Full Nelson

Full nelson

The full nelson (sometimes called a double nelson or a double shoulder lock) is done by performing half nelsons with both arms. In collegiate, high school, middle school or junior high school, and most other forms of amateur wrestling, the move is illegal due to possibility of injury. The holder is on the back side of the opponent, and has their hands extended upwards under the opponents armpits, holding the neck with a palm-to-palm grip or with interlaced fingers. By cranking the hands forward, pressure can be applied to the neck of the opponent. The usage of the full nelson in combat sports is very limited. It is a secure hold which can be used to control the opponent, but does not allow for finishing action, such as pinning the opponent, executing a reliable submission hold, or allowing for effective striking. Because it can be used as a limited neck crank, it is considered dangerous in some grappling arts, and is banned, for instance, in amateur wrestling. Catch wrestling allows the full nelson and generally uses it as an immobilization technique and form of neck crank submission. It has been a staple in professional wrestling from its early legitimately competitive days to current time. Ruffy Silverstein popularised the move during professional wrestling's early television exposure. A variation called the swinging full nelson in which one swings the opponent as they are held in the move has been a staple of many strength-based wrestlers in the modern era.