Updated February 2026 | Sensei Sandy BJJ | Catskills
The "Invisible" Injury
Ahmed, the ICU doctor featured on Chewjitsu’s breakdown, shows why neck injuries can be life-altering. A responsible Jiu Jitsu Sensei knows their job isn’t just teaching you to kill; it’s ensuring you survive training to come back tomorrow. Neck cranks are sneaky—they hurt later, not immediately, and they add up.
We’re going to explain why neck cranks are dangerous, how a Jiu Jitsu Sensei thinks about longevity, and what technical fixes let you stay dangerous without risking your spine.
The "Sneaky" Danger of Neck Cranks (Chewy's Insight)
Chewjitsu calls them sneaky for a reason. Most neck cranks are sloppy aggression dressed as technique. They rely on torque, not precision. Unlike an armbar—the pain hits immediately—neck issues build slowly. You show up feeling fine and wake up with numbness days later.
You can tape a finger; you can’t tape a spine. Neck issues are the #1 reason students quit. That’s why we treat them with respect.
The Technical Fix: Asphyxiation > Cranking
Sensei Sandy tech doesn’t ban the Cow Catcher; it refines it. Twisting the cervical spine is dangerous and low-percentage, especially against bigger partners. Instead, we train to sink weight, pin the head, and suffocate with chest pressure.
A neck crank only works when you are stronger or the partner is smaller. A pressure choke scales. That’s why a BJJ Sensei teaches techniques that work regardless of size difference—weight, timing, and breath rather than brute strength.
Guard Play: Fluidity Over Static Impact
Inverting can expose you to serious stacking on the neck. The fix? Fluid movement. Don’t hang out on your neck. When you invert, keep it as a transition—loop, flow, exit—not a resting position. Static pressure on the cervical spine invites injury.
The "Bionic Man" Fallacy & Training Etiquette
Chewy reminds us: treat neck grips like chokes. Don’t let them settle. Tap early. Decline rollers who chase the “Neck Ripper.” Training etiquette is a muscle—use it.
Video Credit
Watch Chewjitsu’s full breakdown for context: Watch the full breakdown here.
The Mark of a Good Teacher
Great Jiu Jitsu Senseis give edge cases. We don’t just say “be careful.” We supply technical tools—weight distribution, fluid movement, intentional choking—that keep you dangerous and safe. Looking for a gym that prioritizes longevity? Come train with us.
Schedule a Longevity Roll