What Is Mount and Why It Matters
Mount is when you sit on your opponent’s torso with your knees pinched near their hips or armpits and your feet hooked or hidden for base. Your weight stays centered over their core, making it hard for them to bridge, shrimp, or turn. In sport jiu jitsu full mount scores high because it directly threatens submissions and exposes the back.
Why it matters in live training: it’s one of the safest scoring positions for the top player and one of the most urgent to escape for the bottom player. If you can secure mount, you can pace the match, tire your opponent, and finish cleanly. If you’re stuck under mount, survival and structured escapes are essential.
Mount Videos on BJJ University (Top 20 Videos, Top 10 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.
The Pillars of Defense: Pin Escapes - Defensive to Offensive Cycles by Gordon Ryan
$349.00 • BJJ Fanatics
The video is part of a 9-part series by Gordon Ryan focused on pin escapes from multiple positions like mount, side control and knee-on-belly. Gordon aims to provide strategies, tips and techniques on how to transform defensive situations into offensive opportunities by capitalizing on opponents' pins. Emphasis is laid on improving the effectiveness of kipping escapes, side guards, and tricep post escapes. The video also includes rolling footage from gym sessions featuring Gordon Ryan applying the techniques and detailed breakdowns of his actions for better understanding.
Mount Attacks by Henry Akins
$279.00 • BJJ Fanatics
This video features Henry Akins, a professional register Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt with over 25 years of experience on the mat. In the tutorial, he focuses on several attack sequences from the mount position. Fundamental techniques covered include the classic armbar, cross-choke, and americana. Akins gives detailed insights into how these techniques can be blended together to consistently find submissions and keep control over one's opponent. He also highlights the importance of having a complete game plan and demonstrates how to chain your attacks together for a hard to stop submission sequence.
Mount Maintenance and Escapes by Henry Akins
$279.00 • BJJ Fanatics
Henry Akins offers a masterclass on Mount Maintenance and Escapes. The class highlights techniques to both control and escape this dominating position in combat, effectively turning defense into offense. Akins provides insights on how to develop escape sequences and maintain strong frames to work out from underneath even the heaviest opponents. The class also explores various offensive and defensive strategies from the side mount.
Upa Escape Mastery by Professor Henry Akins
$279.00 • BJJ Fanatics
Henry Akins, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black belt, instructs an in-depth guide on mastering Upa escape from the mount position in this video. This technique could be the only mount escape needed if mastered correctly according to Akins. Variations of the technique for MMA and BJJ are presented including using bumps to avoid punches. The video also shows how the Upa escape can be used to defend against submissions such as the Kimura, eventually enabling the defender to end up in a top position.
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.
New Wave Jiu Jitsu: Mounted Pin Attacks - The 4x4 Mount System by John Danaher
$197.00 • BJJ Fanatics
This video, presented by world-class coach John Danaher, is focused on mastering the 4x4 mount system from the mounted pin position. Danaher guides viewers through the best submission holds to apply from mount, such as the arm triangle and mounted triangle. Viewers are also taught effective methods for gripping, hand fighting, and controlling the grappling exchanges. Moreover, Danaher shares strategies on dealing with potential problems that could arise during the execution of the 4x4 system.
Jiu Jitsu For Old Guys: Positional Escapes by Bernardo Faria
$197.00 • BJJ Fanatics
This instructional video by five-time World Champion Bernardo Faria focuses on positional escapes in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, specifically designed for older grapplers. Faria explains strategies to avoid getting stuck in common pinning positions, such as mount, side control, and back control. He introduces techniques such as the upa escape, half guard escape, and scissor escape. He meticulously details each method to ensure that grapplers of older age, regardless of their agility, can efficiently apply these escapes in their BJJ game.
Objectives for Top and Bottom Players
Top player goals: stabilize first, then advance pressure and isolate limbs. Stabilization means wide base with posted hands or elbows, head over hips, and patient hip switching to follow their bridge. Progress from low mount (knees by hips) to high mount or S‑mount to trap arms and separate elbows from ribs. Use cross‑faces, underhooks, and grapevines or windshield‑wiper feet to disrupt their bridge and shrimp.
Bottom player goals: protect the neck and arms, block the cross‑face, connect elbows to ribs, and work structured escapes. Your first job is survival—no extended arms, no reaching around their head, and chin tucked. Build frames on the hips or across the belt line, time bridges and hip escapes, and create angles to recover half guard or closed guard. If you turn, do it with inside elbow control to avoid giving the back.
