Surviving Mount
To survive mount, use your hips and legs to bridge your partner and make them post their hands on the mat — a partner busy posting cannot submit you. The data from our BJJ Journey Score shows most students are confident surviving mount against someone equally matched, but your goal should be confidence against higher belts.
1. Objective & Mechanics
If your partner is too busy posting their hands on the mat they are unable to submit you. Your goal should be to use your hips and legs to bridge your partner and make them post — whether they are going for a choke, armbar or trying to climb to high mount. Make them post and your life becomes a lot easier.
2. Execution & Awareness — common reactions
Your partner will not just sit there; they will improve control and hunt submissions. Kimura: when they lean their weight to set it up, bridge in the same direction and off-balance them. Underhooking your arms to walk to high mount: they are trying to create space — bump in the same direction and force them to post. Chokes: first disconnect the hand from your neck by turning your head to alleviate pressure; when the second hand comes in, bump and make them post. Timing is key.
3. How to practice
Practise making them part of your hips. Bring your heels close to your hips and bridge — they should have to post. Let them underhook your elbow; bridge and recover your frame on the hips. Let them go for the front choke; disconnect your neck, and as the second hand comes in, bridge and make them post.
Drills
- Heels to hips, bridge until they post
- Underhook-elbow: bridge and recover the frame
- Front-choke timing: disconnect, bump on the second hand
Training checklist
- You can survive mount against a higher belt for 2 minutes
- You feel confident surviving mount
Frequently asked questions
What is the goal when stuck under mount?
Make your partner post their hands on the mat using bridges from your hips and legs — a posting partner cannot attack submissions.
Should I push my partner off the mount with my arms?
No. Extending your arms invites submissions. Use hips and legs; your elbows barricade and your arms trap theirs.
How do I defend the cross choke from mount?
Turn your head to relieve the first grip, then bridge as the second hand enters to force them to post.
Where to next
Not sure what to work on next?
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