What Is Positional Control in Practical Training?
Positional control means you can put someone in a bad spot and keep them there long enough to improve or submit. In practice, it looks like stabilizing side control after a pass, settling mount without being bridged off, riding the back through hand fights and hip turns, or floating from knee-on-belly to north-south as your partner tries to recover guard.
Instead of chasing submissions immediately, you first deny your partner movement. You remove their frames, pin their shoulders and hips, and use wedges to limit their options. When they can’t meaningfully turn, sit up, or re-guard, your advances become high percentage and low risk. That’s the heart of bjj positional control.
Positional Control Videos on BJJ University (Top 20 Videos, Top 10 Courses)
The Maia Backpack System Bundle by Demian Maia
$447.00 • BJJ Fanatics
The video, featuring Demian Maia, instructs viewers on the Maia Backpack System, a technique designed to maintain back control. Maia demonstrates how this system can be applied from various common positions such as side control, guard, turtle, and while passing guard. He further explains how to counter the escaping opponent, merge different systems into a unified game, and also introduces his signature Maia-Leão and Maia Neck Crank fused with various shoulder locks. The video is designed to help grapplers of all levels enhance their skills.
Systematically Attacking From Top Pins Bundle by Gordon Ryan
$419.00 • BJJ Fanatics
In this video, top no-gi grappler and 3-time ADCC Gold Medalist Gordon Ryan gives detailed instructions on maintaining the mount against different escape attempts. Techniques to counter these defenses and subsequently launch submission attacks are also explained. The video incorporates rolling footage, broken down in real-time by Gordon, to illustrate the concepts taught.
Top Game Bundle by Bernardo Faria
$377.00 • BJJ Fanatics
This video is a promotional for the Top Game Bundle by Bernardo Faria, where the trainer shares his effective techniques for controlling the top position in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). The course includes six instructional videos, focusing on Faria's signature pressure passing and attacks from mount and side control. The bundle also teaches how to break down the turtle and sink into back control using a simple single strap back take. The techniques discussed have been credited for helping Faria win multiple world championships.
Systematically Attacking the Turtle Position by Gordon Ryan
$349.00 • BJJ Fanatics
The video features instructor Gordon Ryan who thoroughly explains and demonstrates his approach to attacking the turtle position step-by-step, focusing on handfighting, setting traps, and sinking hooks for back control. The approach taught in the video is largely responsible for Ryan's successful back control and submissions, with notable success in the ADCC. The instructional video is part of an eight-volume series that showcases how Ryan strategically gets to his opponents' backs and sinks in fight ending strangles. His methodical and detailed technique is easy to understand, setting the course for other grapplers wanting to improve their turtle position attacking techniques.
Systematically Attacking From Top Pins: Mount by Gordon Ryan
$349.00 • BJJ Fanatics
This video features Gordon Ryan instructing viewers on his 8-volume mount control system. This system is designed to teach you how to maintain the mount position effectively, shut down opponent's potential escapes, and isolate limbs for submissions. Techniques used by Ryan in live sparring are broken down and explained in detail. This system is the same one that Ryan has utilized to dominate at elite levels of no-gi grappling, incorporating his coach John Danaher's revolutionary concepts and dilemmas.
The Scarf Hold The Soul Stealer by Henry Akins
$279.00 • BJJ Fanatics
This instructional video features BJJ expert Henry Akins demonstrating a technique known as "The Soul Stealer" from the Scarf Hold position. Akins provides in-depth information on entering the position, maintaining control, applying pressure, and securing a submission. He highlights the effectiveness and overlooked potential of this unique position. His method aims to help practitioners dominate their opponent and create sufficient pressure to induce a submission.
The Turtle System by Henry Akins
$279.00 • BJJ Fanatics
In this instructional video, Henry Akins, a black belt instructor, provides a masterclass on the dynamic Turtle position in BJJ. The tutorial covers powerful attacks, smooth transitions, and efficient defenses, aiming to transform the viewer's understanding and usage of the turtle position within their game. Akins emphasizes the strategic value of the turtle, detailing techniques to transition into dominant positions, execute potent back takes and submissions. The goal is to enhance one's overall BJJ skills via effective application of the Turtle position.
