BJJ Mount Attacks: Submissions and Transitions from Mount Position

Contents

Mount: The Highest Scoring and Most Threatening Position

Mount scores 4 points in IBJJF and gives you direct access to the neck and both arms. The challenge is maintaining mount while attacking — this requires understanding weight distribution, pressure, and timing. The goal is to make them choose between escaping mount and defending submissions — an impossible task if you do it right.

Cross Collar Choke from Mount

Deep cross-collar grip with first four fingers inside (palm up)
Second hand goes across for second collar grip
Bring elbows together — the choke mechanism is elbow compression, not arm pulling
Hip down, weight forward to maintain mount and increase pressure

Arm Triangle from Mount (Head and Arm Choke)

Trap opponent's near arm by pushing it across their own throat. Post hand on mat, drive your head to their trapped-arm side, lock figure-4 and walk knees to one side until chest is flat. Then extend to finish.

Ezekiel Choke from Mount

One hand grips opposite sleeve at wrist. Opposite forearm goes under neck. Squeeze the choke by pulling the sleeve hand and driving the forearm. Works in gi only; excellent when opponent tucks chin to defend collar chokes.

Armbar from Mount

Transition to S-mount first (one knee across body). Control opposite wrist, step foot over head, fall back and pinch knees. Works best when opponent pushes on your hips to escape — the pushing arm gets isolated.

💡 Mount attack principle: The threat creates the submission. If they lift their arm to push you off, that is the armbar arm. If they reach for your collar to defend, that is the collar choke setup. React to their defense, not to a fixed plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I stop people from escaping my mount?

React to their escape attempt rather than just sitting heavy. When they bridge, go to S-mount or high mount (walk knees up). When they shrimp, follow with your knee. The key is constant active adjustment — not passive pressure.

What is the best submission from mount?

Cross collar choke is the highest percentage in gi. In no-gi, the arm triangle (head and arm) is extremely reliable because it requires no grips — only positioning. Learn cross collar in gi and arm triangle for no-gi.

How do I get to mount from side control?

Two methods: knee-through when opponent misses a hip escape (step knee over leg, drive to mount), or gift wrap mount (control opponent's far arm in gift wrap position, step over to mount). The knee-through is the fundamental method — learn this first.