BJJ Position: Bottom Mount

When you talk about the bottom mount position in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu you can not talk about anything other than the various mount escapes.

This position is so dominant for the top player that the bottom player has no other options than to try and execute any form of mount escape.

The escapes from mount positions differ based on position of your hands, your opponent position (high mount, low mount, arms on the mat…) and various grips you and your opponent have.

However, there are certain principles you must adopt and follow in order to never get smashed in the mount position again.

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The Art of Defending the Americana: A Masterclass by Lachlan Giles

The bottom mount is a challenging and disadvantageous position in grappling, where one practitioner is on their back with their opponent on top, sitting across their torso and hips. The primary goal when caught in the bottom mount is to escape and regain a more advantageous position. Let’s examine the key aspects of dealing with the bottom mount:

  1. Control: When on the bottom mount, it is essential to maintain control over your opponent’s movements and limit their ability to attack. This can be achieved through various grips, such as controlling their hips, arms, or head. Additionally, keeping your elbows close to your body can help prevent your opponent from isolating your limbs for submissions.
  2. Defense: In the bottom mount, your primary focus should be on defending against your opponent’s attacks. This includes protecting your neck and arms from chokes and joint locks, as well as preventing your opponent from transitioning to more dominant positions, such as the high mount, back control, or the S-mount. Maintaining a tight, defensive posture and staying aware of your opponent’s movements will help you stay safe while working on your escapes.
  3. Escapes: The ultimate goal from the bottom mount is to escape and regain a better position. There are several common escapes that you can employ, such as the trap-and-roll (upa), the elbow escape (shrimping), and the knee-elbow escape. The choice of escape will depend on your opponent’s position, their reactions, and the specific grips or holds they have established. It is crucial to practice these escapes and develop the ability to chain them together for a higher success rate.
  4. Transition: Once you’ve successfully executed an escape from the bottom mount, it’s important to transition quickly to a more advantageous position, such as closed guard, half guard, or even top position. The ability to transition effectively from a disadvantaged position to a more dominant one is a key component of a successful grappling game.

 

In summary, dealing with the bottom mount position requires a focus on control, defense, escapes, and transitions. It is crucial to maintain a tight, defensive posture while working on your escapes, and being prepared to transition to a better position once the opportunity presents itself. By developing a strong understanding of the bottom mount and the various escapes, you can become a more resilient and adaptable grappler, capable of overcoming challenging situations on the mat.