### Technique: Mount from Side Control Transitioning to the mount position from side control is a fundamental technique in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. This move allows you to advance your position, giving you more control over your opponent and opening up avenues for submissions. **Position**: Side Control **Top/Bottom**: Top **Estimated Skill Level**: Beginner to Intermediate --- ### Step-by-Step Instructions 1. **Establish Side Control** * Begin in side control, with your chest applying pressure on your opponent's chest. Keep your knees tight against their body to maintain control and prevent them from easily escaping. * Use the cross-face (forearm against the side of their head, or using your hand to grip behind their neck) to control their head. 2. **Secure an Underhook** * Thread your far-side arm under your opponent's armpit to secure an underhook. This control restricts your opponent's movement, giving you the leverage to transition smoothly. 3. **Knee on Belly Transition** * Lift your "near side" knee (the one closest to their hips) from the mat and slide it across your opponent’s abdomen, placing it on the far side of their body. This movement must be swift to minimize their chances to escape. * Use your body weight and the knee on their belly to apply pressure, keeping them temporarily pinned. 4. **Swing the Rear Leg Over** * As you maintain the knee on belly pressure, quickly slide your rear leg over your opponent's body. * Aim to have your foot land flat on the mat next to their opposite hip. This movement solidifies your center of gravity over them. 5. **Secure the Mount** * Settle into the mount position by dropping your hips low, ideally keeping both knees pressed into your opponent's sides. * Ensure your opponent's arms are under or beside your knees, preventing them from gaining leverage to escape easily. 6. **Stabilize and Establish Control** * Widen your base by planting your hands on either side of your opponent's head, "putting out your hands like stabilizer struts." * Maintain an upright posture, placing your weight on their diaphragm to make it uncomfortable for them and limit their movement. ### Tips and Considerations - **Maintain Constant Pressure**: Keeping pressure on your opponent’s upper body during transitions will make it harder for them to escape. - **Timing is Key**: Quick and efficient movement, especially when sliding your leg over, prevents opponents from framing or blocking you. - **Look for Submissions**: Once in mount, begin to look for arm bars, triangles, or collar chokes using openings created during the transition. ### Safety Note Ensure that your partner or opponent is comfortable with your weight distribution throughout the practice to prevent any rib or diaphragm injuries. --- Incorporating this transition into your repertoire will enhance your positional strategy in both sparring and competition, making you a more formidable and adaptive BJJ practitioner. Keep drilling for smoothness and efficiency in your technique execution.