Side control is a pinning position in Brazilian jiu-jitsu when you’re perpendicular to your opponent and are not entangled in their legs.  Typically but not always you’re chest to chest with your opponent.  It is one of the 6 main positions in BJJ and it’s where you end up most often after passing the guard.

But there isn’t just one perfect version of side control. Depending on what you’re trying to set up and depending on how your opponent is trying to escape you can have your arms, legs, hips and body in a number of different positions, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

Side Control, the Video

Here’s a video I shot showing you the super basic form of side control, along with 17 more advanced variations…

For now, lets focus on how to make  the basic form of side control work for you…

Super Basic Side Control

In the basic side control you’re kneeling at 90 degrees to your opponent and chest to chest with him.

Your arm that’s closest to his legs comes underneath his far arm (known as an ‘underhook’) and your arm that’s closest to his head comes under his neck … Continue reading What is Side Control in BJJ and Submission Grappling?