Turtle Position

Turtle position is a defensive posture where the athlete curls onto hands and knees, protecting their neck and torso from strikes or submissions. Commonly used in both gi and no-gi formats, it is a temporary protective stance aimed at stalling, escaping, or creating openings for counters.

While primarily defensive, turtle also provides opportunities for offensive maneuvers. Skilled practitioners can execute roll-through sweeps, back takes, or leg attacks depending on the opponent’s positioning. Control over head, wrist, and hip placement is critical to prevent being flattened or turned over.

Turtle teaches BJJ principles such as defensive framing, weight distribution, and opportunistic attacking. In competitive environments, maintaining an effective turtle can disrupt opponent momentum and create high-percentage counters for advanced athletes.