What Is Side Control and Why It Matters
Side control in BJJ (also called side mount) is a top position where you pass your opponent’s legs and control their torso from the side. Your chest faces theirs, hips are low, and you use a crossface and underhook (or other grips) to prevent them from turning in or recovering guard. Because you’ve cleared the legs, you can isolate arms, apply shoulder pressure, and connect to strong finishing chains.
Why it matters in live training: side control scores in many rule sets, wears down opponents, and opens a pathway to even more dominant positions. Well-timed pressure makes your partner carry your weight, forcing predictable defensive reactions you can exploit for submissions or transitions. On bottom, learning to survive and escape from side control is essential—if you can’t get back to guard, you’ll spend entire rounds defending.
Side Control Videos on BJJ University (Top 20 Videos, Top 10 Courses)
The Complete Bundle by Marcelo Garcia
$747.00 • BJJ Fanatics
Marcelo Garcia's masterclass video covers in-depth techniques on passing the no-gi guard, navigating to dominant positions, and specifically applying the North-South choke. Lessons also include strategies to dominate from the side control, even against larger opponents, using attacking techniques for better positioning and submissions. Marcelo further explains how to completely control the mount and break down the opponent for a submission.
Systematically Attacking The Kimura by Gordon Ryan
$349.00 • BJJ Fanatics
In this video, ADCC champion Gordon Ryan provides a detailed teaching of his systematic approach to attacking the Kimura from various situations. He explains how Kimura can be used as a controlling position as well as a submission, and emphasizes the importance of techniques in real-time motion. The video includes training footage of Gordon executing the Kimura in a genuine rolling situation, followed by a thorough breakdown of what he does and why. The video aims to give viewers an understanding of the complete Kimura system as employed by one of the greatest No-Gi grapplers in the world.
Systematically attacking From Top Pins: Side Control & North South by Gordon Ryan
$349.00 • BJJ Fanatics
In this video, Gordon Ryan provides detailed instruction on how to effectively execute submissions such as Kimuras, triangles, and armbars from Side Control & North South positions. He explains the concept of isolating and submitting limbs and how to stop escape attempts, thereby ensuring constant control. The system he demonstrates is the one he uses in no-gi grappling, with guidance from his coach, John Danaher. He also breaks down live footage to clearly illustrate the application of the techniques in real-time combat scenarios.
Guard Passing Mastery by Henry Akins
$279.00 • BJJ Fanatics
This video features a comprehensive Guard Passing mastery program by BJJ expert, Henry Akins. The focus of the teaching is to give students the knowledge and tools to control and pass their opponents with ease. The video, hosted by Henry Akins, a highly experienced black belt under Rickson Gracie, delivers invaluable insights and techniques relating to advantageous angles for guard passing. It mentions a particular emphasis on side control and offers a detailed understanding of weight distribution, pressure, and precise guard pass techniques.
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.
Master The Move: The American Lock by John Danaher
$197.00 • BJJ Fanatics
John Danaher, highly esteemed BJJ coach, delivers a masterclass on the American Lock in this video. Danaher highlights different innovative strategies and positions to implement this submission from top, bottom, or even standing. Emphasizing the finishing mechanics of the position, he discusses using the American Lock as a springboard for other effective submissions, passes, sweeps, takedowns. The video aims to equip viewers with a comprehensive understanding of the American Lock, allowing them to master this essential technique of submission grappling.
Kimura: Enter The System by John Danaher
$197.00 • BJJ Fanatics
John Danaher, a renowned BJJ instructor, introduces his system for the Kimura submission in this instructional video. He advertises this system as an effective and versatile choice both for Gi and No Gi Jiu Jitsu, and even for self-defense purposes. As the teacher of champions including Garry Tonon, Georges St Pierre, and Chris Weidman, Danaher's methods are praised for their efficiency. The Kimura system is said to enhance one's overall understanding and performance in Jiu Jitsu.
Timeless Kimura by Rafael Lovato
$197.00 • BJJ Fanatics
This video features Rafael Lovato Jr., one of the most decorated American Back Belts in BJJ history, demonstrating his method of attacking a kimura. He focuses on how to break grips that may obstruct the application of the technique. Additionally, he shares insights into executing the kimura when passing and reveals some set-ups that he has used in his illustrious competitive BJJ career.
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.
Main Objectives for Top and Bottom Players
Top player objectives: stabilize the pin, kill inside frames, and force predictable reactions. Establish head control (crossface), far-side underhook or hip block, and clear hips from their near-side knee-elbow connection. From there, progress: isolate an arm, climb to mount or knee-on-belly, or connect to north-south. Aim for continuous pressure without stalling—pressure that moves you forward.
Bottom player objectives: create frames and hip mobility to recover guard or at least create meaningful space. Primary frames include a near-side forearm at the neck or shoulder line, a far-side frame at the hip, and active hip escapes timed with elbow-knee connection. Winning the inside position with your near elbow, getting on your side, and re-threading a knee shield are the core goals. If you can’t immediately recover, build to turtle safely or insert hooks to half guard.
