Can Opener

The Can Opener is a neck crank submission that applies pressure to the back of the opponent’s neck by pulling their head forward toward their chest. It is typically performed from the top position, particularly inside the opponent’s Closed Guard. While effective as a submission, it is often used as a guard-breaking tool to force the opponent to open their legs.

Key Concepts

Neck Crank

  • Targets the cervical spine by flexing the opponent’s neck unnaturally.

Control

  • Requires control of the opponent’s head and upper body to prevent them from escaping.

Leverage

  • Proper positioning and pulling force are essential to generate the required pressure.

Execution Steps

Establish Top Position

  • Typically performed from inside the opponent’s Closed Guard or a similar position where you have control of their head.

Control the Opponent’s Head

Drive Your Weight Forward

  • Apply forward pressure with your hips to pin the opponent to the mat, preventing their movement.

Pull Their Head Forward

  • Use your hands to pull the opponent’s head toward their chest while keeping your arms tight. The motion should flex their neck unnaturally.

Finish the Submission

  • Gradually increase the pressure until the opponent taps or opens their guard to relieve the tension.

Common Entries

From Closed Guard Top

  • Use the Can Opener as a submission or to force the opponent to open their guard.

During Guard Pass Defense

  • If the opponent resists guard passes, apply the Can Opener to break their posture.

From Turtle Control

  • If the opponent turtles, you can control their head and transition to the neck crank.

From Mount

  • When the opponent tries to defend or push you off, trap their head and apply the neck crank.

During a Takedown Defense

  • If the opponent shoots for a takedown and leaves their neck exposed, you can sprawl and transition into the Can Opener.

Tips for Success

Engage Your Hips

  • Use your body weight and hips to add pressure, not just your arms.

Control Their Movement

  • Pin their shoulders and hips to prevent escapes or counters.

Smooth Application

  • Gradually increase the pressure to avoid injuring your training partner.

Bait for Open Guard

  • Use the Can Opener to force the opponent to open their guard, allowing for transitions or passes.

Safety Note

Warning

The Can Opener is a neck crank, which can cause serious injury to the cervical spine if applied carelessly. Practice this technique with caution and release immediately if your training partner taps. Many competitions, especially in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, restrict or ban this technique due to its high risk of injury. Always check the rules before attempting it in a tournament setting.

Positioning

The Can Opener is most effective when you maintain strong pressure and control over the opponent’s Fundamentals/Base to prevent them from escaping or countering. Proper angles and connections are crucial for applying the submission safely and effectively.

From Closed Guard Top

  • The most common position for the Can Opener, used as both a submission and a guard-breaking tool to force the opponent to open their guard.

From Turtle Control

  • If the opponent turtles and leaves their neck exposed, you can pull their head forward into a Can Opener.

During Takedown Defense

From Mount

  • When the opponent frames or pushes to defend, you can grab their head and apply the neck crank.

From Side Control

  • If the opponent attempts to turn into you or frame against your shoulders, you can trap their head and pull it toward their chest.

From North South

  • With control over the opponent’s head, you can apply the Can Opener to force their neck into a compressed position.

During Guard Passing

  • When the opponent attempts to resist guard passes like the Guard Passes/Knee Cut or Toreando, use the Can Opener to disrupt their posture and break their resistance.

From Scrambles

  • In dynamic situations where the opponent’s head is exposed, quickly grab their neck and transition into the Can Opener.

From Back Defense

  • If the opponent escapes to a seated position, you can transition to a Can Opener by pulling their head forward while controlling their shoulders.

From Standing

  • If the opponent is sitting guard, grab their head and apply the Can Opener to disrupt their posture or force an opening.

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