Table of content
1. Introduction
In the combat art of Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ), the position of the mount is considered one of the most dominant of all. The reason behind that is it offers a wide range of techniques that can be applied to the opponent during a bout. If you are in a full mount position, you can hold the back of your opponent, while sitting on their torso.
As a beginner, it is important to learn the method of side control, but it is not as easy as it seems to be. The novice of jiu-jitsu actually has to struggle at the beginning to maintain side control. However, side control is the easiest option to avail of.
In fact, it is a much easier technique to work with, as you can control the opponent from the top half guard or mount, and then you can move further to get into the mount method. That is why it is considered one of the best positions that allows the novice or the practitioner to set up attacks. In addition, it offers a wide variety of implications for submissions.
Side control will allow the fighter to get into the mount position. When you are in the initial position of mount, your opponent might try to escape by various methods. In this article, we will explore the ways to move from the side control position to the mount.
When it comes to the most common side control issues that beginners encounter, there are two main causes. People either struggle to maintain side control or to attack from their position. The complexities of side control make it impossible to pin an opponent and successfully attack at the same time. One of the best tips for beginners is to change their approach to this issue.
2. Essentials of Side Control
Most of the Brazilian jiu-jitsu athletes think that the most dominant position in BJJ is to get back control. It is the most superior position that allows you to implement a variety of jiu-jitsu methods on your opponent. One of the techniques that could be applied is to get the side control, and then you can implement the mount technique. While sitting on the torso, one can apply the submission by holding the back of their opponent. You can consider a variety of submission attacks once you get control of the mount position.
The arm bar from the mount is considered the best submission in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Moreover, it provides a high percentage of sequence that allows you to hunt for submissions. It is a proven fact that the BJJ fighter can get submission control from the mount position.
Keep in mind that the tricks for having an easy time with side control are not difficult. All you have to do is stay heavy, keep the pressure on the torso, be willing to switch between side control variations, and learn how to attack.
3. The Transition from Side Control to Mount
One of the most important steps is to drag the opponent's arm while making the transition to mount. The transition from the side control to the mount position is not a difficult part; it only requires the proper execution of the BJJ techniques. Make sure to keep the important points in mind while practicing jiu-jitsu.
Let us dive deeper into the details that show the information to do the transitions from the side control to the mounting position, whether it is a side mount or a back mount.
3.1. Be Heavy
In the art of jiu-jitsu, the technique of applying pressure makes a difference. Although it seems to be easy, learning how to implement it is a really hard task. It is a challenging task to put pressure on the opponent. In reality, it will take time to maintain pressure while practicing jiu-jitsu. With the passage of time, you will gain experience that will help you to keep the pressure and stay steady while applying various methods.
Rather than attempting to subdue your opponent at once, here is an easy tip: once you get the side control, take a moment to relax. Put all of your body weight on your opponent. It seems strange, but it will work to pin the opponent. It will take some weeks until you get proficient. It is worthwhile as you can pin the opponent bottom down, and in addition, you will get the time to search for your other move.
3.2. Maintain the Pressure
In Brazilian jiu-jitsu, side control is considered the pinnacle The distinction here is that you are required to maintain the position and let gravity work; you just need to stay heavy. Inversely, an opponent will find it more difficult to move against the heavy fighter. Remember, pinning a grappler involves a practice that relies not only on holding the opponent, but side control needs all of your limbs, which means the use of your arms and legs at the same time. In other words, if you cannot hold to pin someone like a wrestler, to unleash the mount technique, you need to practice it.
Another fundamental principle of the Brazilian jiu-jitsu is that the methods work well when they are executed from the proper position. This is particularly important for the side control, it provides you the opportunity to implement so many positions in many different ways. Basically, anything that is featured between the mount and the half guard is the side control variation. In fact, if you want to become proficient in jiu-jitsu practice side control by maintaining the pressure on your opponent.
3.3. Side Control Variations
Side control is the fundamental position in jiu-jitsu, the basic side control includes the variation of 90 degrees. The side control position is dependent on the control points, the body, and arm positioning. Try to do the transitions in the different side control variations, so that the opponent will inevitably escape from the side control variations.
