How to Build a Strong Side Control in BJJ

Side control is one of the most dominant positions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), offering a wealth of control, submission opportunities, and transitions. At RollBliss, we understand that mastering side control is essential for any practitioner looking to dominate their opponents and control the flow of the match. Whether you're new to BJJ or have years of experience, refining your side control technique can elevate your overall game and make you a more formidable competitor on the mats.

This blog will explore the key concepts and techniques needed to build strong side control in BJJ. We’ll cover everything from proper positioning and pressure to submissions and transitions that will make your side control a powerful weapon on the mats.

Key Takeaways:

• Control your opponent’s head and hip to establish a dominant side control position.
• Keep your opponent flat on their back and prevent them from escaping by applying constant pressure.
• Use submissions like the Americana, Kimura, or arm-triangle choke from side control.
• Be prepared to transition to more dominant positions, such as mount or back control.

What Is Side Control in BJJ?

Side control is where you are on top of your opponent, lying perpendicular to them, with your body controlling their torso, head, and arms. You have your chest on your torso, one of your knees on the mat, and your opponent’s upper body trapped under you. You can apply pressure, control their movement, and set up various submissions, sweeps, or transitions from this position.

While side control might seem simple at first glance, it’s essential to understand the finer details and key principles that make it effective. A strong side control involves keeping your opponent flat, preventing them from escaping and staying active in your movements.

Establishing the Proper Side Control Position

Establishing a solid, dominant position is the first step to building strong side control. Controlling your opponent or setting up submissions will be much harder without proper positioning.

• Control the Head: One of the most important aspects of side control is controlling your opponent’s head. A common mistake is to leave your opponent’s head unprotected. Controlling their head prevents them from turning into you, framing, or escaping. Placing your near-side arm under their head or your forearm across their neck can help maintain control.

• Control the Hips: Your other arm should control your opponent’s far-side hip, typically by gripping their belt or hip bone. This prevents them from bridging, escaping, or creating space to recover guard. Always keep this connection tight and secure.

• Position Your Legs Properly: Your near-side knee should be placed on the mat close to your torso, while your far-side leg should be sprawled out and keep your body flat. Avoid being too high or too low on their body; staying close to their torso will make it difficult for them to create space or recover guard.

• Stay Active and Heavy: The key to strong side control is applying consistent pressure and staying active. Please don’t lie on your opponent; use your body weight to flatten them out. Pressure their chest with your chest, and use your hips and legs to apply force while maintaining good posture.

Tip: Stay aware of your opponent’s breathing. If they can breathe comfortably, you might not have enough pressure on them. Adjust your positioning to restrict their breathing and make them feel uncomfortable.

Keeping Your Opponent Flat

The goal of side control is not just to be on top but to keep your opponent flat on their back, preventing them from turning into you or escaping. Keeping them flat minimizes their ability to move and sets you up for submissions or transitions.

• Use Your Chest for Pressure: Keeping constant pressure on their chest with your chest helps flatten them out and prevents them from bridging or turning toward you. This pressure also makes it difficult for them to recover guard or initiate sweeps.

• Control Their Near-Side Arm: The near-side arm is critical to maintaining control. You should look to pin this arm or trap it under your body to prevent your opponent from framing against your neck or face. Keeping this arm trapped makes it much harder for them to recover guard or push you off.

• Watch Their Hips: If your opponent’s hips are free, they can easily escape or recover guard. To prevent this, use your far-side knee to apply pressure to the hip or thigh, and stay active with your hips to maintain the dominant position.

Tip: Use your far leg to block the hips from moving while evenly distributing your body weight. This will prevent them from creating space to recover guard.

Maintaining Constant Pressure

A strong side control involves not just holding a position but constantly applying pressure to limit your opponent’s movement and wear them down. In BJJ, pressure is vital for keeping your opponent from escaping and tiring them out.

• Use Your Upper Body: Your upper body, including your chest, shoulders, and arms, should apply pressure to your opponent’s chest and neck. This limits their ability to move and forces them to react to your movements.

