Turtle Position
Kamenoko / Turtle
Defensive ground position where the bottom practitioner curls tightly on knees and elbows.
Quick Facts
CategoryConcept / Principle
Pronunciation/[tur-tl puh-zish-uhn]/
Alternative NamesBalled-up defensive posture, Turtle guard
Definition
The Turtle Position is a compact defensive bunker used to prevent Guard Passes or side control pins. By tucking the chin, glueing elbows to thighs, and shielding the neck, the turtled practitioner buys time to stand or recover guard.
Related Terms
GuardGuard
Core BJJ bottom ground position where a practitioner controls the opponent using their legs.
Guard PassGuard PassBJJ tactical sequence where the top fighter bypasses the opponent's legs to establish side control.
Back Mount / Back ControlBack ControlPinnacle dominant position in BJJ/MMA controlling the opponent from behind with leg hooks.
Rear Naked Choke / Hadaka-jime裸絞め / Rear Naked ChokeHighest-percentage blood choke applied from back control without gripping clothing.