Side Control is considered a dominant position in Jiu-Jitsu. So it’s important you get it right. If you struggle holding side control then this is perfect for you.

What we cover:

  1. Side Control Objectives and Mechanics

  2. Execution and Awareness

  3. How to train

  4. Dealing with common reactions

  5. Invisible Jiu-Jitsu details

  6. Side control measures of success

  7. How 2800 students feel about side control

Get better at Side Control in BJJ.

Your guide for better Jiu-Jitsu

  1. Objectives and Mechanics

Objective 

Side control is about control. Don’t over think that. Your goal is to tire your opponent out and not let them escape. When you have good control you can then progress into another dominant position like Mount. An important reminder is to not chase submissions. They will come from good control. 

Mechanics

There are different types of side controls for different occasions. But the mechanics remain the same. Your partner's escapes come from their ability to move their hips, build frames with their arms and get at least one shoulder off the mat to relieve pressure. The cross body side control is therefore one of the best ways to negate your partner's ability to escape. 

Secret Tip

Your passing connects to what type of side control you will get. You should keep this in mind as a part of your guard passing sequencing.

Watch Video | Side Control Objective & Mechanics

2. Execution and Awareness

Execution 

Having a strong side control means limiting the space and options your partner has. If you create space your partner will fill it with frames or a guard. To limit your partners options you need to have control over their hip bones, shoulders and their ability to turn their head freely.

Awareness

You need to be aware of your partner's reactions. Each escape and frame affords you a possible submission or an opportunity to progress to mount. You need to build timing into your game to capitalise on your partner’s mistakes. Your goal should be to hold a strong side control and let your partner submit themselves.

Watch Video | Execution and Awareness

3. How to Train

How to practise side control: you should be practising applying pressure to your partner and being aware of the common escapes. 

  1. Humming drill. Apply pressure on top of their diaphragm until they struggle to hum. This means you are making their life difficult. Good job. 

  2. Understand the different directions your partner can move to escape. 

  3. Practise the cross body control with your partner trying to hip escape. 

  4. Practise head and arm control with your partner trying to roll away from you.

Watch Video | How to Train

4. Dealing with common reactions

  1. Pushing the neck 

    Your weight is the answer. Keep your chin in line with his shoulder and put your weight through their wrist. This is the weakest point of the frame. 

  2. Bridging 

    Your partner will try and bump you off to release the pressure. If you have a good base you should not be going anywhere. Make sure your legs are widened and avoid coming up on to your toes. 

  3. Hip Escape

    The most common escape and the most annoying reaction. With the cross body control you have to make sure your trailing arm is blocking their hips. If they can not turn into you there is no threat.

Watch Video | Dealing with common reactions

5. Invisible Jiu-Jitsu

Capitalising on your partner's reactions is essential to your success in Jiu-Jitsu. From the cross body side control if your partner tries to hip escape you can attack an armbar or kimura. Key details to this transition include weight distribution, isolating the armbar and not letting your partner putting their back flat on the ground.

Watch Video | Invisible Jiu-Jitsu

Side Control Measures of Success

So you have watched all the videos and feel more confident in side control. Now it’s time to tick off your progress.

Side Control Checklist

  1. Can you get to side control?

  2. Practise applying pressure to your partners chest

  3. Practise cross body control

  4. Practise maintaining control when your partner bridges away from your and towards you

  5. Practise isolating the aim for a kimura or armbar

Progression Checklist

  1. Can you hold side control against a lower belt?

  2. Can you hold side control against a higher belt?

  3. Can you defend against the common escapes?

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The data from our BJJ Journey Score shows that on average most students are confident in their ability to hold side control against someone they are equally matched with. Your goal should be confident in holding side control against a higher belt.

If you would like to map your Jiu-Jitsu try our BJJ Journey Score below:

How Other Students Feel About Side Control