Side Control Submissions (12 Videos, 4 Courses)
Systematically Attacking The Kimura by Gordon Ryan
$349.00 • BJJ Fanatics
In this video, ADCC champion Gordon Ryan provides a detailed teaching of his systematic approach to attacking the Kimura from various situations. He explains how Kimura can be used as a controlling position as well as a submission, and emphasizes the importance of techniques in real-time motion. The video includes training footage of Gordon executing the Kimura in a genuine rolling situation, followed by a thorough breakdown of what he does and why. The video aims to give viewers an understanding of the complete Kimura system as employed by one of the greatest No-Gi grapplers in the world.
Systematically attacking From Top Pins: Side Control & North South by Gordon Ryan
$349.00 • BJJ Fanatics
In this video, Gordon Ryan provides detailed instruction on how to effectively execute submissions such as Kimuras, triangles, and armbars from Side Control & North South positions. He explains the concept of isolating and submitting limbs and how to stop escape attempts, thereby ensuring constant control. The system he demonstrates is the one he uses in no-gi grappling, with guidance from his coach, John Danaher. He also breaks down live footage to clearly illustrate the application of the techniques in real-time combat scenarios.
Master The Move: The American Lock by John Danaher
$197.00 • BJJ Fanatics
John Danaher, highly esteemed BJJ coach, delivers a masterclass on the American Lock in this video. Danaher highlights different innovative strategies and positions to implement this submission from top, bottom, or even standing. Emphasizing the finishing mechanics of the position, he discusses using the American Lock as a springboard for other effective submissions, passes, sweeps, takedowns. The video aims to equip viewers with a comprehensive understanding of the American Lock, allowing them to master this essential technique of submission grappling.
Kimura: Enter The System by John Danaher
$197.00 • BJJ Fanatics
John Danaher, a renowned BJJ instructor, introduces his system for the Kimura submission in this instructional video. He advertises this system as an effective and versatile choice both for Gi and No Gi Jiu Jitsu, and even for self-defense purposes. As the teacher of champions including Garry Tonon, Georges St Pierre, and Chris Weidman, Danaher's methods are praised for their efficiency. The Kimura system is said to enhance one's overall understanding and performance in Jiu Jitsu.
Control Principles, Attacks, Escapes, and Transitions
Control principles for bjj side control: keep your head lower than theirs, connect shoulder-to-jaw for a strong crossface, and manage their far hip so they can’t turn in freely. Switch between classical crossface-underhook, switch base (reverse scarf), kesa and modified kesa, and north-south as their frames change. Your knees pinch near the near-side hip and far shoulder to block their hips and shoulders from rotating together.
High-percentage attacks: kimura and americana from the far or near-side arm, arm triangle/katagatame when their near arm crosses the center line, paper-cutter and gi lapel chokes in the gi, and north-south choke as you transition. The kimura system is central to many modern approaches, seen in john danaher side control and gordon ryan side control teachings—use it to control, sweep submissions, or take the back.
Transitions that win rounds: knee-on-belly to spike reactions and open submissions, step to mount when their near elbow is pried away, north-south to chase head-arm control, and back exposure when they turn away. Twister side control (a hip-facing variation) can also help trap the far hip and set up back takes or leg drags in no-gi.
Essential escapes: reframe first, then move your hips. Start by inserting the near-side elbow inside the hip line, turn to face, get on your side, and shrimp to replace guard or half guard. If the crossface is strong, block the biceps, bridge to disrupt pressure, then pummel your near elbow inside. Late-stage survival often means building to turtle with strong neck and elbow protection, then re-guarding from front headlock scrambles.
Side Control Transitions (12 Videos, 2 Courses)
The Complete Bundle by Marcelo Garcia
$747.00 • BJJ Fanatics
Marcelo Garcia's masterclass video covers in-depth techniques on passing the no-gi guard, navigating to dominant positions, and specifically applying the North-South choke. Lessons also include strategies to dominate from the side control, even against larger opponents, using attacking techniques for better positioning and submissions. Marcelo further explains how to completely control the mount and break down the opponent for a submission.
The Flow Chart System: Attacking From Top Part 1 by Eric Laporte
$79.00 • BJJ Fanatics
This video by Eric Laporte explores the flow chart system - attacking from top series, focused on dominating from side control. He discusses transitioning between different kinds of chokes and arm attacks, with a particular emphasis on using lapel chokes with baseball bat variations and x chokes. Laporte provides strategies for reacting to your opponent's response to lapel chokes. He also shares methods for attacking from top half guard, including guard passes and finishes. The tutorial also delves into the technical aspects of attacking the turtle position.
