An important element of the success of Brazilian jiu-jitsu is its emphasis on obtaining and maintaining good positions. Doing this can negate our opponents’ offensive efforts and set up our offense. There is a very high percentage of success in this method of fighting. This article will go over the BJJ positional hierarchy and explain the common positions.
Mount Control
An experienced ground fighter’s top goal is to reach a mounted position. This position involves one fighter standing over his opponent’s chest with his knees on the floor. This is a dominant position because you can easily hit your opponent from the mounted position. Moreover, the man on top has many submission holds at his disposal, whereas the man on bottom does not have a realistic opportunity to respond with his submissions. The mounted position offers the person on top a potentially devastating advantage.
Back Control
Back control is vital in the BJJ positional hierarchy. Being in a controlling position behind your opponent is very advantageous. By doing this, they cannot punch you or attempt to submit you. Conversely, you can attack with a variety of submission holds, such as chokes and arm locks. It is best to be behind your opponent with both your feet locked into his hips. Do not cross your feet, as this makes you vulnerable to a foot lock. When you have positioned yourself behind your opponent, you should first make sure you get the hooks in. These “hooks” provide great control and time to apply chokes and other submissions.
Side Control
To achieve side control, you must lie across your opponent’s upper body above his hips. There are many ways we can do this. The stability of side control is its main benefit. It is an excellent method of controlling even the strongest opponent. Additionally, there are many great submissions from side control. When skilled grapplers achieve side control, they have a variety of options. They can hold the position, attempt submissions, or move to the mount or back.
Knee-On-Belly Position
By popping up from side control and pressing your knee onto your opponent’s belly, you achieve the knee-on-belly position. Your hand can grab your opponent’s collar and belt, or, if he is not wearing a gi, can base out on the floor or his chest. The position has a number of benefits. It is much easier to obtain than the mount and provides similar punching and submission benefits. As the opponent escapes, you can transition from the knee-on-belly to the mount or vice versa.
The Guard Position
Brazilian jiu-jitsu is known for its emphasis on the guard position. This occurs when we are on our backs or buttocks, and our opponent is positioned between our legs. Usually, you might think of this as a disadvantageous position. In spite of this, we can win the fight if we are holding our opponent in guard, as it offers us many opportunities to submit and sweep them. Guard can be helpful in MMA because a great guard player can make it incredibly tough for his opponent to punch him.
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