The Truck BJJ: The Ultimate Guide to Twisters & Calf Slicers
By BJJ Sportswear Editorial Team
Reviewed by competitive black belts | Last Updated: February 1, 2026
The Truck is one of the most creative and devastating positions in grappling.
Popularized by Eddie Bravo and the 10th Planet system, the truck bjj position was once considered “weird” or “experimental.” However, today it is used by world champions like Geo Martinez, Ryan Hall, and the Mendes Brothers to dominate opponents.
It serves as a “pit stop” between passing the guard and taking the back. But unlike a normal pit stop, you can finish the fight right here. In this guide, we break down how to enter the truck bjj, the attacks you can launch, and how to stay safe.
Table of Contents
What is The Truck?
The Truck is a control position where you trap your opponent’s hips and one of their legs.
- Leg Control: You lock your legs in a “Figure-Four” around one of their legs (similar to a back take hook).
- Hip Control: Your arms control their waist or far hip.
- The Result: You are behind them, but off to the side. They cannot turn to face you because you control their rotation point (the hips).
As Evolve MMA explains, it creates a “Fork in the Road.” From here, you can choose to take the back, attack the legs, or attack the spine.
The Origins: From Wrestling to Jiu-Jitsu
The position comes from a wrestling move called the “Wrestler’s Guillotine.” Eddie Bravo adapted it for BJJ, realizing that if he could control one leg, he could attack with the Twister (spinal crank) or the Calf Slicer. He named it “The Truck” because it sounded heavy and unstoppable.
Top 3 Entries to The Truck
You can enter this position from almost anywhere, but these are the highest percentage setups.
1. The Twister Roll (From Turtle)
When an opponent turtles to defend your guard pass:
- Insert the Hook: Place one hook inside their near leg.
- Roll: Dive over their shoulder, rolling underneath them.
- Catch: As you roll, extend your legs to catch their hip. You land directly in the truck bjj position.
2. From Side Control (Top)
If you have top Side Control and the opponent turns away:
- Step Over: Step your leg over their top leg.
- Sit Back: Sit back towards their hips, dragging their leg with you into your lap.
3. From Deep Half Guard
If you play Deep Half, you can elevate the opponent and transition out the back door directly into The Truck.
The Trinity of Attacks
Once you park The Truck, you have three main options.
1. The Calf Slicer
This is a painful compression lock.
- Mechanic: Pull their foot down while driving your shin into their calf muscle.
- Warning: This is usually illegal for white and blue belts in IBJJF rules.
2. The Twister
The most famous 10th Planet move.
- Mechanic: You control their leg and crank their neck in opposite directions. It attacks the spine.
- Status: Banned in most Gi competitions but legal in advanced No-Gi and MMA.
3. The Back Take
If the submissions aren’t working, simply extend your legs, pull their hips, and slide into standard Back Control.
Counters & Defenses
If you get caught in The Truck, do not panic.
- Extend the Leg: If you straighten the trapped leg forcefully, you can break their figure-four lock.
- Fight the Hands: Do not let them grab your head. If they can’t control your head, they can’t Twister you.
- Kick Forward: As Bernardo Faria’s guest Joshua You demonstrates, kicking your leg forward aggressively can unravel the position and allow you to take their back.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Truck legal in IBJJF?
The position itself is legal. However, the Twister (spinal crank) and Calf Slicer are illegal for lower belts. Brown and Black belts can do the Calf Slicer.
Can I do this in the Gi?
Yes. The Mendes Brothers use a variation of this combined with the Berimbolo to take the back.
Is it safe?
The Truck is a control position, so it is safe. But the submissions (Twister/Slicer) come on very fast. Tap early if you are caught.
Conclusion
The Truck BJJ position is a game-changer for grapplers who like to attack from everywhere. It stops opponents from turtling and turns a defensive position into a nightmare.
Start by practicing the “Twister Roll” entry from Turtle. Soon, you will be catching everyone by surprise.