aliases:
  - Half Nelson

Power Half Nelson

The Power Half Nelson is an aggressive wrestling move often adapted for use in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to control and dominate an opponent from top positions like Turtle Control or when transitioning to control positions like Side Control or Back Control. It applies pressure on the neck and spine while leveraging the arms and torso to flatten or destabilize the opponent.

Steps for the Power Half Nelson

Control the Base

From Turtle Control or a similar position, establish a strong base to prevent the opponent from rolling or escaping. Use Pressure and Weight Distribution to keep them pinned.

Apply the Half Nelson

Insert one hand under the opponent's armpit and wrap it around the back of their head. Your hand should press against their neck or the base of their skull to create control.

Power Grip for Extra Torque

Use your other hand to grab the wrist or forearm of your "Nelson hand," forming a solid grip. This grip is what adds the "power" to the standard Half Nelson.

Drive and Flatten

While maintaining pressure, drive your shoulder and arm downward to force the opponent's head toward the mat. Use your legs to walk their body flat, spreading them out.

Transition Options

Once the opponent is flattened, you can:
Transition to Side Control.
Take the back by inserting hooks for Back Control.
Use the position to set up submissions like a Rear Naked Choke or a Kimura.

Key Concepts

Leverage and Pressure are critical. The power comes not from brute strength but from using proper alignment and weight.

Be mindful of the opponent's reaction. They may try to roll or create Frames to defend, so anticipate counters.
Maintain Posture to avoid overcommitting and losing balance.

Common Mistakes

Overreaching

Extending too far forward can make you lose balance.

Losing Pressure

Failing to keep your shoulder or chest tight against their back allows space for escapes.

Ignoring Transitions

Always think a step ahead to capitalize on the control.

The Power Half Nelson is a powerful technique for controlling the opponent and setting up dominant positions or transitions in both wrestling and BJJ.

Positioning

The Power Half Nelson can be executed from various positions where you have an opportunity to control the opponent's upper body and apply leverage effectively. Here are the primary positions where this move works well:

Turtle Control

The most common position for a Power Half Nelson.
When the opponent is in a turtle position, you can apply the half nelson and use the grip to flatten them out or force a reaction that opens transitions to Side Control or Back Control.
Use your hips and Pressure to keep their base collapsed while driving their head downward.

Side Control

From standard side control, you can switch to a Power Half Nelson grip to increase control over the opponent’s upper body.
This is especially effective when the opponent tries to turn into you to reclaim Guard, allowing you to pin their movement or set up transitions like the Knee on Belly or North South.

Mount

If the opponent attempts to frame and push up to escape, you can isolate an arm and apply the Power Half Nelson.
This adds pressure and opens transitions to higher control, such as High Mount or S-Mount.

North South

When the opponent begins to turn into a turtle or tries to escape, you can use the Power Half Nelson to regain control over their upper body and force them back into a flattened position.

From Standing Back Control to Turtle Collapse

If you have standing control and the opponent drops to turtle, the Power Half Nelson can help you maintain control and force them to the mat.

During a Guard Pass (e.g., Over-Under Pass or Smash Pass)

While transitioning through the guard, if the opponent begins to turtle or frame to prevent the pass, you can apply a Power Half Nelson to break their posture and complete the pass.

Knee on Belly

From a dominant Knee on Belly position, if the opponent begins turning away to escape, you can transition into the Power Half Nelson to retain control and advance your position.

Back Control Variations

If your opponent begins to slide out of your hooks or escape from Back Control, you can transition into a Power Half Nelson to retain control and reset.

Key Transition Considerations:

Look for situations where the opponent's neck and shoulders are accessible.
Use Grip Fighting to establish and maintain control over their upper body.
The Power Half Nelson thrives in positions where you can exert Pressure and dominate their posture.

By recognizing these positional opportunities, you can use the Power Half Nelson to control, dominate, and advance through the Positional Hierarchy.