Back Control in BJJ: Secure, Maintain, and Finish

What Is Back Control and Why It Matters

Back control in jiu jitsu is a dominant position where you are behind your opponent, typically with a seatbelt grip and either hooks or a body triangle controlling their hips. Because your chest faces their back, they cannot see attacks well, their strongest frames face away from you, and their avenues of escape are limited. This combination makes back control one of the most reliable finishing positions in BJJ.

The core objective on top is to maintain chest-to-back connection while controlling the opponent’s hips and shoulders so you can isolate the neck for chokes or an arm for joint locks. On bottom, your objective is to get your back to the mat, free your hips, and turn to face your opponent before they secure a submission.

In live training, back control rewards tight mechanics and patient sequencing. Small improvements—hand fighting, head position, and leg entanglement—change finishing rates dramatically.

Back Control Videos on BJJ University (Top 20 Videos, Top 10 Courses)

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Jiu Jitsu Training for kids

26s · Dominic Barry

The video features instructor Dominic Barry teaching kids Jiu Jitsu. The technique being demonstrated is the “Duck Under” from a back control position. The process involves securing the opponent's head, then ducking under the arm to get to their back. From there, Dominic advises to maintain the back position without giving it up.

Position: Back Control Category: Takedowns/Stand‑Up

Rear naked choke escape tips #selfdefense selfdefense

59s · Coach Tim

Coach Tim from Independent MMA in Georgia provides tips on how to escape the rear naked choke. His main advice is to avoid getting into the position because it's difficult to escape once established. If caught, he suggests lying towards the side his opponent's fingers (on your neck) are pointing, making it naturally harder for the choke to succeed. Simultaneously attacking the top hand and opponent's bottom foot, keeping the hand straight to prevent leverage, and finally passing through after applying pressure with the head are also recommended.

Position: Back Control Category: Escapes

PREMIUM

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.

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REAR NAKED CHOKE John Danaher

1m · John Danaher

This video features John Danaher explaining the correct technique to apply a Rear Naked Choke from a back mount position. He demonstrates how to work the thumb knuckle under the opponent's jaw, progressively increasing the pressure and securing the position of the forearm and wrist. He emphasizes the importance of controlling the opponent's neck and using the chin to secure the position further. Finally, he demonstrates the correct elbow and arm positioning for optimally applying the choke.

Technique: Rear Naked Choke Position: Back Control Category: Submissions

Super useful REAR NAKED CHOKE detail 👊 #brazilianjiujitsu #bjj #jiujitsu

18s · Jordan Teaches Jiujitsu

Jordan Teaches Jiujitsu presents a quick, instructional video on refining the technique of the Rear Naked Choke submission. While the conventional approach involves simply closing your elbow, a more effective method, as the instructor explains, is to rotate the elbow backward. This technique, while seemingly minor, amps up the power and efficiency of the choke by closing the space around the opponent's neck.

Position: Back Control Category: Submissions

PREMIUM

Ultimate Back Attacks and Escapes Bundle by Gordon Ryan

$419.00 • BJJ Fanatics

The video, "Ultimate Back Attacks and Escapes Bundle" by Gordon Ryan, teaches a complete system for mastering defense from aggressive back control, which is a dominant position in grappling. Gordon Ryan, a multi-time ADCC gold medalist and accomplished No-Gi grappler, provides insightful instruction. The content aids understanding the offensive and defensive approaches to the back position and helps viewers anticipate their opponents' strategies during grappling exchanges.

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The Best Way To Escape From The Jiu Jitsu Body Triangle by Gordon Ryan

9m · Gordon Ryan

In this video, Gordon Ryan teaches how to efficiently escape the "Body Triangle" position, a commonly used back control technique in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Ryan explains and demonstrates that one key to escaping this position is having confidence in your primary defensive hand's ability to prevent the opponent from strangling you. Simultaneously, the secondary hand aids in unlocking the opponent's triangle lock and escaping. The method revolves around the idea of trapping the opponent's leg between your legs, and creating ankle exposure through strategic hip rotating and hand-assisting methods. This technique, he argues, is the most effective way of escaping the body triangle.

