In BJJ, there are a lot of dominant control positions, and side control is one of the most important. In this article, we'll be diving into everything you need to know about side control, from how to assume it to how to escape it. We will be covering it all.

Definition

What is side control in BJJ? Side control is a dominant ground position where you lie chest-to-chest with your opponent, legs out to the side, forming a T-shape on the ground.

How Side Control Works

Side control works by using your body weight to pin your opponent flat to the ground. Depending on where you establish it, whether on the upper or lower body, you can lock down a significant portion of their movement and leave them with almost nowhere to go.

Why Side Control Is Important

Side control is one of the most important positions in BJJ because it completely shifts the balance of power. Passing the guard, the ultimate defensive tool in BJJ, leaves your opponent fully exposed and without their primary means of protection. Unlike mount, where an opponent can buck and throw you off, side control is far more stable. You are pressing them into the ground with your full body weight, with very little they can do about it.

Side Control Variations

Here are some common variations you'll most likely see on the mats:

1. Kesa-Gatame (Scarf Hold): Instead of lying chest-to-chest, you lie on your side against their chest, wrapping your arm around their neck and trapping both their head and one arm.
2. Twister Side Control (Reverse Side Control): Similar to the scarf hold, but your body faces their legs rather than their head and arms, allowing you to isolate the legs and heavily restrict movement.
3. North-South Position: Chest-to-chest, but your body extends past their head in the opposite direction, pinning the entire upper body and leaving them with very little room to work.

Submissions from Side Control

From side control, you can execute many submissions; we will only list the 2 common shoulder lock ones, as they are the easiest to execute in a standard side control. We have a more in-depth article on side control submissions located here.

1. Americana Lock: From side control, pin their wrist flat next to their ear. Slide your other arm under their bicep and grab your own wrist to lock the arm in place. Drag their elbow down to their ribs to take away any straightening room. Keeping their hand pinned to the mat, rotate their elbow like a paint roller until they tap.
2. Kimura: The kimura works the same way as the americana, except the shoulder rotates in the opposite direction. Grip their wrist and drive it into the mat near their hip, then thread your other arm around their bicep to create the lock. To finish, pull their elbow off the mat and into your chest while maintaining the lock.

How to Escape Side Control

The moment you get pinned, position your arms to protect yourself. Do not let them flatten your head or crush your chest. Keep your forearm across their throat when they close the distance, cutting off their ability to settle. You cannot escape until you get the pressure off your chest, so drive your feet flat into the ground and thrust your hips upward. Once you create space, push your hips back to widen the gap. Fill it immediately with your knee and work your way out of side control.

Tips For Holding Side Control

The key to maintaining strong side control is hip control. The most reliable escape for anyone trapped underneath is lifting their hips to create a gap, so your priority is shutting that down. Stay active, constantly adjusting your pressure and weight distribution. Sink your weight into them, fluid and heavy, not stiff and static.

Conclusion

Side control is a staple of Jiu-Jitsu and works in both Gi and No-Gi. Everyone should learn the mechanics of side control just in case they find themselves trapped in one. Make sure to stay consistent and keep learning. See you on the mats!