BJJ Pathfinder
Illustration of turtle from the bottom: the player in orange is on knees and elbows, curled up, with their opponent on top of their back
Position 10 / 11

Turtle

On knees and elbows, protecting the neck.

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5 moves
EscapesSit through / sit to guard · Granby roll · Single leg from turtle · +18 videosControlsTight turtle1 video

About Turtle, bottom

Turtle is when you are curled up on your knees and elbows, usually after escaping a pin or stopping a guard pass. It is a short-term shelter, not a resting place: your back is exposed and your opponent will try to sink hooks or attack your neck.

Keep your elbows tight to your knees and your neck protected, and don't stay still. Roll back into guard, sit out, or come up to a single leg. The longer you stay in turtle, the more chances you give them.