### Side Control Technique in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu **Position**: Side Control is a dominant position in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu where one practitioner is lying across their opponent's chest, perpendicular to them, with their weight heavily distributed over the opponent. **Japanese Name**: Sometimes referred to as **Yoko Shiho Gatame** in judo and jiu-jitsu circles. **Top/Bottom**: Top **Position(s) Used**: - Transitioning from passing guard (Closed Guard, Half Guard, etc.) - Following a takedown - **Dominant Position** during grappling, before advancing to mount or submitting the opponent. ### Step-by-Step Instructions to Establish Side Control: 1. **Establish Position:** - Start from a guard pass or after a takedown. - Ensure your body is positioned perpendicular to your opponent. 2. **Control the Head and Arm:** - Use your far-side arm to underhook underneath your opponent's arm (the one closest to you). - Place your near-side arm across the opponent's neck or under their head. Maintain chest-to-chest contact. 3. **Base and Balance:** - Position your legs shoulder-width apart and staggered. - Make sure your knee closest to the opponent's hip is touching their hip to limit their mobility. 4. **Weight Distribution:** - Distribute your weight heavily through your chest onto your opponent. - Keep your hips low, maintaining pressure to prevent their movement. 5. **Knee Against the Hip:** - Your knee on the near side should be against their hip, preventing them from recovering the guard. 6. **Maintain Underhook and Apply Pressure:** - Use the underhook to control their upper body and prevent escape. - Ensure the opponent's shoulder is lifted off the ground to prevent them from escaping or creating space. 7. **Control the Far Hip:** - Reach with your near-side hand across to control their far hip, further limiting mobility. ### Tips for Maintaining Side Control: - **Constant Pressure:** Stay heavy and make your opponent bear your weight. - **Adjust Positions:** Stay mobile by adjusting your hips and knee placement according to their movement. - **React to Movement:** If your opponent attempts to turn to face you or escape, adjust by moving to another dominant position (e.g., North South, Knee on Belly). ### Common Transitions from Side Control: - Move to **Mount** by sliding your knee over their body. - Transition to **Knee on Belly** for more mobility and to set up submissions. - Work towards submissions like **Americanas, Kimuras, or Armbars** from side control. By mastering the mechanics and transitions in side control, you can effectively control and dictate the pace and direction of the grappling exchange, making it one of the pillars of effective jiu-jitsu strategy.