Understanding Position and Control

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a game of position. The most dangerous places are the ones that give you the most control. They offer limited escape routes for your opponent. They also provide direct access to submission holds. Learning these positions is vital for every practitioner. It teaches you how to stay safe in a fight. It shows you how to advance toward a finish. Training in Wylie at VA Academy Jiu-Jitsu means you will learn the purpose of each position. You will also learn to recognize threats. This is a critical part of a complete BJJ education.

Here are some of the most dominant positions in the art. We will explore why they are so effective. We will also discuss how our training makes them safe.

The Mount

The mount is a classic dominant position. It is one of the first you will learn. The person on top sits on their opponent’s chest. They have total control. Their opponent is flat on their back. They find it hard to breathe and even harder to move. From the mount, you can apply pressure. You can also transition to many submissions. In a street fight, this position is extremely dangerous. It allows for strikes. In a BJJ academy, it is a place for controlled technique.

Why is the mount so powerful?

• Total Body Control: Your weight is on your opponent’s torso. Their movements are severely restricted. You can prevent them from sitting up or turning over.

• Access to Submissions: From the mount, you can easily set up submissions. Arm bars and chokes are common finishes from here.

• Strategic Advantage: Having the mount is a sign of dominance. It gives you a clear point advantage in competition. It also drains your opponent’s energy.

At VA Academy Jiu-Jitsu, we teach our students how to use the mount effectively. We also teach them how to escape from it. Learning to escape is just as important as learning to hold the position. It builds confidence and skill. Our structured training in Wylie ensures you are safe while practicing.

The Back Mount

The back mount is often considered the most dominant position. It is even better than the mount. When you have the back mount, you are behind your opponent. You have your hooks in their legs. You have an ideal position to attack. They cannot see you. Their ability to defend is very limited. This position gives you direct access to the neck. It is the perfect setup for rear naked chokes. It is a prized position in both sport BJJ and self-defense.

What makes the back mount so powerful?

• Unseen Attack: Your opponent cannot see what you are doing. You can set up your submission without them knowing. This element of surprise is a huge advantage.

• Choke Access: The back mount provides the best opportunity to finish with a choke. The choke is one of the most effective submissions in BJJ.

• Absolute Control: The hooks prevent your opponent from escaping. You control their body with your legs. This allows you to use your hands for the choke.

• Highest Point Value: In competition, the back mount gives the most points. This reflects its strategic importance.

Training in Wylie with VA Academy Jiu-Jitsu will show you how to find the back mount. It will also teach you how to escape it. You will learn to defend against chokes. These skills are essential for your development.

The Side Control

Side control is a crushing position. When you have side control, you are perpendicular to your opponent. You are pressing them down with your chest and hips. Your opponent is on their back. They feel a great deal of pressure. They find it difficult to breathe and turn. They are exposed to many attacks. Side control is a transitional position. It is used to move to a better position. It is also used to set up submissions.

Why is side control a dominant position?

• Crushing Pressure: You can use your body weight to put pressure on your opponent. This drains their energy. It makes them tired.

• Limited Escape Options: It is very difficult to escape from a good side control. Your opponent’s movements are very restricted.

• Setup for Attacks: From side control, you can easily attack. You can transition to the mount. You can also go for submissions. Arm bars and kimuras are common attacks from here.

• Easy to Learn: Side control is a basic position. It is one of the first that students learn. It is a foundation for more advanced techniques.

At VA Academy Jiu-Jitsu in Wylie, we teach you the proper way to hold side control. We teach you to use your weight, not your strength. This makes it a sustainable position. We also teach you how to escape from it. You will learn to use your frames and bridges.

Advanced and High-Risk Submissions

Some submissions are considered “dangerous” because of the pressure they put on joints. These are typically not taught to beginners. They require a great deal of control and experience. At VA Academy Jiu-Jitsu, we introduce these only to advanced students. Our focus is on proper technique and safety. We ensure every student understands the risks.

Here are a few advanced submissions:

• The Heel Hook: The heel hook attacks the knee joint. It can cause serious injury if applied quickly. It is an extremely effective leg lock. It is often banned in lower-level competitions. This is because of the high risk of injury. Our instructors teach this submission with the utmost care. We emphasize controlled application and immediate tapping.

• The Twister: The twister is a spinal submission. It involves twisting the opponent’s body. It puts pressure on their spine. This is a very advanced and high-risk technique. It requires precise control. It must be learned from an expert.

• Slamming: Slamming is an illegal move in BJJ. It is a dangerous action. It can cause serious injury to your opponent’s head or neck. VA Academy Jiu-Jitsu strictly forbids this. We prioritize safety above all else.

Learning these submissions is part of becoming a complete practitioner. It is about knowing how to apply them with control. It is also about knowing how to defend against them. Our academy in Wylie prepares you for any situation.

The VA Academy Jiu-Jitsu Difference in Wylie

Our commitment to safety sets us apart. We believe that a safe environment is a productive environment. Our instructors in Wylie are experts in their field. They prioritize proper technique over brute force. They know how to teach a skill safely. They help students progress without risk of injury. Our academy is a place where you can learn and grow. You will not have to worry about your safety.

Here is what you can expect from our training:

• Expert Instruction: Our instructors have years of experience. They are highly skilled. They know how to break down complex techniques. They make them easy to understand.

• Structured Curriculum: Our programs are designed for steady progress. We do not rush students. We ensure they master the basics first. This builds a strong foundation.

• Focus on Control: We teach students to use control, not aggression. This minimizes the risk of injury. It also makes for more effective Jiu-Jitsu.

• Respectful Community: We have a culture built on respect. Every student is a training partner. Everyone looks out for each other. This is a family.

These factors make VA Academy Jiu-Jitsu the premier choice in Wylie.