The Crucifix is both a control position and a submission system where you isolate both of your opponent’s arms using your arms and legs, leaving them completely exposed and unable to defend effectively.

Typically, one of the opponent’s arms is trapped with your legs (similar to a hook), while the other is controlled with your arms. This creates a position where the opponent is essentially immobilized making it extremely difficult to escape or defend submissions.

From the Crucifix, you can attack with:
Rear Naked Chokes
Collar Chokes (Gi)
Short Chokes
Armbars
Wrist Locks

The position is most commonly achieved from:
Turtle position (most common entry)
Back control transitions
Top side control setups

WHERE IT COMES FROM / HISTORY
The Crucifix is especially effective because it removes your opponent’s ability to use their hands to defend which is one of the biggest defensive tools in Jiu-Jitsu.

The Crucifix has long been part of traditional grappling systems but became widely recognized in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and MMA due to its effectiveness in both submission grappling and ground-and-pound scenarios.

It has been used at the highest levels of MMA most notably by fighters like Gary Goodridge, who famously used a crucifix-style position to finish opponents with strikes.

In modern BJJ, the position has evolved into a full attacking system, especially in both Gi and No Gi competition, with athletes using it to systematically break down defenses and secure high-percentage finishes.

INTERESTING FACTS
The Crucifix is one of the few positions where you can completely neutralize both arms of your opponent at the same time.
It’s considered a high-control, low-risk position once fully locked in.
In MMA, it’s one of the most dominant positions for ground-and-pound, not just submissions.
The position creates a psychological effect many opponents panic because they cannot defend their neck.
It connects extremely well with back control systems, making it a great transition attack.

HOW IT WORKS (SIMPLE BREAKDOWN)
Trap the First Arm: From turtle or a scramble, isolate one of your opponent’s arms and trap it using your legs.
Control the Second Arm: Use your arms to control or pin the opponent’s free arm, preventing them from defending.
Secure the Position:
Adjust your body so you’re tight to their upper back/shoulder line, keeping both arms isolated.
Attack the Finish: With both arms neutralized, apply a choke (most commonly a rear naked choke or short choke), or transition to an armbar or wrist lock.