### Neck Shrugs in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Neck shrugs, often utilized as a defensive or positional tactic, involve the use of the shoulders and neck to create space or apply pressure in certain BJJ positions. This technique is subtle but crucial in improving leverage, control, and movement fluidity, especially when dealing with an opponent's pressure or improving posture. #### Possible Positions: - **Side Control Overhook** - **Turtle Position** #### Step-by-Step Instructions **1. Understanding the Application** Before jumping into the technique, recognize that neck shrugs rely on engaging muscles in the shoulder and upper back. Their primary purpose is to improve posture or leverage when under pressure. --- **2. Performing Neck Shrugs from Side Control Overhook** - **Positioning**: - Start by assuming a side control position, your opponent on their back. Your left shoulder should be pressing into their chest while you have an overhook on their far arm. - **Engage the Opponent's Arm**: - Use the overhook to apply pressure downwards, helping to prevent their movements and submissions. - **Execute the Shrug**: - Shrug your shoulder upwards that is under their body and simultaneously pull with your grip. This isolates their arm more effectively and creates discomfort. - **Adjust Your Position**: - Shift slightly harder into their chest while executing the shrug, enhancing your control over their torso. - **Incorporate Movement**: - The shrug is a dynamic movement, so practice linking it to positional transitions or submissions. --- **3. Performing Neck Shrugs from Turtle Position** - **Positioning**: - Assume a position where you have taken the turtle position—placing your body over a turtled opponent. - **Control the Opponent**: - Secure a grip on their lapel or back near their shoulders with both hands. - **Lift with the Shoulder**: - Shrug your shoulders while pulling upwards slightly. This will both alleviate pressure on your neck and make it difficult for opponents to get dominant grips on you. - **Flow with Pressure**: - Make sure the shrug flows with the movement of the opponent—helping with transitions to another position or submission control. --- ### Key Points to Remember: - **Be Mindful of Energy Use**: While performing neck shrugs, avoid burning out your shoulders by maintaining relaxed yet powerful movements. - **Link to Other Movements**: Use neck shrugs to create openings for transitions rather than as isolated actions. - **Posture Matters**: Maintain strong posture throughout, ensuring that you stay tight yet adaptive. ### Practice Tips: - Drilling neck shrugs regularly is crucial. Perform them both slowly to understand the movement and dynamically to simulate live scenarios. - Work with a partner to feel the incremental advantages this subtle movement provides. ### Japanese Name: - **N/A** (Unknown specific term; often it falls under general positional control techniques in BJJ)