The Mount

The mount is a dominant position in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) where you sit on top of your opponent, straddling them with your legs. From here, you have a range of attacks available, such as armlocks, chokes, and strikes. The mount is one of the most advantageous positions in BJJ, and being able to maintain it is essential for any practitioner.

 

To get into the mount position, you can either transition from another position, such as side control or the knee on belly, or you can initiate a sweep or reversal from the bottom. Once you are in the mount, you want to distribute your weight evenly and control your opponent’s movements.

 

One of the keys to maintaining the mount is to keep your hips low and your weight centered over your opponent. This will make it difficult for your opponent to bridge and roll you off of them. You also want to control your opponent’s arms and posture, so that they cannot defend against your attacks.

 

From the mount position, you have a range of attacks available. One of the most common attacks is the armlock, where you isolate one of your opponent’s arms and apply pressure to their elbow joint. Another effective attack from the mount is the choke, where you use your arms or collar to cut off your opponent’s blood flow and oxygen supply.

 

In addition to attacks, you can also use the mount to transition to other positions, such as the back mount or the knee on belly. The key to effective transitions is to maintain control of your opponent and anticipate their movements.

 

While the mount is a dominant position, it is not without its risks. If you are not careful, your opponent can bridge and roll you off of them, putting you in a vulnerable position. To prevent this, you need to stay active and mobile, constantly adjusting your weight and position.

 

Here are some tips to help you maintain the mount position:

 

  • Keep your weight low: By keeping your weight low, you make it more difficult for your opponent to bridge and roll you off of them. You want to distribute your weight evenly and control your opponent’s movements.
  • Control your opponent’s arms: By controlling your opponent’s arms, you limit their ability to defend against your attacks. You can use your arms to pin their arms to the ground, or to isolate one of their arms for an armlock.
  • Stay active and mobile: To maintain the mount position, you need to stay active and mobile. This means constantly adjusting your weight and position, and anticipating your opponent’s movements.
  • Be patient: Maintaining the mount position can be a slow process. It takes time and patience to wear down your opponent and create openings for attacks.

 

In addition to the physical benefits of practicing BJJ, such as improved fitness and self-defense skills, the mount position also offers mental benefits. By learning how to control your opponent and maintain a dominant position, you can develop confidence and discipline.

 

Overall, the mount position is one of the most advantageous positions in BJJ, and being able to maintain it is essential for any practitioner. By understanding the key principles of weight distribution and control, and by developing a range of attacks and transitions, you can become a dominant force from the mount position.