The Back System by Henry Akins
$279.00 • BJJ Fanatics
The video features renowned instructor Henry Akins teaching various techniques, escapes, attacks, and defenses from the Back Control position. Akins emphasizes the importance of precision mechanics to effectively attack the back and put opponents into disadvantageous situations. Additionally, he shares his signature back takes and maintenance concepts to enable practitioners to secure and maintain Back Control more effectively. The tutorial blends both new and traditional tactics, providing comprehensive instruction for improving one's Back Control game in BJJ.
Systematically Attacking The Crucifix by Gordon Ryan
$249.00 • BJJ Fanatics
In this instructional video, Gordon Ryan, a widely acknowledged no-gi grappler, details how to effectively attack from the crucifix position. He elaborates on various entries into the crucifix, different crucifix positions, and subsequent submission chains. The positions he breaks down include the mounted crucifix, the front headlock crucifix, the turtle crucifix, and the belly-up back crucifix. Ryan emphasizes why understanding and effectively using the crucifix position can be a game-changer in high-level no-gi grappling.
The Side/Mount System Bundle by Roger Gracie
$247.00 • BJJ Fanatics
This video features ten-time World Champion Roger Gracie teaching his infamous mount system, focusing in particular on using the dominant side control position. He offers high-percentage techniques to transition from side control to various finishes like armlocks and chokes. Taking an 'old school' approach based on solid fundamentals, he emphasizes the development of a top game after passing the guard. This tutorial gives the learner the opportunity to master the art of BJJ, and make use of dominant positions as game finishers.
Why Positional Control Matters
Control determines who sets the pace and who reacts. Strong control lets you choose when to attack and from where—mount, back, or a crushing brazilian jiu jitsu side control—while conserving energy. Weak control forces frantic scrambles and low-percentage shots at submissions.
Scoring systems reward control, and self-defense depends on it. Even in submission-only formats, sustained control exhausts opponents and exposes predictable escapes you can anticipate and counter. If you want consistent results, build control first, submissions second.
Positional Control Side Control (12 Videos, 4 Courses)
The Side/Mount System Bundle by Roger Gracie
$247.00 • BJJ Fanatics
This video features ten-time World Champion Roger Gracie teaching his infamous mount system, focusing in particular on using the dominant side control position. He offers high-percentage techniques to transition from side control to various finishes like armlocks and chokes. Taking an 'old school' approach based on solid fundamentals, he emphasizes the development of a top game after passing the guard. This tutorial gives the learner the opportunity to master the art of BJJ, and make use of dominant positions as game finishers.
Side Control & North South Top Mastery by Rayron Gracie
$197.00 • BJJ Fanatics
This video features renowned instructor Rayron Gracie sharing his knowledge and insights on mastering the crucial top positions, side control and north-south. Known for his innovative approach aligning with the fundamentals practiced by his ancestors, Rayron's instruction aims to refine techniques and enhance understanding for both seasoned practitioners and dedicated students. The focus is on studying variations of classic techniques using a modern approach to assert dominance on the mat.
New Wave Jiu Jitsu: Side Attacks - Building a Devastating Side Control System by John Dan…
$197.00 • BJJ Fanatics
The video is an instructional guide by John Danaher on mastering Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) skill in controlling, submitting, and dominating opponents from the side control position. In this comprehensive course, he covers the best submission holds to apply from side position, including but not limited to kimuras, sankaku, and juji gatame. Danaher provides a 4-step method to win from side control and how to shut down opponent's escape routes from side control. Further, he shares insightful strategies to troubleshoot potential issues within the 4-step system.
Side Control Dominance by Andre Galvao
$149.00 • BJJ Fanatics
This video features Andre Galvao, a 6-time IBJJF World Champion and ADCC World Champion, teaching how to effectively dominate from the side control position. Andre demonstrates how to advance your position using simple mounts and back takes to avoid getting placed back into guard. Additionally, he provides comprehensive instruction on fundamental submissions from side control, emphasizing techniques that have helped him successfully throughout his BJJ career.