What to Study First
Start with the fundamentals that make side control reliable under pressure:
- Pins and base: learn crossface-underhook mechanics, head position, and hip-knee placement. Drill transitions between standard side control, modified kesa, switch base, and north-south to stay a step ahead of frames.
- Frame-killing: practice prying the near elbow away from the ribs, stapling the arm with your knee, and windshield-wipering your legs to clear knee-shields. This prevents easy guard recovery.
- One submission family: pick one chain to specialize in early—kimura or arm triangle. Build the whole sequence: entry, grip maintenance, finishing mechanics, and counters you expect from your partner. Add americana or paper-cutter later for variety.
- Primary escapes: from bottom, master inside elbow recovery, hip escape timing, and the underhook-to-knee slide insert to half guard. Have a go-to late escape: elbow-knee reconnect to half or a safe turtle build with immediate re-guard plan.
As you progress, integrate decision rules: if their near elbow opens, mount; if their far arm posts, kimura; if their chin turns away, north-south; if they bridge hard, switch base or knee-on-belly to reset pressure.
Side Control Escapes (12 Videos, 4 Courses)
Gracie Fundamentals: Side Control Escapes by Rayron Gracie
$197.00 • BJJ Fanatics
In this instructional video, Rayron Gracie teaches viewers the fundamentals of escaping from side control, a common position in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Gracie breaks down several methods for escaping this position when facing a larger or stronger opponent. He also shows how to defend against common submissions like the arm bar, paper cutter choke, and Kimura, while demonstrating how to regain guard. The instructor emphasizes the importance of timing and the ability to create space, offering a comprehensive and strategic approach to Jiu-Jitsu escapes.
Fundamentals of Side Control Escapes by Pedro Sauer
$149.00 • BJJ Fanatics
In this instructional video, Professor Pedro Sauer provides a comprehensive guide on the fundamentals of side control escapes. The techniques focus on using proper framing and body mechanics to create space for efficient escapes, even against opponents who have you in a scarf hold or reverse scarf hold. Sauer also teaches how to use counters and submissions from the bottom of side control to keep an opponent off balance. The viewer is encouraged to use their legs and body movement to improve their escape technique and become more difficult to submit.
Connected Reaction Second Guard (Defense and Escape from Side control) by Paul Schreiner
$149.00 • BJJ Fanatics
In this video, instructor Paul Schreiner demonstrates a series of techniques on how to escape from a side control position to re-establish a good position. He refers to these techniques as "Connected Reaction Second Guard" that can be used to frustrate and shut down the opponent's attacks. He provides insights on using lower body dominant strategies and shows how to transform the bottom side control into a secondary system of defense. The viewers will also learn to recognize windows of escape and effectively execute them using Schreiner's personal techniques.
Never Get Smashed: Side Control and Mount Escapes by Gregor Gracie
$149.00 • BJJ Fanatics
This video features Gregor Gracie teaching ways to escape from challenging positions like bottom side control and mount, even when up against heavy opponents. Gregor emphasizes the importance of creating space and using an active underhook as a 'get out of jail free card'. He provides tools to strengthen defenses and enhance offenses. Gregor's techniques aim to reduce time spent in unfavorable positions, increasing the time to dominate opponents and perfect submissions.
Using BJJ University to Learn Side Control Faster
BJJ University is a free, curated learning hub. Use the navigation menu to browse categorized videos, short clips, match breakdowns, and instructional resources by instructor, technique, position, category, and training topic. You can jump straight to Side Control, or explore related pins like mount, knee-on-belly, north-south, and back control to understand how everything connects.
Inside each position page you’ll find a mix of foundational lessons and modern systems—think classic pressure passing into jiu jitsu side control, plus conceptual material influenced by instructors known for systems thinking. Compare approaches, troubleshoot sticking points, and build a study playlist you can drill this week. Bookmark BJJ University and share it with teammates or friends who want more high-quality, free BJJ learning resources.
Side Control Positional 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.
FAQs
Is side control better in gi or no-gi?
Both. The principles of head control, hip blocking, and shoulder pressure are universal. In the gi you gain extra lapel grips and paper-cutter options; in no-gi you’ll rely more on head position, wedges, and kimura or head-arm systems.
What is the biggest mistake from bottom side control?
Trying to bench-press the top player. Instead, win inside position with your near elbow, turn to your side, and use hip escapes to recover guard or half guard.
How do I keep people from recovering guard?
Kill the near elbow, manage the far hip, and move first. Cycle between crossface-underhook, switch base, and knee-on-belly to stay ahead of frames. Transition rather than squeezing in one spot.
Which submissions should I learn first from side control?
Start with kimura or arm triangle as your primary chain. Add americana and paper-cutter (gi) once your control and entries are consistent.
What if my partner bridges me off?
Lower your base, widen your knees, and switch angles—go to modified kesa or knee-on-belly. Re-attach the crossface and underhook, then resume your attack or advance to mount.