What is Side Control in BJJ?
Also known as: Side mount, Cross-side, 100 kilos
Quick Definition
A dominant top position perpendicular to your opponent, controlling their upper body.
Full Explanation
Side control (also called side mount or cross-side) is a dominant top position where you lie perpendicular to your opponent, chest-to-chest, controlling their upper body. Unlike mount where your hips are directly on them, in side control you're beside them. It's worth 3 points (for the guard pass to get there) and offers many submission and transition options. Good side control is heavy and suffocating.
Examples in Context
"Once I passed his guard, I settled into side control"
"His side control pressure was crushing"
Related Terms
Mount
A dominant top position sitting on your opponent's torso, worth 4 points in competition.
Knee on Belly
A dominant top position with one knee on your opponent's stomach.
Guard Pass
A technique to get past your opponent's legs and establish a dominant top position.
Kimura
A shoulder lock using a figure-four grip on the opponent's arm.
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