S-Mount System | Advanced Mount Variation

Advanced • 13 min read

Purple Belt+ One of the most effective pressure positions once you master the setup and transitions.

Contents

What is S-Mount?

S-mount, also called the "scarf hold" variation, is an advanced mounting position where you sit more to the side while maintaining control. Your body forms an "S" shape with your opponent's torso. This position creates incredible chest pressure and prevents most common escape attempts.

1

Getting to S-Mount from Standard Mount

The transition from standard mount to S-mount:

Start from high mount with your opponent pinned
Shift your weight diagonally across their body
Extend one leg while keeping the other knee high
Your body should form an "S" curve against theirs
Control their far-side arm with your hand

2

Chest Pressure and Control in S-Mount

Applying maximum pressure from S-mount:

Your chest rests against their ribs and shoulder
Keep your hips low and your weight forward
Trap their arm against their body with your knee
Your other hand frames on the mat or their neck
This position is extremely exhausting for them to defend

3

Submissions from S-Mount

The best finishes from S-mount position:

Armbar: Isolate the trapped arm and extend it
Choke: Use your forearm or sleeve on their neck
Shoulder Lock: Control both arms and apply pressure
Transition to Back Control: When they panic and turn

💡 Pro Tip: S-mount becomes truly dominant once you stay there for 20-30 seconds. Your opponent will tire faster than in regular mount. Use this position to wear them down before finishing with a submission.

S-Mount Defense Strategies

Your opponent can try to buck you or bridge, but the S-mount position makes these escapes much harder due to the angle of your body control.

When to Use S-Mount

S-mount is particularly effective against opponents who are strong or flexible. The positional exhaustion this creates is unmatched at any belt level.