Learn the fundamentals of BJJ Side Control. Master grips, pressure, and transitions from this dominant top position for effective control, submissions,...
Position
White/Blue
π₯ White Belt
β
ββββ
Beginner
Side control is one of the most fundamental and powerful top positions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, allowing you to pin your opponent and limit their movement. From here, you can apply immense pressure, conserve your energy, and systematically work towards submissions or transitions to other dominant positions. Mastering side control is crucial for any BJJ practitioner looking to control the pace of a match.
Technique Map
graph LR
Position["Position"]:::catNode
Position --> Side_Control
Side_Control["Side Control"]:::currentNode
Side_Control -.-> Mount["Mount"]:::relNode
Side_Control -.-> Back_Mount["Back Mount"]:::relNode
Side_Control -.-> North_South["North-South"]:::relNode
Side_Control -.-> Knee_on_Belly["Knee on Belly"]:::relNode
Side_Control -.-> Turtle_Position["Turtle Position"]:::relNode
classDef currentNode fill:#22c55e,stroke:#fff,color:#fff,font-weight:700
classDef relNode fill:#141926,stroke:#1f2840,color:#a78bfa
classDef catNode fill:#1f2840,stroke:#7c6af7,color:#7c6af7,font-style:italic
How to Execute
1
Establish a strong base: Ensure your hips are low, chest heavy, and weight distributed over your opponent, maintaining a wide, stable stance.
2
Secure the head and arm control: Use an underhook on the far arm and a cross-face grip over the head, or a deep grip on the opponent's far shoulder to limit their movement.
3
Maintain tight pressure: Keep your chest glued to their chest, eliminating space and making it difficult for them to bridge or create frames.
4
Control the hips: Use your legs or knees to block hip movement, preventing them from turning into you or escaping their hips.
5
Eliminate space: Continuously adjust your position to remove any gaps your opponent might use to create frames or escape.
6
Stay heavy and patient: Use your body weight to tire them out, waiting for openings to transition to mount, knee-on-belly, or attack with submissions.
Key Details & Tips
1
Head and Arm Control: Always prioritize controlling their head (cross-face) and one arm (underhook) to limit their movement and ability to frame.
2
Weight Distribution: Distribute your weight evenly across their chest and hips, making yourself heavy without relying solely on strength. Keep your hips low and avoid stacking your weight too high.
3
Base and Posture: Maintain a wide, stable base with your knees off the mat (or a knee on belly option) to prevent being swept or rolled. Avoid giving them leverage.
4
Constant Adjustment: Side control is dynamic. Continuously adjust your position, pressure, and grips to counter your opponent's movements and deny escape attempts.
Variations
1
Kesa Gatame (Scarf Hold): A strong pin where you control the opponent's head and far arm, often used for submissions like arm triangles and shoulder locks.
2
North-South Position: Transitioning to face your opponent's legs, allowing for different submission setups, back takes, and intense pressure.
3
Knee-on-Belly: A highly dynamic and aggressive form of side control that allows for quick transitions, submission entries, and excellent pressure points.
When to Use
Side control is typically achieved after successfully passing the guard, completing a sweep, or reversing an opponent. It's ideal for maintaining a dominant top position, tiring your opponent, and setting up a wide array of submissions like arm-triangles, Kimuras, or even transitioning to mount.
Counters & Defenses
1
The Frame and Hip Escape: Create space with frames (forearm on neck, hand on hip) and hip out to create distance and reclaim guard.
2
Bridge and Roll: Explode upwards with a bridge to unbalance your opponent, then roll them over, often reversing the position or creating a scramble.
3
Underhook and Spin: Secure an underhook with your far arm and use it to create space, spinning out to guard, half-guard, or even a single leg takedown.
The Secret to a World Class Side Control
JonThomasBJJ
- 0:00Core Goal of Side and Common Mistakes
- 1:10Chest Pinning Mechanic
- 2:25Countering The Neck Frame
- 3:57Countering The Hip Frame
- 5:07Chest Pressure and Mount Transition
- 8:04Countering The Underhook
- 8:52Closing Principles
βοΈ Training Safety & Performance
Q: What is the primary goal of BJJ Side Control?
The primary goal of BJJ Side Control is to establish a dominant, controlling top position where you can pin your opponent, limit their movement, apply pressure, conserve your energy, and systematically work towards submissions or transitions to more advantageous positions like Mount.
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