BJJ Position: Mount

The mount is one of the most dominant positions in grappling, providing you with superior control over your opponent while also offering a wide array of submission and striking options. This position is characterized by sitting astride your opponent’s torso with your knees on either side, pinning their upper body to the mat.

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The key aspects of the mount position

  1. Control: In the mount position, control is established by maintaining strong pressure on your opponent’s torso and hips, pinning them to the mat while keeping your knees tight to their body. Your hands should be used to maintain upper body control, either by securing grips on your opponent’s collar, sleeve, or wrist or by posting on the mat to maintain balance and pressure. It is essential to stay active and adjust your position as needed to prevent your opponent from escaping or regaining a more advantageous position.
  2. Offense: The mount position offers several offensive options, primarily focused on submissions and ground-and-pound striking. Some common submissions from the mount include the armbar, the triangle choke, the cross collar choke, and the Americana. The choice of attack will depend on your opponent’s reactions, posture, and the specific grips you have established. In addition to submissions, the mount position allows you to effectively strike your opponent with punches and elbows, further opening up submission opportunities.
  3. Defense: While you are in a dominant position in the mount, it’s important to be aware of your opponent’s potential escape attempts and work to maintain control. Common escape attempts from your opponent may include bridging and rolling, trapping one of your legs to regain half guard, or pushing your hips to create space. Being aware of these potential threats will help you develop appropriate responses and maintain your dominant position.
  4. Transition: The mount position can be used as a starting point for transitioning to other positions or setups, depending on your opponent’s reactions and your own preferences. You might transition to more dominant positions such as the back mount or side control, or even move to a more specialized position like the knee-on-belly or the S-mount. Developing the ability to transition smoothly between the mount and other positions can make you a more dynamic and adaptable grappler.

 

In summary, the mount position is a dominant and powerful position that emphasizes control, attacking with submissions and strikes, and maintaining your dominant position while preventing escapes and counters. By focusing on these aspects, you can develop a strong mount game that can be challenging for your opponents to deal with. Remember, the key to success in the mount position is to stay active, constantly adjusting your grips, pressure, and body positioning to maintain control and create opportunities for offense while staying defensively aware.