Technique: Triangle Choke Position: Back Control Category: Escapes

ARM DRAG TO BACK TAKE - GORDON RYAN

1m · Gordon Ryan

This YouTube video features BJJ black belt Gordon Ryan demonstrating the "Arm Drag to Back Take" technique. After obtaining a high armpit grip on the partner's arm, Gordon elevates his elbow and pushes his partner's arm underneath it. Then, he simultaneously pulls across the hands and over the right shoulder to position his partner's arm across the center line, achieving a tight grip. Subsequently, with a pendulum action of his left leg, he tucks in the right elbow while hanging off his partner's body, gaining control over his partner's posture and successfully taking their back. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a high grip on the armpit for better control and grip retention.

Technique: Back Take Position: Back Control Category: Transitions

PREMIUM

My Evolution Your Revolution: ADCC 2019 Analysis by Gordon Ryan

$349.00 • BJJ Fanatics

This video is part of an unprecedented series where Gordon Ryan breaks down his dominant performance at the ADCC 2019. He shares step-by-step instructions on the major techniques he used during his matches. The focus of this video is on the back attacks that helped him secure five victories over elite opponents. Through this series, viewers can learn the systems that have made Gordon Ryan the best no-gi grappler on Earth.

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How To Perform The Perfect Rear Naked Choke by John Danaher

22m · John Danaher

This video features instructor John Danaher giving a thorough tutorial on how to successfully apply a Rear Naked Choke, from the back control position. He explains the anatomical targets of the choke and the difference between choking and strangulation in BJJ context. He also elaborates on common mistakes made while applying the choke, like putting pressure on the wrong spot, and demonstrates a more efficient way of performing the technique for a faster and more effective result. In addition, he mentions the importance of control in successfully applying this choke.

Technique: Rear Naked Choke Position: Back Control Category: Submissions

Rear Naked Strangle by JOHN DANAHER #shorts #shortsvideo

56s · John Danaher

This video tutorial demonstrates the Rear Naked Strangle technique, taught by instructor John Danaher. The instructor emphasizes the importance of connecting both to the opponent's lower body with legs and to the upper body with arms in order to successfully execute the move. Danaher provides step-by-step instructions including how to place the strangle arm, where to place hands, and how to finalize the strangle. It is an effective and popular submission technique in BJJ.

Technique: Rear Naked Choke Position: Back Control Category: Submissions

PREMIUM

Systematically Attacking The Back by Gordon Ryan

$349.00 • BJJ Fanatics

The video features ADCC double gold champ, Gordon Ryan, sharing his signature back attack system consisting of strangles, armlocks, triangles and combinations. Gordon explains and demonstrates these techniques, detailing how he and his coach, Professor John Danaher, have developed them. These methods have been instrumental in his success, including achieving multiple submission wins as a black belt. The video also includes real-time gym breakdowns of Gordon's proven submission game.

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How to escape a rear naked choke in Jiu Jitsu!#jiujitsu #jiujitsutips

31s · Malachy Friedman

In this video, Malachy Friedman demonstrates how to escape a rear naked choke in BJJ. He states that it's difficult to escape a well-executed choke, but possible if the choke is not set properly. He teaches how to identify and exploit a technical flaw where the opponent is holding their biceps, pushing upwards to break the choke and turning into the opponent while keeping control of their elbow, eventually gaining the dominant position on top.

Position: Back Control Category: Escapes

Easiest Back Take In Jiu Jitsu

11s · Tyler Spangler

The video is an instructional piece by Tyler Spangler teaching viewers the easiest way to transition to the back take position in Jiu-Jitsu. He instructs to place one arm on the back of the opponent's neck and the other under their arm, using a gable grip to control pressure. This is followed by falling over their shoulder while throwing the second hook for control.