Mount Escapes (12 Videos, 4 Courses)
The Pillars of Defense: Pin Escapes - Defensive to Offensive Cycles by Gordon Ryan
$349.00 • BJJ Fanatics
The video is part of a 9-part series by Gordon Ryan focused on pin escapes from multiple positions like mount, side control and knee-on-belly. Gordon aims to provide strategies, tips and techniques on how to transform defensive situations into offensive opportunities by capitalizing on opponents' pins. Emphasis is laid on improving the effectiveness of kipping escapes, side guards, and tricep post escapes. The video also includes rolling footage from gym sessions featuring Gordon Ryan applying the techniques and detailed breakdowns of his actions for better understanding.
Mount Maintenance and Escapes by Henry Akins
$279.00 • BJJ Fanatics
Henry Akins offers a masterclass on Mount Maintenance and Escapes. The class highlights techniques to both control and escape this dominating position in combat, effectively turning defense into offense. Akins provides insights on how to develop escape sequences and maintain strong frames to work out from underneath even the heaviest opponents. The class also explores various offensive and defensive strategies from the side mount.
Upa Escape Mastery by Professor Henry Akins
$279.00 • BJJ Fanatics
Henry Akins, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black belt, instructs an in-depth guide on mastering Upa escape from the mount position in this video. This technique could be the only mount escape needed if mastered correctly according to Akins. Variations of the technique for MMA and BJJ are presented including using bumps to avoid punches. The video also shows how the Upa escape can be used to defend against submissions such as the Kimura, eventually enabling the defender to end up in a top position.
Jiu Jitsu For Old Guys: Positional Escapes by Bernardo Faria
$197.00 • BJJ Fanatics
This instructional video by five-time World Champion Bernardo Faria focuses on positional escapes in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, specifically designed for older grapplers. Faria explains strategies to avoid getting stuck in common pinning positions, such as mount, side control, and back control. He introduces techniques such as the upa escape, half guard escape, and scissor escape. He meticulously details each method to ensure that grapplers of older age, regardless of their agility, can efficiently apply these escapes in their BJJ game.
Core Controls, Attacks, Escapes, and Transitions
Control principles: head over head beats bridge, knees pinched beat elbow‑knee recovery, and weight through the chest line beats explosive turns. Use micro‑adjustments—walk the knees higher, windshield‑wiper the feet, and switch between low, technical, and high mount based on the opponent’s defense. Cross‑face to point their nose away, and frame with a posted hand only when necessary so you don’t sacrifice submission threats.
High‑percentage attacks from mount: in gi, cross‑collar chokes (low to high, Ezekiel, paper‑cutter from technical mount). In no‑gi, mounted guillotine and arm triangle. Across both, Americana, straight armbar, S‑mount armbar, mounted triangle, and back takes. A common chain: threaten cross‑collar or head‑and‑arm to make them bench‑press; swim inside to Americana or slide to S‑mount for armbar. If they turn hard, follow to technical mount and finish or take the back.
Reliable escapes from bottom: the two pillars are trap‑and‑roll (upa) and elbow‑knee escape. For trap‑and‑roll, capture a posting arm and a same‑side leg before bridging diagonally. For elbow‑knee, keep elbows tight, frame the hips, and shrimp to insert a knee shield, recovering half guard or closed guard. Mix both: use upa to force a post, then elbow‑knee as they adjust. If they get high mount, protect your neck, dig the knees inside by walking your feet to your butt, and use a strong bridge to bring them back toward your hips.
Transitions: from secure mount, move to knee‑on‑belly for mobility and points, to technical mount when they turn, or to back control if they expose a hook. If you lose balance, fall to a strong closed guard top or knee‑cut passing sequence rather than giving up reversals.
Mount Submissions (12 Videos, 4 Courses)
Mount Attacks by Henry Akins
$279.00 • BJJ Fanatics
This video features Henry Akins, a professional register Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt with over 25 years of experience on the mat. In the tutorial, he focuses on several attack sequences from the mount position. Fundamental techniques covered include the classic armbar, cross-choke, and americana. Akins gives detailed insights into how these techniques can be blended together to consistently find submissions and keep control over one's opponent. He also highlights the importance of having a complete game plan and demonstrates how to chain your attacks together for a hard to stop submission sequence.
Death By Mounted Triangle by Crystal Nadeau
$79.00 • BJJ Fanatics
This instructional video features MMA fighter and Jiu-Jitsu practitioner Crystal Nadeau explaining her "Death By Mounted Triangle" system. Nadeau teaches viewers how to effectively achieve high mount on an opponent and then secure a mounted triangle. She also provides solutions to common defensive maneuvers like the bridge and roll, showing viewers how to stay on the attack and force opponents deeper into the triangle choke. Additionally, Nadeau demonstrates scenarios to transition into mount from different positions and showcases real-life examples of using her system against resisting opponents.
Baseball Bat Choke Series by Ryan Gruhn
$79.00 • BJJ Fanatics
The video is an in-depth tutorial on the Baseball Bat Choke presented by Ryan Gruhn, a seasoned BJJ competitor and coach. Gruhn shares his unique system that he has honed over the years to efficiently execute this technique. This tutorial is beneficial for those looking to incorporate a powerful, surprise attack choke into their strategy, whether for regular training or competitive scenarios. The instructor's thorough explanation and demonstration of the technique make it easier for viewers to understand and implement the Baseball Bat Choke effectively.
