Cage Control: Top Position

Top position pressure against the cage. Breaking grips, passing guard, and staying heavy while keeping strikes in mind.

Flow outline

  1. Closed Guard Top

    • If it shows up, You're in the top closed guard. Stay heavy on his hips, control posture, and watch for his grips. Don't let him break you down or set up submissions. Keep your base wide and be ready to stand or pass

  2. Side Control Top Attacks

    • If they frame, quick note: you've passed to side control. now it's time to grind. drop your weight through his chest, control the far side, and look for strikes or submissions. don't let him recover guard—keep pressure and work from here

  3. Triangle Defense

    • Usually He's locked up a triangle. Posture up immediately, stack him into the cage, and defend your neck. Control his hips and work to pass the leg. Don't panic—stay heavy and work your way out. Timing beats strength

  4. Armbar Defense

    • He's attacking an armbar. Post your hand on the mat, stack him, and create space to slip your arm out. Use the cage for leverage if you're against it. Stay heavy and don't let him extend

  5. Kimura Defense

    • He's locking up a Kimura. Grab his thigh or gi, create angles, and defend the grip. Use your weight to pressure his shoulder and work to pass. Don't let him isolate the arm

  6. Omoplata Defense

    • He's setting up an Omoplata. Post your hand, create space, and jump over him to pass. Use the cage to control distance and avoid the submission. Stay heavy and keep moving

Branch conditions