A “can opener” in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) refers to a specific type of submission hold used by the person on bottom (defender). It involves trapping their opponent’s arm, creating a joint lock that allows them to manipulate and control the arm, ultimately leading to the submission. The can opener is considered a fundamental technique in BJJ and requires good positioning, timing, and execution to be effective.
As a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, I’ve had my fair share of thrilling matches and frustrating losses.
But there’s one submission that still gives me goosebumps to this day – the can opener.
There’s something mesmerizing about seeing an opponent’s face contort as you expertly transition from a seemingly innocuous position to a game-ending finish.
And yet, despite its potency, I’ve seen many grapplers struggle to master the can opener submission.
They either lack a deep understanding of its mechanics or get bogged down in common misconceptions that hold them back from executing it effectively.
That’s why I’m excited to share my ultimate guide on what is a can opener in BJJ and how to score submissions with this technique.
Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or just starting your BJJ journey, getting the can opener right can be the key to unlocking new levels of success and taking your game to the next level.
Table of Contents
What Is A Can Opener In BJJ?
Hey there, grappling enthusiasts!
Are you tired of getting stuck on the bottom or struggling to finish your opponents with submissions?
Well, you’re in luck because today we’re diving into one of the most effective and underappreciated techniques in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: the can opener.
But before we get started, let’s define what a can opener is.
Simply put, it’s a submission that involves controlling your opponent’s arm and using their own strength against them to create a tight space for a quick tapout.
The basic mechanics involve using your body positioning and grip control to isolate the arm, making it difficult for your opponent to escape or defend.
Historical Context: Origins And Evolution Of The Technique
The can opener has its roots in traditional Japanese Jiu-Jitsu, where it was known as “Kurashin” or “Curved Arm Lock.” Over time, the technique evolved and was refined by Brazilian practitioners who incorporated it into their own style of grappling.
Today, the can opener is a staple in many BJJ schools and competition circles.
Common Misconceptions About The Can Opener, Debunked
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s address some common misconceptions about the can opener:
- Myth: You need to be super flexible or have a certain body type to perform the can opener.
Reality: While having some flexibility and athleticism can certainly help, the can opener is accessible to practitioners of all levels. It’s more about using your body positioning and grip control to create the necessary space.
Myth: The can opener only works on smaller or taller opponents.
- Reality: Not true! The can opener can be used against opponents of all shapes and sizes, as long as you’re able to control their arm and create a tight space.
Key Takeaways: What To Look For In A Can Opener Setup And How To Execute It Effectively
So, how do you set up and execute the can opener effectively?
Here are some key takeaways:
- Look for opportunities: The can opener is most effective when your opponent is in a position where they’re trying to pass or escape. Look for moments where they’re off-balanced or struggling to maintain control.
- Create space: Use your body positioning and grip control to create a tight space around your opponent’s arm. This will make it difficult for them to escape or defend.
- Use their strength against them: As you begin to apply the can opener, use your opponent’s own strength against them by leaning into their arm and creating a “pocket” where they can’t escape.
There you have it – the ultimate guide to scoring submissions with the can opener in BJJ.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, this technique is sure to add some exciting new options to your grappling game.
Mastering The Can Opener Submission
When it comes to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, submissions are the name of the game.
And among the most effective and impressive ones is the can opener submission.
As a BJJ enthusiast, you might have seen this move being used by top competitors or even attempted it yourself with varying degrees of success.
But what exactly is a can opener in BJJ, and how do you master this sneaky submission?
Setting Up The Can Opener
To set up the can opener, you’ll want to start by establishing a dominant position on your opponent.
This could be from side control, north-south, or even mount.
Once you’re in position, focus on creating space between your body and your opponent’s.
You can do this by subtly adjusting your posture, using your hips to create distance, or even using a quick escape to free up some real estate.
From here, it’s time to start working on the submission itself.
The key is to use your body position to control your opponent’s arm, creating an angle that allows you to apply pressure to the joint.
Think of it like opening a can – you need to create just the right amount of space and leverage to make the submission work.
Executing The Can Opener
Now that you’ve got the setup dialed in, it’s time to execute the can opener.
Start by trapping your opponent’s arm between your body and theirs, using your hips and legs to control their movement.
Next, use your free hand to apply pressure to the elbow joint, focusing on the exact spot where the forearm meets the upper arm.
As you apply pressure, make sure to keep your body in a strong, stable position.
You don’t want to be off-balance or vulnerable to counterattacks at this critical moment.
Instead, focus on using your entire body to generate power and control.
Dealing With Counterattacks And Escapes
Of course, no submission is foolproof, and the can opener is no exception.
Your opponent will likely try to defend against the submission by using various counterattacks and escapes.
Here are a few tips for dealing with these common issues:
- Be prepared to adjust your body position in response to their movements. Use their energy against them, and use your hips and legs to control their attempts to escape.
- Focus on maintaining control of their arm throughout the submission process. If they try to pull away or create space, be ready to re-establish your grip and continue applying pressure.
Case Study: The Can Opener In Different BJJ Scenarios
So how does the can opener fare in different BJJ scenarios?
Let’s take a closer look at three common situations:
- Competition: In competition, the can opener is often used as a high-percentage submission to finish off opponents quickly. To make it work in this setting, focus on using your body position to control their movement and apply pressure quickly.