Mount Attacks Beyond The Basics by Thomas Lisboa
$79.00 • BJJ Fanatics
In the video, Thomas Lisboa teaches how to effectively control and attack from the mount position. He covers counter-strategies for common defensive moves, and guides viewers through continuous attacks that leave opponents with no choice but to tap out. Lisboa also demonstrates how to gracefully transition between choke and armbar submissions, providing a more advanced understanding of the mount position.
What To Study First
Start with stabilization: learn how to land and hold mount for 3 to 5 seconds against a live bridge. Practice wide base hands, windshield‑wiper feet, and switching hips to follow the bridge. Then add the progression from low to high mount and technical mount.
Next, build one simple submission chain: cross‑collar choke to Americana to S‑mount armbar in the gi, or head‑and‑arm setup to arm triangle to back take in no‑gi. Drill the decision points: when they bench‑press, attack the Americana; when they hide the arm, climb to high mount; when they turn, sit to technical mount.
For escapes, pick one primary and one secondary. Primary: elbow‑knee escape with strict elbow‑to‑rib connection. Secondary: trap‑and‑roll with proper limb capture. Rep the first two steps of each escape under increasing resistance so the mechanics survive pressure. Add specific rounds where you start in bottom mount with clear win conditions: you recover guard; your partner maintains or submits.
Mount Transitions (5 Videos, 1 Courses)
Junny's No Gi Fundamentals: Mount, Back Attacks and Basic Escapes by Junny Ocasio
$79.00 • BJJ Fanatics
This instructional video features Junny Ocasio teaching some fundamental No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu techniques starting from a mount position as well as escapes from different positions. The tutorial begins with the instructor demonstrating how to maintain the mount, transitioning to high percentage attacks such as the head and arm choke and armlock. Ocasio also covers maintaining back control, retaking the back after an opponent's attempted escape, and effective escapes from various positions including the mount, back control, side control, half guard, and closed guard. Guidance on escaping from different attacks like armlocks is also provided to give the student opportunities to transition from defending to attacking.
Using BJJ University To Learn Mount Faster
BJJ University is a free, curated learning hub. Use the navigation menu to browse categorized videos, short clips, breakdowns, and instructional resources by instructor, technique, position, category, and training topic. On the Mount pages, you can compare different teaching styles and systems, from fundamental control to advanced submission chains and escapes.
To get the most out of it, pick one mount control series and one escape series and watch them in order. Save a small checklist—stabilize, climb, isolate, finish—and match each video to a drill. Revisit the clips after sparring to troubleshoot details. Bookmark the site and share it with teammates or friends who want more free BJJ learning resources so your room develops a common language around mount. Browse this page on BJJ University.
Mount Survival Defense (5 Videos, 1 Courses)
Avoiding Mount by Pedro Sauer
$97.00 • BJJ Fanatics
In this instructional video, 8th Degree Coral Belt Pedro Sauer, who trained under Helio Gracie and Rickson Gracie, teaches how to avoid being mounted in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Sauer explains key elements that opponents need for successful transition to the mount and how to disrupt their plans. He also offers premeditation strategies to avoid this potentially devastating position. The lesson focuses on understanding opponent's intentions, essential survival skills, and intelligent escape plans to counteract some of the most dominant positions in BJJ.
FAQs
What is the safest way to stabilize full mount jiu jitsu against a big bridge?
Keep your head over their head, widen your base with posted hands as needed, pinch your knees, and windshield‑wiper your feet to follow their hips. Cross‑face to turn their nose away and gradually climb to high mount once the bridge slows.
Which submissions should I learn first from mount?
Start with Americana and cross‑collar choke in the gi, or head‑and‑arm into arm triangle in no‑gi. Add S‑mount armbar as your next layer because it pairs naturally with collar or head‑and‑arm attacks.
How do I choose between trap‑and‑roll and elbow‑knee escape?
If their hands are on the mat or they post wide, trap‑and‑roll is available. If their weight is centered and elbows can connect to ribs, work elbow‑knee. Mix them: threaten upa to force a post, then slide into elbow‑knee space.
What is the difference between low, high, and technical mount?
Low mount has knees near the hips for base. High mount walks the knees into the armpits to isolate arms and threaten chokes. Technical mount happens when they turn to a side and you sit beside them, exposing back takes and armbars.
How can I use full mount BJJ in self‑defense?
Prioritize base, grapevines, and chest‑to‑chest pressure to limit strikes, then finish or stand up safely. Keep your head close, control an arm, and avoid overcommitting to submissions that could roll you underneath.