BJJ Side Control Attacks: Submissions & Transitions
BJJBJJ App Team·⏱️ 2 min read·🔄 Mar 31, 2026
☰Contents
Complete guide to BJJ side control attacks: americana, kimura, arm triangle, north-south choke, and how to transition to mount and back.
Contents
Why Side Control Is an Underrated Attack Platform
Most grapplers think of side control as a transitional position — a stepping stone to mount or back. But side control is a powerful submission platform in its own right. Some of the highest-percentage submissions in BJJ come directly from this position.
Top Submissions from Side Control
Americana (Keylock)
The most accessible submission from side control. Works on all levels.
- Isolate the near arm — figure-4 grip (your arm under their wrist, over their upper arm).
- Move their forearm toward the mat (perpendicular to body).
- Walk your elbow toward their head while maintaining the figure-4.
- Apply upward pressure with your wrist — don't crank, press steadily.
💡 The tap accelerator: If they're resisting, walk your elbow slightly further toward their head before applying pressure. The angle change dramatically increases the leverage.
Kimura from Side Control
Higher percentage than the americana for many grapplers because the kimura grip is easier to maintain.
- Reach under their far arm and grab their wrist.
- Apply figure-4 (your other arm over their upper arm, grabbing your own wrist).
- Rotate their arm up and behind their back.
North-South Choke (No-Gi)
One of the most underused high-percentage submissions in no-gi BJJ.
- Transition from side control to north-south (slide around to their head).
- Lock a rear-naked choke grip around their neck while in north-south.
- Squeeze and drive your hip into their shoulder.
Arm Triangle (Kata Gatame)
- In side control, when they frame against your neck, accept the arm — trap their arm against their own neck.
- Clasp your hands and position their arm so it blocks their carotid.
- Consolidate to mount for maximum squeeze, or finish from side.
Transitions from Side Control
| Transition | When to Use | Method |
|---|---|---|
| → Mount | They stop framing, legs stop moving | Knee slide over their near leg |
| → North-South | Arm triangle entry / north-south choke | Walk around their head while maintaining control |
| → Back | They turn away / turtle | Throw near leg over, seat belt |
| → Knee-on-belly | Create pressure, reaction game | Pop knee up on belly, post far hand |
FAQ
What's the best submission from side control?
The americana and kimura are the highest-percentage submissions from side control for most grapplers because they're accessible regardless of the opponent's size or defensive strength. The arm triangle is extremely effective but requires more setup.
How do I prevent them from recovering guard from side control?
Keep your hip pressure heavy and stay connected. The key is to have your hip (not your weight shifted forward) heavy on their torso. Also, block their near knee from coming in by keeping your knee in their hip.
How do I transition from side control to mount?
Wait for a moment when they stop framing and their near leg is passive. Slide your far knee over their near leg to take mount. Don't rush it — a premature mount attempt gives them a guard recovery opportunity.