Technique: Grip Fighting / Hand Fighting Position: Back Control Category: Transitions

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The Pillars of Defense: Back Escapes by Gordon Ryan

$349.00 • BJJ Fanatics

In this instructional video, Gordon Ryan elaborates on a complete back control escape system. His method includes hand fighting, breaking body triangle, and the introduction of defensive strategies from the straight jacket position. He further explains the techniques with the help of live sparring breakdowns, which he uses to analyze and demonstrate the maneuvers in action. These systems and strategies are the ones he uses at the elite levels of no-gi grappling.

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3 BJJ Chokes That Everybody Should Know by Lachlan Giles (Amazing Details)

15m · Lachlan Giles

In this video, Lachlan Giles demonstrates three essential BJJ chokes. Each technique is being described with relevant details to maximize its effectiveness. Giles begins with the Rear Naked Choke, covering the importance of falling to the underhook side and securing the head with your arm and counter-pressure from your head, among other key pointers. He then proceeds to Guillotine and Arm Triangle chokes, explaining their specific details to ensure a successful submission. Giles emphasizes the practicality and high-percentage success rate of these chokes in competitive BJJ.

Technique: Triangle Choke Position: Back Control Category: Submissions

How to Escape the Rear Naked Choke

9m · Stephan Kesting

In this instructional video, Stephan Kesting demonstrates how to escape the rear naked choke from rear mount position. Initially, Kesting emphasizes the importance of preventing your opponent from controlling your back or gaining rear mount position to avoid being choked. If the rear mount position is already established, grip fighting becomes crucial to limit the opponent's control over your neck. He also advises to keep your shoulders up and chin down to provide less space for your opponent to seal the choke. Finally, Kesting offers specific techniques for escaping the hold - largely focused on dislodging the opponent's arm grip and transitioning to a safer position.

Technique: Rear Naked Choke Position: Back Control Category: Escapes

PREMIUM

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.

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How to Escape the Back EVERY TIME | Jiu Jitsu Back Escape System

11m · Matt Arroyo

The YouTube video by Matt Arroyo is an instructional video focused on escaping the back control position in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Arroyo explains and demonstrates how to safely and efficiently escape back control, defend the seatbelt grip and choking arm, and escape from both hooks and the body triangle. He details key elements like hip control, head positioning & timing, and includes drills to help viewers master and automatize their back escape technique. The video includes tips on protecting the neck, elbow clamping, and using body weight to restrict the opponent's movement.

Position: Back Control Category: Escapes

Gordon Ryan ADCC 2022 Inserting 2nd Hook

15s · Gordon Ryan

This video is a tutorial by Gordon Ryan where he demonstrates how to correctly insert the second hook while in Back Mount in BJJ. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining balance by not positioning oneself too high and always being behind your partner's hips with your knees. He states that at any given point, there must be four points of contact with your partner.

Position: Back Control Category: Positional Control

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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.

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Jiu-Jitsu Escapes | 5 Ways Out of Back Mount

8m · Eli Knight

In this YouTube video, instructor Eli Knight demonstrates several ways to escape from a back mount position in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He teaches viewers different escapes based on varying situational controls - reacting to the opponent's movements and grip. He explains that escaping from the back mount and ending up in a guard, half-guard, or side-control position is considered a significant upgrade. Eli also emphasizes on keeping the chin tucked and immediately reacting to prevent the opponent from getting a dominant grip.

Position: Back Control Category: Escapes

BJJ back control HACKS #bjj

31s · Dubious Dom

In this video, Dubious Dom provides instructions on three different resets from the back control position in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The first reset is the simple reset, where one extends their hook and presses their leg into the ground to lift the opponent's hips, bringing them back to the bottom hook side. The second technique is the advanced reset, using the seat belt to put the opponent's face down before bringing the knee high on their shoulder. Finally, there is the jumping reset, which is used when the opponent attempts to roll into half guard.

Technique: Back Control Position: Back Control Category: Positional Control

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Only Way Out: Dynamic Back Escapes by Brian Glick

$197.00 • BJJ Fanatics

The instructional video by Brian Glick, a black belt student of John Danaher, teaches comprehensive ways to escape back control in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). He takes a systematic approach, providing step-by-step breakdowns of various dynamic back escapes that are practically effective. The video aims to help practitioners, regardless of their level, to stay calm under pressure, develop instinctive responses, and reclaim control with confidence. Accompanied by Brian’s comprehensive and methodical teaching method, the viewer can develop a deep understanding of escaping back control.

