held the three Kimuras i got on him after he tapped and i'm not allowed back

[@sanatani...956]

Can you make a video about bokator martial arts from Cambodia

[@RamseyDewey]

Everything I know about Bokator, I learned from Antonio Graceffo. He has a number of videos about Bokator on his channel from when he lived in Cambodia. You might enjoy them.

[@RamseyDewey]

His channel is called brooklynmonk1 and he has a web series called “martial arts odyssey” where he travels the world practicing different martial arts. There are a number of episodes on Bokator.

[@sanatani...956]

Thanks brother respect from India iam a state level champion in kickboxing but I still think that it is not enough for me I want to learn more about ancient martial arts

[@cheeks7050]

Don't forget the can opener!

[@RamseyDewey]

The can opener is the dumbest neck crank of all. It’s so easy to counter with an armbar, a cross face, or a sweep, it’s not worth mentioning on a top ten list anywhere except “top 10 dumbest submission attempts ever”.

[@cheeks7050]

@@RamseyDewey Yeah until you forget about it and get caught in one. Especially from a seated position rather than supine.

[@RamseyDewey]

@@cheeks7050 How are you getting caught with a can opener in a seated position?

[@cheeks7050]

@@RamseyDewey Say they posture from closed guard and you hold on and ride them up.

[@RamseyDewey]

@@cheeks7050 And why would you do that?

[@smashonlamez]

I’m sure at some point of those cranks for a brief moment it feels amazing if you have a stiff neck…before you die ofcourse 😅

[@RamseyDewey]

They do not!

[@univeriseman8008]

It looks like a good massage

[@dsiii98]

Why do you think catch wrestling is kind of overlooked these days?

[@TheCreeper1124]

Because marshmallows are very expensive.

[@cahallo5964]

Because it's not and haven't been popular for like 100 years

[@carboncringe9558]

Because of how it was converted to freestyle wrestling for the Olympics, as well as a loss of legitimacy back in the day when they started fixing matches in the professional circuits and became what we know as pro wrestling today.

[@TheDevourerOfPancake]

The can opener didn't make it! Did it just get cut for other favourites or do you not like the can opener?

[@venomousstriker4715]

You probably won’t get dq’d tho because it’s a common guard passing technique and it’s so easy to defend unless the guy is like 300 lbs

[@RamseyDewey]

The can opener is a dumb move. It’s super easy to counter and does not belong on a top ten list.

[@RamseyDewey]

You absolutely will get DQ’d from a BJJ tournament for using a can opener.

[@DanTheWolfman]

Haven't had time to follow you in awhile...entertaining and Aikido made me laugh...but please warn Not for Noobs w ur buddies and no white belts w the dangerous stuff @Ramsey Dewey

[@rollinOnCode]

ramsey is such a bully. 😆 lol. i thought ramsey is a black belt. where do you train under ramsey?

[@RamseyDewey]

I am not a belt. I hold black belts in multiple styles, a brown belt in BJJ, but I am not, nor have I ever been a belt.

[@MartialArtUK]

Like using cranks but dont like them used on me 😅

[@thomaskunz3089]

DRAGON SLEEPER SHOULD BE THE FIRST!!! DRAGONSLEEPER IS THE OG NECK CRANK, THE KILLA CRANK, lol i got a bit excited here, but its one i almost never pull off, but idc, i do it during practice (in a controlled and safe way because i know how dangerous this crank is) but, i do it, it works, and it is very dangerous, because what it does is take somebodies life, in a gruesome way (just as dangeorus as a choke then, kinda).

[@RamseyDewey]

I like the idea of the dragon sleeper, but I have never caught anyone good with it. Hence, it’s not on my list.

[@Dana__black]

So why would these get you DQ’d

[@RamseyDewey]

Neck cranks are illegal in BJJ tournaments.

[@ninjaknight4486]

I competed in Josh Barnets catch wrestling tournament last month, and I lost to this jaw crank that this guy did on me. I was totally controlling the whole match, and I couldn’t land a good submission, so I kept going for points on takedowns and stuff. But at one point, he got behind me (rookie mistake) and he stuck his forarm up my mouth and squeezed as hard as possible, and I tapped cuz my jaw felt like it was about to explode. Did not see that coming. Matter of fact I didn’t even know that was legal, because my chin was well tucked to prevent a rear naked and his hooks weren’t in.

[@RamseyDewey]

Catch as catch can is no holds barred. That means all submissions (holds) are allowed.

[@ninjaknight4486]

@@RamseyDewey yea , now I know I guess.

[@tokunootokumichi8604]

@@RamseyDewey After doing some research, it seems that chokes are the only type of submissions that you can’t use in CACC. Which actually doesn’t make sense because they’re probably the least dangerous type of submission, depending on which one you use and how hard you do it.

[@tomsheppard378]

The tradition of avoiding strangleholds seems older in catch/Lancashire wrestling. This seems to be in line with mongolian wrestling, chinese wrestling (shuia jiao) and other british/european traditions which allow cranks not choked - safety (particularly when you think of miners who likely already had compromised respiration) being one concern but also when leverage to the pin (or throw) is a primary concern gripping the head makes more sense to control the opponents body, where strangling is clearly useful where submission is the main goal).

[@carboncringe9558]

@@tokunootokumichi8604That came about in the amateur circuit of catch wrestling in the early 1900’s when politicians and bureaucrats and shit came down on catch banning anything they deemed, “Dangerous.” The professional circuit still allowed it, but as we know, the pro catch scene turned into pro wrestling as we know it today. The banning of strangleholds and whatnot during that time is also how freestyle wrestling was invented when they tried getting catch into the Olympics, but they wanted to make it less dangerous.

[@falkhammermuller9342]

Can opener?

[@RamseyDewey]

The can opener is a bottom tier submission at best. It’s easily countered, and gives your opponent both arms on a silver platter. I would not recommend it when fighting anyone good.

[@falkhammermuller9342]

@@RamseyDewey yeah true. I was just thinking from the POV of a referee. The most neck crank DQs I do, are can openers. Mostly by white belts. 😁🤌

[@RamseyDewey]

@@falkhammermuller9342 This is true. If we're ranking neck cranks by the number of people who attempt them as opposed to the best neck cranks for fighting, then the can opener would be number one.

[@aphidbowler7027]

such techniques should only be taught to mature black belts imo.

[@trixualz219]

2:55 i would say the one khabib did to mcgregor was slightly different and also i think its not actually a "neck" crank because the pressure isnt really going on the neck it was 100% on conors jaw

[@HarryTzianakisTheGodOfSpeed]

So we will call it a Jawbreaker ... Im Greek we name things

[@HarryTzianakisTheGodOfSpeed]

first fight i ever had was a headlock with punches Ohhh and all styles of fighting was invented by the Greeks

[@mmaqube]

Aye!

[@GuitarsRockForever]

All I hear is bjj competition should allow neck cranking

[@IncredibleMD]

Oh thank God, I've always worried about what I'd do on da streetz if some punks in gis ever came up to me and forced me to play grabby bois with them. Not anymore! Let's see some dorky ole guard pass try an' do that!

[@RamseyDewey]

Precisely! Now you are prepared for that very specific contingency, my friend.

[@MrSky10101]

China has treated you.well, I see you have endorsed so many mixed martial art products on taobao! Good job.

[@HarryTzianakisTheGodOfSpeed]

Who you talking about? the white monkey?

[@RamseyDewey]

I have endorsed ZERO products on taobao. Anyone using my videos, pictures, image or likeness on taobao is doing so without my permission or knowledge.