Tips for a Stronger BJJ Mount
How to Keep the Mount in Grappling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Because it opens the door to a wide variety of submissions, the mount is a dominant position in any kind of groundfighting - Brazilian jiu-jitsu, submission grappling, judo newaza, catch wrestling, and especially (because of the striking factor) MMA. But the mount utilizes a higher centre of gravity than side control or north-south, so many people find that their mount is unstable. Following are a few tips for strengthening and stabilizing the BJJ mount.
Position Before Submission: Stabilize First, Attack Later
One of the most common BJJ rookie mistakes is to attack immediately upon achieving the mount. Diving for a submission like a choke right away usually results in being reversed, so the best thing to do after mounting an opponent is to stabilize and hold the position. This accomplishes a few things:
- Tires out the opponent by forcing them to attempt escapes
- Demoralizes the opponent if they can’t escape
- Gives time to plan the next step
Get Ready to Base
The mount utilizes a higher centre of gravity than other pins like side control or north-south. Add the fact that everybody knows the bridge and roll (or “upa”) escape, and it creates a recipe for being reversed. This is why it’s so important to be ready to base out. A few examples:
- If the opponent traps your left arm, stabilize by shifting weight to the right and using your head and right hand as posts
- Reaching in with the left hand to attack with a cross-collar choke (judo’s jujijime) leaves one open to being reversed to their left side. So shift your base to the right by posting the right arm and head to that side
Always Use High Mount
Always mount high on an opponent’s chest with the knees in their armpits. This reduces the effectiveness of their bridge by getting your centre of gravity as far as possible from their hips.
Cradle the Head
The most common way to escape a BJJ mount is by bridging. Holding the opponent behind the neck with one hand and elevating their head will take away their bridging power. If cradling the head with the left hand, remember to base out to the right!
Control with the Legs and Feet
The legs are vital for a strong BJJ mount. Some ways to use the legs to stabilize the mount:
- Squeeze the opponent’s midsection with the thighs
- Cross the feet under the opponent’s hips
- Use the feet to “grab” and control the opponent’s hips
Rodeo Mount
Rodeo mount is great for grappling in a gi. Grab the opponent’s collar with one hand, reach back and grab one of their knees with the other, and pull up with both arms to drive weight onto their midsection. Rodeo mount is good for a few reasons:
- It makes it almost impossible for the opponent to bridge
- The pressure on the opponent’s midsection makes it difficult for them to breathe
- Because their leg is being controlled, the opponent won’t be able to use the elbow escape to work into half-guard
Adapt, Be Fluid, Mix Things Up
Obviously, one can’t do all of these things at the same time. Different mount escape attempts require different stabilization measures. So start experimenting and figure out what works in which situation.
Brazilian jiu-jitsu mount
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