Turtle

Position map

What leads here, and where this position leads.

Key principles

• Turtle is a transit position, not a shelter: the longer you stay, the more likely the back is taken.
• Elbows to knees, chin tucked — every gap between them is a hook, a grip, or a choke waiting to be inserted.
• Defend the second hook: move the moment the first hook goes in, rather than waiting until the seatbelt and both hooks are set.
• Movement beats defence: granby roll, sit-out, or stand up before their control settles.

Common mistakes

• Staying in turtle and waiting for the referee or for them to move.

  Why it failsTime only helps the top player: hooks, seatbelt, and the back follow.

  FixPick an exit immediately — roll, sit out, or come up on one leg while their control is still loose.

• Leaving space between elbows and knees.

  Why it failsThat space is where the arm goes in for a clock choke, a hook, or a turnover.

  FixClose the shell: elbows inside the knees, chin down, forehead pressed toward the mat.

• Rolling while they already have your leg hooked, or rolling forward over your own shoulder with them attached to your back.

  Why it failsThe hooked leg jams and exposes a kneebar; rolling forward hands them the back with both hooks already in.

  FixRoll only away from their control, or turn in toward them instead of forward.

Submission

• Anaconda from Turtleblue
• Clock Chokeblue

Escape