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Entries Into Rear Triangle Back Position by John Danaher

4m · John Danaher

In this video, instructor John Danaher demonstrates technique of entries into Rear Triangle Back Position, a favored position among his students. He begins by setting up the technique from a turtle position, uses a tight waist control to break his opponent down to the hip, and secures his arm. He then postures into the Rear Triangle Back Position, locks a trap triangle and transitions to figure-four for a strangle finish. This is a practical example of attacking a turtle position with Rear Triangle Back Position.

Technique: Triangle Choke Position: Back Control Category: Submissions

Choke Details From The Back

2m · Roger Gracie

The video features Roger Gracie demonstrating a choke maneuver from the back control position. It focuses on the importance of proper hand positioning to effectively perform the choke. Roger illustrates how to hide the choking hand to prevent the opponent's defense, and emphasizes the role of the supporting hand in ensuring the choke's effectiveness. He also shares a tip on opening the opponent's defense by rotating the wrist, allowing for a deep choke even against a good defensive posture.

Position: Back Control Category: Submissions

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Master The Move: The Side Crucifix by John Danaher

$197.00 • BJJ Fanatics

This video is an instructional presentation featuring BJJ expert John Danaher teaching the Side Crucifix position. It is marketed towards Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners of all levels. The Side Crucifix is shown to be easy to access, simple to implement, and highly effective at increasing your submission rate with minimal effort. Danaher focuses on using the Side Crucifix to dominate your opponent with high-percentage attacks, without requiring advanced athletic ability.

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Escaping the back . Pay attention to the leg work (Lachlan Giles)

7m · Lachlan Giles

In this video, BJJ Black Belt Lachlan Giles demonstrates an escape from back control. He emphasizes the importance of grip safety to avoid submissions and demonstrates a specific method of gripping the opponent's wrist. He then shows how to effectively use legwork to disengage the opponent, even when the opponent maintains a foot across the hip, which makes escape more difficult. Giles also introduces the concept of turning one's hips to hook one of the opponent's ankles and free oneself from the back control position.

Position: Back Control Category: Escapes

Effective Rear Naked Choke Finish (Hide The Kill Grip)

4m · Chewjitsu

This video is a tutorial on the effective application of the Rear Naked Choke from the Back Mount position. The instructor, Chewjitsu, explains that the main issue he encountered was opponents' ability to grab the choking arm, and his solution of pulling the arm out to avoid this. He combines this with a technique called 'Flying Under the Radar', which involves concealed grip preparation until it is time to apply the choke. Additionally, three variations of the Rear Naked Choke are demonstrated.

Technique: Rear Naked Choke Position: Back Control Category: Submissions

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Crucifix Masterclass by Brian Glick

$197.00 • BJJ Fanatics

This video features instructor Brian Glick giving a masterclass on mastering the crucifix position in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He elucidates advanced control points, efficient transition techniques, and effective submission tactics from the crucifix position. Unlike other control positions that rely on chest-to-chest pressure or robust positional anchors, the crucifix exploits advanced submission-based control points to create significant vulnerability while maintaining dominance over the opponent. The instructional video is designed for both beginners looking to expand their arsenal and seasoned practitioners aiming to refine their upper body attacks.

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Main Objectives and Control Principles

Seatbelt first. Use a palm-to-palm or wrist-to-wrist seatbelt with the choking arm over the shoulder and the secondary arm under the opposite armpit. Keep your head tight next to theirs to hide your choking arm and reduce their grip-breaking leverage.

Control the hips. Use double hooks to steer and stretch, or apply a body triangle for powerful hip immobilization when appropriate. Angle your hips slightly to the choking-arm side to reduce their ability to scrape your top hook.