Key Positions, Concepts, and Decisions
Side control and side mount jiu jitsu: A stable cross-face and far-side underhook, head lower than the near shoulder, knees and hips positioned to block hip escapes. Switch between standard, kesa, reverse kesa, and north-south to follow reactions. Many world-class players—from fundamental pressure styles to systems like john danaher side control—teach variations on the same principles: win the head and hip lines, then climb to mount or isolate an arm.
Mount: Control the hips with grapevines or knees tight near the armpits, elbows glued to the mat line, and a relentless focus on stopping the bridge-and-roll and elbow-knee escapes. Float between low mount, technical mount, and S-mount depending on the opponent’s frames and energy.
Back control: Harness line and hip line control. Keep chest-to-back contact, maintain seatbelt integrity, and hide your choking arm. Use body-triangle or hooks based on ruleset and reaction. Follow the shoulders as they try to turn and trap an arm when available.
Knee-on-belly and north-south: Use them as mobile pins. Shift between them to strip frames, expose arms, and create entries to mount, back, or north-south chokes. Think of them as transition hubs rather than end points.
Core concepts you’ll make decisions around: frames vs. wedges, cross-face and underhook mechanics, hip control, shoulder pinning, switching sides proactively, isolating limbs before attacking, and settling after every transition. The athlete who anticipates the next escape usually keeps control.
Positional Control Mount (12 Videos, 4 Courses)
Systematically Attacking From Top Pins Bundle by Gordon Ryan
$419.00 • BJJ Fanatics
In this video, top no-gi grappler and 3-time ADCC Gold Medalist Gordon Ryan gives detailed instructions on maintaining the mount against different escape attempts. Techniques to counter these defenses and subsequently launch submission attacks are also explained. The video incorporates rolling footage, broken down in real-time by Gordon, to illustrate the concepts taught.
Systematically Attacking From Top Pins: Mount by Gordon Ryan
$349.00 • BJJ Fanatics
This video features Gordon Ryan instructing viewers on his 8-volume mount control system. This system is designed to teach you how to maintain the mount position effectively, shut down opponent's potential escapes, and isolate limbs for submissions. Techniques used by Ryan in live sparring are broken down and explained in detail. This system is the same one that Ryan has utilized to dominate at elite levels of no-gi grappling, incorporating his coach John Danaher's revolutionary concepts and dilemmas.
Gracie Fundamentals: Mount Dominance by Rayron Gracie
$197.00 • BJJ Fanatics
This video is a tutorial by Rayron Gracie, a 4th generation Gracie black belt, on dominating from the mount position. The video provides instruction on effective controls, submissions, and counters to escapes from the mount. It also addresses how to handle common defensive reactions, such as the bridge & roll, kipping escapes, and submission defenses. Different variations of the mount, including low, mid, and high mount, are also discussed.
Milk the System: Devastating Attacks From Mount by Dan Manasoiu
$197.00 • BJJ Fanatics
This instructional video features Dan Manasoiu, a recognized expert in the mount position, sharing his techniques for devastating attacks from mount. The video showcases the strategies that have made him successful in high-level competition, focusing on simple, efficient, and powerful strategies. It’s intended for beginners seeking to solidify their fundamentals, as well as experienced grapplers looking to enhance their top game. The methods taught in this series can be applied immediately in practice.
Common Mistakes That Break Your Control
Rushing submissions before you remove frames. If their frames stay, they’ll bridge or regard as you attack.
Floating too high in jiu jitsu side control, letting your opponent slide their near-side elbow in. Keep your head lower than their near shoulder and your hip line blocking their hip escape path.
Ignoring the hips. If you don’t trap and angle their hips, they’ll shrimp, turtle, or recover half guard easily.
Failing to switch sides. Pinning only on one side invites predictable escapes. Switch your cross-face, knee line, and hip blocks as they turn.
