Crucifix position
Grappling position
The crucifix position is a ground grappling position that involves being perpendicularly behind the opponent, chest against back, and controlling the opponent's arms. One of the opponent's arms is controlled using the legs, and the other using the arms, hence effectively putting the opponent in a position resembling a crucifix. A top variation can also be applied from side control.
This position allows for strikes to the head and neck (with arms and legs), as well as both gi and no-gi submission holds (both chokes and locks), most notably a collar strangle called the crucifix choke (in Judo known as jigoku jime, 地獄絞, "hell strangle"). It is also possible to apply the crucifix position in such a way that a crucifix neck crank can be applied.
Other grappling positions
- Body triangle
- Bridge
- Joint lock
- Leglock
- Pinch grip tie
- Spinal lock
- Transition
- Grappling position
- Shawinigan Handshake
Japanese terms for grappling positions
| Term | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 下手 | shitate | humble position; inferior |
| 前捌き | maesabaki | battling to knock away the hands of one's opponent, in order to achieve an advantageous position |
| 死に体 | shinitai | losing posture; falling position from which it is impossible to recover |
| 変わり身 | kawarimi | change of attitude (stance, position) |
| 座り相撲 | suwarizumou | wrestling performed in a sitting position |
External links
Facts from Wikidata Q5189803 (CC0); text quoted from English Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0). Data retrieved 2026-10-22.
Data: Wikidata (CC0 1.0); Wikipedia (English) (CC BY-SA 4.0). Retrieved 2026-10-22.