3.4. Hip Switch
The hip switch is an extreme stretch movement that is achieved by the mobility of the lower body. It is the reverse kesa gatame, use the backward movement and place the left arm on the face of your opponent. This act will obstruct their vision, The next step is to push the opponent's leg away from you it is important to block the passage of their movement by placing your right foot on them. Make sure there is not any space, so that they can escape back to the guard position. In this way, you can attain a mount.
3.5. Kesa Gatame or scarf hold
Kesa gatame is also known as the scarf hold, is a variation of the side control position. The art of BJJ is dependent on the positions and the application of the techniques. The side control comes with a variety of techniques; you can implement twister side control and reverse scarf hold positions. Additionally, you can also apply the North-South variation, which is also the variation of side control, but few fighters are familiar with this. North-south is a common position that is not commonly considered a side control variant.
Jiu-jitsu is the art of transition, from one position to the next; each variation creates a unique attacking opportunity. If a practitioner spends more time applying for the positions, then they can add more attacks to their arsenal. In this way, you can create a great challenge for the opponent to escape.
3.6. Back Mount or Mount
The art of Brazilian jiu-jitsu involves a variety of techniques that are acquired by the variations of techniques. In this way, you can dominate your opponent by giving them an edge. Back mount is the position that gives you access to control the opponent from the back. With the use of hands and feet, you can lock your opponent in place. You can use the submission of the rear neck choke on the grappling partner. Make sure to hold the opponent tightly by giving them no space to move.
3.7. Side to Mount
The art of Brazilian jiu-jitsu involves a variety of techniques that are acquired by the variations of techniques. In this way, you can dominate your opponent by giving them an edge. Back mount is the position that gives you access to control the opponent from the back. With the use of hands and feet, you can lock your opponent in place. You can use the submission of the rear neck choke on the grappling partner. Make sure to hold the opponent tightly by giving them no space to move.
3.8. Classic Knee Drive
Another variation to mount from the side is to implement the technique of classic knee drive. You can apply this technique by simply taking side control of the head and the arm. Put the pressure on your shoulder to turn the head of your opponent. Side by side, lift your right knee across their torso, try to drive your right knee towards the ground, and try to block the left hand of the opponent so that they cannot apply the escape. Instead of it be prepared for the opponent’s escape techniques. In addition, try to stay as stiff as possible, so that they won't be able to get away from you.
3.9. Sneaky Mount
Another variation that you can choose is to imply the sneaky mount. You are required to switch the side of hips, this could be done by the vision-obscuring hip switch. Side by side try to block the knee of the opponent and isolate the inside arm. At that position, you will be in the reverse kesa you might face the opposition while rolling. Be prepared for every situation keep your head low and try to liberate your arm. They might make a bridge in order to release themself. Don't let your partner escape during the rolling transition.
4. Be Versatile While Attacking
Let us briefly talk about the attacking techniques in jiu-jitsu. While attacking from the side control, you might face two situations; by attacking from the side control, you can either attain a better mount or back mount, or you might get a submission. As a grappler, you must be able to utilize every tool from the jiu-jitsu arsenal. For example, in the Gi competitions, you can have better control with the use of lapels, it will help you to give better control, and you can even apply submission with the use of lapels. If it fails to succeed, you can make your opponent startled by switching to the North-South choke.
As a BJJ fighter, you have to always be ready to switch to the next move if a move does not work. Use the strategy of threatening in order to achieve your goal. For intense, you can threaten your opponent by switching to mount and then forcing your opponent to tap for a submission. You can have the chance to go for a submission and make a transition to get into a mount or a back mount position.
5. Final Words
Side control is a fundamental position that comes with a lot of variations and offers endless opportunities. It has been recommended to master the variations of the side control, as it allows you to offer multiple attack positions. Keep it in your consideration to switch between the side control positions and utilize multiple treats; that is, mount or mount back. Make your opponent startled by the variation of the moves, leaving your opponent to keep guessing about your next move. It provides you the chance to let the opponent remain in the dark, in addition, it will get easier for you to get a tap.
Photo Credit: @howcast
Leave a comment
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.