Cement Mixer
The Cement Mixer is a dynamic spinning submission from the turtle position that combines an arm crank and neck crank to force a tap. It is applied when the attacker is beside a turtled opponent, spins to thread under the opponent's near arm, and uses a rotating motion to torque both the arm and neck simultaneously. The technique is particularly associated with no-gi submission wrestling and has appeared in high-level ADCC and submission grappling competitions.
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Contents
What Is the Cement Mixer?
The Cement Mixer is a submission that attacks the arm and neck simultaneously from the turtle position. Unlike the crucifix (which uses the legs to trap the arm), the cement mixer uses a spinning body motion: the attacker threads under the opponent's near arm and rotates their body, creating a cranking torque that puts pressure on the elbow, shoulder, and cervical spine at once.
It is primarily a no-gi technique, though a gi variant exists. In no-gi submission wrestling (where neck cranks and arm cranks are often legal), the cement mixer is a legitimate finishing technique. In IBJJF gi competition, the neck crank component restricts its legality below black belt.
How It Works
The cement mixer works through rotational torque:
- You are beside the turtled opponent. Your near arm is threading under their near arm from above (overhook).
- You spin your body under and through — rotating from facing their side to facing away from them (or perpendicular).
- As you spin, the opponent's arm is carried along with your rotation. This creates a crank on the elbow joint (forcing it backward and outward) and simultaneously a torque on the neck (as their head is pulled by the arm motion).
- Complete the spin and extend, applying the crank to finish.
Step-by-Step Setup
- Establish a position beside the turtled opponent — your inside knee is at their hip; outside knee is further back.
- Reach under their near arm with your near arm, threading it from above so you overhook the elbow joint.
- Establish your overhook grip — ideally clasping your hands together (palm-to-palm or interlaced) around their near arm.
- Drop your head to the mat beside their shoulder, begin rotating your body away from them (spinning under the arm).
- Continue the spin: your body rotates while pulling the arm upward and across. Your opponent's head is dragged along with the arm motion, cranking the neck.
- Come up to a sitting or kneeling position on the other side, fully applying the crank to finish.
Key Points
- The spin must be committed and fast — a slow cement mixer allows the opponent to roll with you and escape.
- The arm grip must be high (near the elbow) for maximum torque on the joint.
- Your head and shoulder lead the spin — your body follows.
Defense & Counters
- Don't leave an arm free: The most effective defense is prevention — turtled opponents should keep arms tight to the body and avoid "winging" elbows outward.
- Roll with the spin: If caught in the cement mixer, rolling toward the attacker (in the direction of the spin) can reduce torque and sometimes allow escape if not fully locked.
- Tap early: The cement mixer loads quickly and can damage the elbow or cervical spine without warning. Do not try to "tough it out" — tap at the first feeling of real cranking pressure.
Competition Use
The cement mixer is most effective in open submission wrestling formats where neck cranks and arm cranks are legal — ADCC, EBI, Quintet, and most regional sub-only events. It has appeared in professional grappling matches and MMA.
In IBJJF competition, neck cranks are not permitted below black belt and are not commonly seen even at black belt. The cement mixer is primarily a no-gi technique in the competitive context.
⚡ Training Tips
- Drill the spin in slow motion first to understand the rotational mechanics before adding speed.
- Always train with partners who know to tap early to the elbow and neck pressure.
- Combine the cement mixer with the crucifix — if the opponent defends the crucifix by standing, the cement mixer can capitalize on the exposed arm.
- The technique is most accessible from a dominant turtle position — establish control first, then set up the spin.
The arm crank element may be allowable, but the neck crank component makes it restricted in IBJJF competition below black belt. Check the current IBJJF technical regulations for the latest ruleset. In sub-only and ADCC-style events, it is generally legal.
The crucifix uses your legs to trap the opponent's arm and creates a stable pinning position from which you apply submissions. The cement mixer is a dynamic spinning submission — it's applied in motion (the spin) rather than from a static control position. The crucifix is slower and more controlled; the cement mixer is explosive and sudden.
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Start Free →Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to learn Cement Mixer?
Most practitioners develop functional competency with Cement Mixer within 3–6 months of consistent drilling. Mastery — the ability to execute reliably in live rolling against resisting opponents — typically takes 1–2 years.
Is Cement Mixer effective for beginners?
Yes. Cement Mixer is part of the core BJJ curriculum and taught at all belt levels. Beginners should focus on the fundamental mechanics and concepts before refining advanced entries.
How often should I drill Cement Mixer?
3–5 times per week is ideal for rapid skill acquisition. Even 10 focused repetitions per session compounds over time — consistency matters more than volume.
What positions connect to Cement Mixer?
BJJ is a linked system. Cement Mixer flows naturally to and from related positions. Study transitions in both directions to build a complete positional game.