Twister is a term in mixed martial arts that is otherwise known as the, “guillotine”. It is a submission technique that is common in Jiu Jitsu, but was also known as a pinning technique in amateur wrestling.

The twister is considered as one of the few techniques of submissions that puts force right to the spine. It is very effective since it works by imposing torsion and shear forces or axial rotation and spinal lateral flexion simultaneously.

When the twister is done, the motion that comes with it can cause lower thoracic axial rotation, upper thoracic lateral flexion and lower cervical lateral flexion. When all of these happen, the vertebral column may be hurt since its structure opposes extreme motions and when it does, several joints will be in pain. This makes the submission technique very powerful.

Doing the Twister

The twister as a technique is not only considered a powerful one by also a very effective and flashy submission move. Due to its effect, it has been banned in IBJF competition. That is why, players who are trying to make use of its effectiveness must know how to use it within the boundaries of the rules. This can easily be done by knowing how to do it.

First step is to break the arms and get the baseball bat control. This move means the player will grab his or her opponent’s side arm that is nearest to him or her before placing it in a baseball bat control. These are all done after the truck position is established.

Second step that should be done is to perform the Swedish twister and putting the arm at the back. This is performed by isolating the arm of the opponent that has been caught right behind the neck and on the ground of the player. A player will hold his or her opponent’s wrist with his or her side arm after doing the baseball bat control. After, the player brings his or her arm that is farthest away from the opponent up before sitting up and forcing the wrist of the opponent down and right behind the waist.

The third and final step involves putting an S-grip on the opponent’s head before performing a lock that looks like a figure four. This move enhances torque which will leave the opponent to tap.