Back to MMA Fundamentals
Ground
Side Control
A dominant pinning position perpendicular to the opponent, controlling their torso from the side.
Key Points
- •Chest pressure is more effective than trying to hold with arms alone
- •Control the far-side hip to stop them from recovering guard
- •Stay heavy and mobile to counter their escape attempts
Instructions
- 1Position your chest across the opponent's chest, perpendicular to their body.
- 2Drive your weight down through your chest and hips to flatten them.
- 3Control their far arm and near hip to prevent them from turning into you.
- 4Keep your legs wide and low for a stable base.
- 5Look to advance to mount or transition to submissions as they react.
More Ground Techniques
Closed Guard
A fundamental bottom position where your legs are wrapped and locked around the opponent's waist.
Mount
A dominant top position sitting on an opponent's torso with both knees on the mat.
Back Control
The most dominant position in grappling, controlling an opponent from behind with hooks in.
Armbar
A joint-lock submission hyperextending the elbow, applicable from guard, mount, or side control.
Rear-Naked Choke
A blood choke applied from back control, one of the most reliable submissions in grappling and MMA.
Triangle Choke
A leg-based choke from guard using your legs to trap the opponent's neck and one arm.