Side Control Submissions
☰Contents
BJJ side control submissions — americana, kimura, armbar, north-south choke, can opener, and finishing details for each.
Side control provides unique submission opportunities not available from other positions. Mastering the finishing mechanics of each creates a complete top game.
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Americana — Finishing Details
Wrist Control
Drive their wrist to the mat at 90 degrees from their body. The angle determines the submission — too parallel and it's just an arm pin, not a submission.
Elbow Raise
Simultaneously raise their elbow while keeping the wrist pinned. Think "windshield wiper" motion. Never lose wrist contact or the lock loses tension.
Kimura — Finishing Details
Back Leverage
Drive their hand toward their shoulder blade while stepping over their head. Prevent them from rolling by pressing your hip into their shoulder.
Belly-Down Kimura
When they roll to escape, follow into belly-down kimura. This creates a different angle that's even tighter and prevents common defenses.
North-South Choke
Setup from Side Control
From side control, slide around their head to north-south position. Under-hook their far arm, drop your near-side arm under their neck, then squeeze your shoulder into their carotid.
Can Opener
From kesa gatame or side control with head control: cup both hands behind their head, drive your knee under their neck. Legal in no-gi competition at higher belts. Primarily used as a setup to open their guard or force reactions.
Submission-to-Submission Chains
- Americana → Kimura: straightened arm response
- Kimura → Armbar: when they hide the hand
- North-south choke → Far arm kimura: defensive arm becomes trap