What is a full nelson?

The full nelson is a wrestling hold that involves wrapping one arm around an opponent's neck and the other arm under their opposite armpit, effectively trapping their head and arm. Here's a breakdown of its key aspects:

• Mechanism: The hold controls the opponent's head and one arm, significantly restricting their movement and ability to defend themselves. It's particularly effective at controlling an opponent's head, making them vulnerable to other attacks or submissions.

• Control Points: The primary control points are the opponent's neck and their trapped arm. Proper execution requires a firm grip around the neck and a secure lock under the armpit.

• Submissions & Pinning Potential: The full nelson itself isn't typically a submission hold that directly causes pain leading to a tap-out. However, it's a powerful control position that can easily be transitioned into other submissions, like a neck crank or a head-and-arm choke. It also creates a strong position for a pin, particularly in professional wrestling or amateur wrestling styles.

• Variations: There are slight variations depending on the wrestling style, but the core principle of the arm lock and head control remains consistent.

• In Different Contexts: The full nelson appears in various grappling styles such as professional wrestling, amateur wrestling, mixed martial arts (MMA), and even self-defense techniques. However, its effectiveness varies across these disciplines due to the rules and allowed techniques. In some situations, a full nelson might be considered a dangerous hold and not permitted.

• Weaknesses: While effective, the full nelson is not impenetrable. An opponent can attempt to escape by using their free arm to break the grip, by bridging (arching their back), or by using leverage to create space.

In short, the full nelson is a powerful controlling hold that can set up other offensive maneuvers but is vulnerable to escapes if not executed precisely and maintained firmly.