Spine locks·Cervical spine with lower cervical (C5-C7) and atlanto-occipital loading · Gi & no-gi
Dragon Sleeper Hold
Dragon Sleeper.
Cervical hyperextension finish arching the head and back over the attacker's shoulder
Risk level
Severe
cervical spine with lower cervical (c5-c7) and atlanto-occipital loading
Tap urgency
Immediate
tap response
Difficulty
4
/ 5 — setup
Danger level
9
/ 10
Positions
4
entry points
Perm. damage
Yes
irreversible risk
What it is
Cervical hyperextension finish arching the head and back over the attacker's shoulder
What you do
The step-by-step execution breakdown lives in the app — mechanics, tips, and the full entry sequence.
Open1submission detailin the App Store↗Setup complexity
3/10
Learning priority
3/10
Escapability
3/10
Versatility
2/10
Danger level
9/10
01
Cervical facet damage can occur before clear pain signals arrive.
02
Never apply with momentum or speed; load only as a slow static squeeze.
03
Avoid all drilling with prior neck, disc, or nerve root injuries.
04
Cervical locks are illegal in IBJJF at every belt level.
05
Release the cupping grip the instant the partner taps or protests verbally.
WHITE — ILLEGALBLUE — ILLEGALPURPLE — ILLEGALBROWN — ILLEGALBLACK — ILLEGAL
4 ways in.
All4entriesin the App Store↗CONTROLLING70
Turtle
Control hips, get seatbelt, insert hooks, take the back
CONTROLLING70
Reverse Kesa Gatame
Facing their legs, control arm - attack legs, take back
CONTROLLING40
Hon Kesa Gatame
Chest across them, arm trapped - pin tight, attack submissions
CONTROLLING30
Modified Scarf Hold
Arm trapped in armpit - control head, attack submissions
// Dragon Sleeper · Spine locks
Drill it.
Log it. Track the tap rate.
Open Dragon Sleeper in Grapla to add it to your drilling queue, log every attempt, and watch your finish rate move over the next 30 days.
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