Not re-settling after transitions. Any time you pass, clear the legs, or switch pins, stabilize for a beat—head, hips, wedges—before advancing.
Positional Control Knee On Belly (12 Videos, 2 Courses)
Basics To Advanced: The Knee on Belly Attack Encyclopedia by Aaron Benzrihem
$99.00 • BJJ Fanatics
The video taught by Aaron Benzrihem, titled "Basics To Advanced: The Knee on Belly Attack Encyclopedia" covers a detailed set of instructions on controlling and submitting opponents with the knee on belly position in both Gi and No Gi. The instruction spans over 4 hours and is segmented and sequential, addressing the basics of the position, drilling, practice and submitting. The instructor, a black belt under Bernardo Faria, covers Gi and No Gi chokes, limb exposure, and chaining attacks, forming a complete road map for the knee on belly position.
Knee On Belly Domination by Stephen Whittier
$79.00 • BJJ Fanatics
In this video, Stephen Whittier demonstrates the Knee-on-Belly position, its two primary variations, and when to utilize them. He emphasizes on the "Hybrid" Knee-on-Belly position, designed to induce errors from the opponent, and how to achieve effective pinning and optimal transitioning for positional maintenance that doesn't heavily rely on physical attributes. Stephen also covers methods to establish more effective connections during submissions and high-percentage attacking strategies to continuously improve the position or aim for a submission.
What to Study First to Build Reliable Control
Start with stable side control because it’s the gateway to everything. Learn a simple sequence: pass to chest-to-chest, cross-face plus far underhook, sprawl the near hip, walk the hand under the head, and pin the far hip with your knee. Drill switching to reverse kesa and back as your partner frames. Add a north-south transition to beat stubborn frames.
Mount maintenance basics: learn to stop the two main escapes. For bridge-and-roll, post wide and drag the elbow line high. For elbow-knee, walk your knees to the armpits, keep heels to the mat, and isolate an arm to technical mount when they turn.
Back retention essentials: seatbelt discipline, chest connection during turns, and leg configuration choices (double hooks vs. body triangle). Practice following the shoulders and trapping an arm before you hunt the choke.
Link your pins: flow from side control to mount, back to side, to north-south, then to knee-on-belly, always pausing to settle. Ten-minute positional rounds starting in side control—top tries to hold and advance, bottom tries to escape—build timing and pressure fast.
Positional Control North South (3 Videos)
How to Use BJJ University to Study Positional Control
BJJ University is a free, curated learning hub. Use the navigation menu to browse categorized videos, clips, breakdowns, and instructional resources by instructor, technique, position, category, and training topic. For positional control, start at the Positional Control main page to compare different coaching styles on cross-face mechanics, underhooks, hip switches, and pressure transitions.
Explore brazilian jiu jitsu side control playlists, then branch to mount, back control, and north-south. You can also dive into instruction from popular systems to see how shared principles show up across different teachers. Save the pages you revisit, bookmark the site, and share it with teammates who want more free BJJ learning resources. The more perspectives you study, the faster you’ll spot the universal control cues in live training. Browse this page on BJJ University.
FAQs
What is the fastest way to improve my side control?
Remove the near-side frame first, win the cross-face and far underhook, and block the hips with your knee or hip. Drill switching to reverse kesa and north-south whenever the bottom player wedges an elbow in.
How do I stop opponents from bridging me off mount?
Anticipate the bridge by posting wide, keeping your head over their head, and walking your knees to the armpits. When they turn, switch to technical mount and trap an arm before attacking.
What should I focus on for back retention?
Seatbelt integrity, chest-to-back glue during turns, and immediate leg configuration choices. Follow the shoulders, hide your choking arm, and trap an arm when possible.
Gi or no-gi—does control change?
Principles stay the same: head and hip control, frames vs. wedges, and proactive side switching. Grips change in the gi, but your pinning angles, weight placement, and transitions remain consistent.
How should I structure training rounds to build control?
Run positional rounds. Start on top in side control, aim to settle for three counts before each advance, and only attack submissions after you’ve removed frames. Switch roles every two to three minutes.