Alignment wins. Keep your sternum glued to their upper back, prevent their shoulders from turning toward you, and follow their bridges and hip escapes with micro-adjustments. If they start to slide over your knee line, re-pummel to restore your hooks or transition to a leg ride.

Wedge and clamp. Use your knees as wedges at their ribs and your heels to pinch. Clamp with the top hook as you attack the neck, and use the bottom hook to anchor and steer. If grips slip, reset position first, then attack.

Two-on-one hand fight. Expect constant defense. Control their top hand (the one nearest their face) with two hands, strip grips, and sneak your choking hand across the jawline under the chin when possible.

Attacks, Transitions, and Back Control Escapes

High-percentage submissions: The rear naked choke (RNC) is the primary finisher in back control jiu jitsu. Use a short choke variation when the chin is tucked. In the gi, bow-and-arrow, sliding-collar chokes, and lapel traps layer in strong options. If the neck is fully defended, isolate an arm to attack straight armlocks or trap-triangle style finishes.

Creating the choke: Win the hand fight by controlling their top hand with your two hands, peel, and shoot your choking hand to the far shoulder line. Hide the choking hand behind your head, climb the shoulder, and lock before they re-grip. Use shoulder crunch and diagonal control to compress the space and expose the neck.

Managing hooks vs body triangle: Double hooks offer dynamic steering and transitions. The body triangle adds powerful immobilization and finishing pressure but can limit mobility. Choose based on your opponent’s movement, your leg length, and whether you need to switch sides to finish.

Transitions and retention: If they start to escape over the underhook side, switch to the overhook side seatbelt, re-pummel your hook, or ride to a top turtle and re-enter with chair sit or bow-and-arrow grips. If they turn into you, float to mount or technical mount and cycle back to the back when they frame.

Back control escapes BJJ priorities: For the bottom player, protect the neck first—two-on-one the choking arm and pin it to your chest. Slide your shoulders to the mat on the overhook side to start a shoulder-scrape. Get your back flat to the mat, clear one hook with your foot or hip switch, then turn to face into top half guard or guard. If stuck in a body triangle, rotate toward the lock to relieve pressure and work your hips over the lock’s foot to open it.

What to Study First

Start with a simple sequence you can repeat under pressure: secure seatbelt, establish hooks, win two-on-one hand control, shoot the short choke or RNC, and reset if you lose hand position. Drill until you can perform it without thinking.

Retention before submissions. You cannot finish if you cannot stay attached. Prioritize learning how to follow hip switches, how to switch sides safely, and when to use body triangle versus hooks.

Hand-fighting layers. Study grip hierarchies: first control their top hand, then climb your choking hand. Learn common counters to their grip breaks and how to re-attach if they peel your seatbelt.

Escape fundamentals for balance. Learning to bjj escape back control makes your offense sharper. Focus on chin protection, two-on-one on the choking arm, shoulder-scrape mechanics, hook clearing, and turning into guard or half guard.

Using BJJ University to Learn Back Control

BJJ University is a free, curated learning hub. Use the navigation menu to browse organized videos, short clips, breakdowns, and instructional resources by instructor, technique, position, category, and training topic. You’ll find contrasting systems—from classic seatbelt-and-hooks to diagonal control, trap triangles, and modern retention frameworks—so you can compare details and find what clicks for you.

Start at the Back Control main page to explore entries, maintenance drills, submissions, and escapes grouped for quick study. Then branch out to related positions like turtle, mount, and front headlock to connect transitions both for attacks and for defensive recoveries.

Bookmark the site and share it with teammates or friends who want more free BJJ learning resources. Consistent, structured viewing paired with live drilling will accelerate your understanding and finishing rate from the back. Browse this page on BJJ University.

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Related BJJ University Pages

• 1Back Control main page: Central hub for curated entries, control, finishes, and escapes to organize study.
• 2All BJJ positions: Browse related positions like turtle, mount, and front headlock to connect transitions and escape routes.
• 3Z Guard Position Guide: Compare related BJJ University position study guides.
• 4Butterfly Guard Position Guide: Compare related BJJ University position study guides.