Side Control Top Attacks
☰Contents
BJJ side control top attacks — kimura, americana, baseball choke, arm locks and transitions to mount and back from side control.
Side control offers a wide variety of attack options. Understanding how to chain these attacks creates a dilemma for your opponent — defending one opens another.
Primary Arm Attacks
Americana (Ude Garami)
Trap their near arm in a figure-4 lock. Wrist drives to the mat while elbow stays up. Classic submission from side control — especially effective against defensive players.
Kimura
Attack the far arm by driving it behind their back. From side control: free your near arm, reach over to grab their far wrist, then figure-4. Use kimura as a grip to pass or take the back.
Straight Armbar
When they extend their near arm to frame, step over their head and secure the armbar. Works well when they're defending the americana by straightening their arm.
Choke Attacks
Baseball Bat Choke
Grip the collar with two thumbs-in grips (one near, one far), then roll or step over to complete. A sneaky choke most opponents don't see coming from side control.
Crossface Choke
Use your crossface arm to create a blade on their carotid. Drive your shoulder into the crossface while grabbing your own bicep for a tight submission.
Attack Chains
- Americana → Kimura (when they straighten)
- Kimura → Back take (when they roll)
- Armbar → Triangle (when they stack)
- Baseball choke → Mount (when they defend by turning)