• Keep Your Hips Heavy: Your hips play a big role in controlling your opponent. Maintaining a heavy, low base with your hips can prevent your opponent from bridging or creating space. You should also avoid giving up your weight by leaning too much forward or backward.

• Prevent Escape Routes: Always be aware of potential escape routes. If your opponent attempts to escape by bridging or shrimping, adjust your position to block their attempts. Be prepared to move with them to maintain control, rather than staying static.

Tip: As you apply pressure, ensure your positioning doesn’t compromise your ability to transition to submissions. The goal is to stay heavy but still mobile.

Submitting from Side Control

Once you have established strong side control, you have various submission opportunities. The key to submitting from side control is maintaining your position while controlling your opponent’s movement, allowing you to set up the submission.

• Americana or Keylock: One of the most common submissions from side control is the Americana. By isolating your opponent’s arm and applying pressure to the shoulder joint, you can submit them without moving too much from side control.

• Kimura: The Kimura lock is another excellent submission from side control. You can set up this powerful joint lock by isolating the opponent’s far arm and using your body position to control them. The key to a successful kimura from side control is to keep your opponent’s arm close to their body to prevent escape.

• Arm Triangle Choke: You can set up an arm triangle choke if your opponent leaves space around their neck. By moving your body and trapping one of your arms, you can apply the choke effectively, cutting off your air and blood flow.

Tip: Always control the far arm and head while setting up submissions. This prevents your opponent from escaping or defending effectively.

Transitional Movements from Side Control

A strong side control doesn’t just focus on submissions; it also sets you up for other transitions, including taking the back or moving into mount. Transitioning from side control lets you stay one step ahead of your opponent.

• Transition to Mount: If your opponent is defending side control, you can often transition to the mount by using your knee to slide over their body. This gives you a more dominant position and opens up more submission opportunities.
• Taking the Back: If your opponent attempts to escape by turning onto their side, you can capitalize on this by moving into back control. This transition requires you to quickly move your hooks in and secure control of their upper body.

Tip: Always be aware of your opponent’s reactions. If they try to create space, capitalize on their movements by transitioning to a more dominant position.

Drilling and Training Consistently

Like any position in BJJ, mastering side control takes consistent practice. Drilling side control escapes, transitions, and submissions will help you become more fluid and efficient in maintaining this dominant position.

To practice, ensure you have a reliable training partner and dedicate time to working on your side control game during sparring. Focusing on building a strong, tight side control will make it easier for you to transition to other positions or submissions during live rolls.

Additionally, wearing a high-quality gi like the ones RollBliss offers will allow you to focus on your technique without worrying about discomfort. With the right gear, you can train confidently and effectively refine your side control techniques.

Conclusion

Building a strong side control is a critical aspect of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. It requires understanding proper positioning, applying consistent pressure, and staying active while limiting your opponent's movement. By mastering the principles of side control and focusing on maintaining control, using submissions, and transitioning between positions, you can turn this powerful position into one of your most effective tools on the mats.

At RollBliss, we understand that having the right gear is essential to performing at your best. Our durable and comfortable gis are designed to give you the freedom and confidence to train effectively, whether focusing on side control or any other aspect of your BJJ game.

FAQs

1. What is the key to maintaining strong side control in BJJ?

The key to maintaining strong side control is controlling your opponent’s head and hips while applying consistent pressure. Keep your chest heavy on their torso, stay active with your movements, and ensure their hips are immobilized to prevent escapes.

2. What are some common submissions from side control?

Common submissions from side control include the Americana, Kimura, and arm triangle choke. Each of these submissions relies on isolating your opponent’s arms or neck and using your body positioning to apply pressure effectively.

3. How can I prevent my opponent from escaping side control?

To prevent your opponent from escaping, keep constant pressure on their chest, control their head and far-side hip, and use your legs to block their movement. Staying active and adjusting your position as they attempt to escape will help you maintain control.