Side Control Submissions

Category: Submissions · BJJ Wiki

Purple Belt Difficulty: ★★★★☆ — Advanced

Side control provides unique submission opportunities not available from other positions. Mastering the finishing mechanics of each creates a complete top game.

Contents

Americana — Finishing Details

1

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.

2

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

3

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.

4

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

5

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.

Pro Tip: For the americana and kimura, think about driving through the submission rather than pulling. Your body weight should supplement your arms — lower your hips as you apply the lock.

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