- Training: When training with partners, the can opener can be an excellent tool for teaching new students about body positioning and leverage. Use it to drill concepts like controlling distance and applying pressure.
- Self-Defense: In self-defense scenarios, the can opener is often used as a way to neutralize an opponent’s attack and create an opportunity for escape or counterattack. To make it work in this setting, focus on using your body position to control their movement and apply pressure quickly.
Best Practices For Incorporating The Can Opener Into Your Training Regimen
So how do you incorporate the can opener into your personal training regimen?
Here are a few best practices to keep in mind:
- Drill it regularly: The can opener is a submission that requires consistent practice to master. Make sure to drill it regularly with partners or even on your own.
- Focus on body positioning: Remember that the key to mastering the can opener is controlling distance and applying pressure using your body position. Focus on drilling these concepts in training.
- Mix it up: Don’t be afraid to mix things up and try out different variations of the can opener. This will help you develop a more well-rounded skillset and keep your opponents guessing.
There you have it – the ultimate guide to mastering the can opener submission in BJJ!
With practice, patience, and persistence, you’ll be able to add this sneaky submission to your arsenal and take your game to the next level.
Advanced Can Opener Techniques And Variations
The can opener.
It’s one of those submissions that gets a love-hate reaction from many BJJ enthusiasts.
Love it for its simplicity, effectiveness, and ability to catch even the most unsuspecting opponents off guard.
Hate it for being a bit…
basic.
But here’s the thing: the can opener is more than just a simple technique.
It’s a gateway to a world of advanced concepts, variations, and strategies that can elevate your game from mediocre to magnificent.
Transitioning to the Next Level
One of the most critical aspects of mastering the can opener is knowing when (and how) to transition out of it.
You see, the can opener is often a setup for more complex submissions or attacks.
And if you don’t know how to transition effectively, you’re stuck in submission limbo – vulnerable to counterattacks and unable to capitalize on your opponent’s momentary confusion.
So, what are some strategies for transitioning from the can opener?
- Look for the opportunity: As you’re executing the can opener, keep an eye out for your opponent’s reaction. If they start to panic or try to defend against the submission, it’s often a sign that they’re not comfortable with their back being exposed. Take advantage of this momentary lapse in attention and transition into a more advanced submission like an armbar or triangle.
- Use the can opener as a distraction: Sometimes, you’ll find that your opponent is so focused on defending against the can opener that they forget about other potential threats. Use this to your advantage by quickly transitioning into a different attack – like a knee bar or heel hook – while they’re still reeling from the initial submission attempt.
- Keep it simple, stupid: Don’t feel pressured to always go for the most complex submissions. Sometimes, simplicity is key. If you can catch your opponent in a simple armbar or Americana shoulder lock, do it! These submissions are often more effective and easier to execute than more complex options.
Advanced Can Opener Variations
But what about when you’re facing an opponent who’s well-versed in the basics of BJJ?
When they know how to defend against the standard can opener?
That’s where advanced variations come into play.
Here are a few examples:
- The “hook”: Instead of going for a traditional can opener, try inserting your hook arm under their armpit and aiming for the opposite shoulder. This variation adds an extra layer of complexity to the submission attempt, making it harder for your opponent to defend.
- The “underhook”: For this variation, insert your non-pinning arm under their armpit and aim for the opposite side of their body. This creates a more compact, difficult-to-defend position that can lead to a quick finish.
- The “twist”: As you’re setting up the can opener, twist your body slightly so that your hips are facing away from your opponent’s hips. This adds an extra layer of pressure to the submission attempt, making it harder for them to escape.
Mastering the Can Opener: Lessons from the Pros
So, how do top BJJ practitioners use the can opener in their games?
I’ve had the privilege of studying some of the best in the world, and here are a few takeaways:
- Rafael Lovato Jr.: This American submission specialist is known for his lightning-quick transitions from the can opener to more complex submissions like armbars and chokes.
- Xande Ribeiro: A black belt under Rickson Gracie, Xande is notorious for his ability to catch opponents with the can opener and then quickly transition into a series of submission attempts that leave them helpless.
- Garry Tonon: This American grappler is known for his aggressive style, which often involves setting up the can opener as a precursor to more complex attacks like heel hooks and kneebars.
In conclusion, the can opener is more than just a simple technique.
It’s a gateway to advanced concepts, variations, and strategies that can elevate your BJJ game from mediocre to magnificent.
By mastering the can opener and learning how to transition effectively, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a submission specialist – capable of catching opponents off guard with even the most unexpected attacks.
Final Thoughts
As I wrap up this ultimate guide to scoring submissions with the can opener, I’m reminded of the power that lies within this simple yet effective technique.
Mastering the can opener submission is a game-changer for any BJJ practitioner looking to elevate their game and catch opponents off guard.
By understanding its mechanics, evolution, and common misconceptions, you’ll be well-equipped to execute it with precision and confidence.
As I reflect on my own journey as a grappler, I realize that the can opener has been a crucial part of my development – helping me transition from being a defensive-minded player to an aggressive one.
It’s allowed me to control and submit opponents in various scenarios, from competition to training and self-defense.
Now it’s your turn to put this knowledge into practice!
With the step-by-step guide, tips, and strategies outlined in this post, you’re ready to take your BJJ skills to the next level.
Remember, the can opener is not just a submission – it’s a mindset shift that will transform your grappling experience.
Get out there and start opening cans!