A thorough side-crucifix roadmap that turns underhooks into consistent upper-body finishes.
The Bottom Line
You learn to build side crucifix from common underhook paths. You get chancery, shin-pin, and submission links. You will not get a beginner-light runtime.
⚡️ Quick facts
Best for: You love top pins
Skip if: You avoid side control
Tech focus: Side Crucifix, Kimura, Yoko Sankaku
Biggest takeaway: Underhook creates side traps
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What You'll Learn
This course develops the underhook-based side crucifix pathway, including chancery control, shin-pin options, and transitions to kimura, armbars, and triangles. It also links back crucifix to side crucifix in two directions of attack.
It is ideal if you pass a lot or prefer top pins, and want to add a high-percentage upper-body submission hub.
Primary Techniques You'll Drill
- Side Crucifix
- Underhook Entries
- Chancery
- Kimura
- Yoko Sankaku
- Armbar
Format & Level
- Instructional style: System Based, Conceptual
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Format: No-Gi
- Runtime: 3 hours and 44 minutes
- Volumes: 6
Should You Buy It?
Wait for daily deal. I kept this in the list because many passers unlock submissions once they learn to trap the near arm like this.
Why John Danaher?
John Danaher is a globally recognized BJJ coach known for system-based instruction and a focus on control mechanics.
Community feedback
Here’s a summary of common feedback from platforms like Reddit’s r/bjj.
😍 Why People Love It
- Praised for making side control submissions more systematic.
- Good underhook sequences for people who pass standing.
- Clear links between side crucifix and back crucifix.
🤔 Common Criticisms
- Premium price and long runtime again noted.
- Some prefer shorter sets focused on back crucifix first.
- A few want more bottom recovery scenarios.
Smart Alternatives
- Crucifix Encyclopedia – Focus on crucifix from more positions, shorter runtime. (Price: $99.00, 3 vols)
- The No Gi Crucifix Essentials – Entry-level top and bottom control in no-gi. (Price: $79.00, 3 vols)
Sources & References
Official listing: View Master The Move: The Side Crucifix on BJJ Fanatics
Additional References
Your next step
You have the breakdown, community feedback, and my final thoughts. Now it’s your move.

