Top Game Control
Establishing & holding dominant top positions. Transitional pathways btwn major control positions w/ submissions built in.
Flow outline
Top Game
- The foundational concept encompassing all dominant positions where the practitioner maintains superior control over the opponent. represents the strategic starting point for implementing systematic pressure, transitional advancement, and submission opportunities throughout the grappling exchange
Mount
- From here, a dominant position characterized by the practitioner sitting astride the opponent's torso with knees pinning the hips or upper body. position offers superior weight distribution for control and multiple avenues for submission attacks, particularly against the neck and upper extremities
Technical Mount
- A variation of the mount position where the practitioner's weight is shifted to one side, typically with one knee positioned near the opponent's head and the other near the hips. configuration creates enhanced control over the upper body while maintaining the threat of back exposure and submission transitions. Timing beats strength
Side Control
- A fundamental pinning position where the practitioner applies chest pressure perpendicular to the opponent's torso, typically with arms free to set control grips. position serves as a primary hub for transitioning to other dominant positions and initiating submission sequences through shoulder pressure and upper body manipulation. Angle matters
Side Control Underclasp
- Once set, a specialized side control variation where the practitioner clasps their own hands underneath the opponent's body, typically around the far shoulder or upper back. configuration creates exceptional upper body control and limits the opponent's ability to create frames or initiate escapes. switch if it stalls
Side Control Wiltse
- A side control variation developed by John Wiltse, characterized by specific arm positioning and weight distribution that maximizes pressure while maintaining mobility for transitions. technical approach focuses on shoulder pressure and hip control to neutralize common defensive frames
Kesa Gatame
- Key detail: usually a traditional judo pinning position where the practitioner wraps one arm around the opponent's head while maintaining control of the far arm, creating a scarf-hold configuration. position offers exceptional chest compression and unique submission opportunities through arm and shoulder manipulation
Turtle
- A defensive position where the opponent assumes a quadrupedal stance, presenting specific challenges and opportunities for the top practitioner. position requires specialized techniques to keep control and transition to more dominant positions or submissions
Back Mount
- The most dominant position in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, characterized by the practitioner establishing control from behind the opponent with hooks established around the hips. position offers maximum control over the opponent's defensive options and the highest percentage submission opportunities, particularly chokes. Angle matters
Crucifix
- A specialized control position where the practitioner traps both of the opponent's arms while maintaining upper body control, typically from the turtle or side control. configuration creates exceptional control over the upper extremities and unique submission opportunities through arm manipulation and compression
Peruvian Necktie
- From here, usually a submission technique that combines elements of a choke and neck crank, typically executed from front headlock or turtle positions. technique uses the practitioner's own lapel or standard grips to create compression around the opponent's neck and shoulder complex
Collar Choke With Mount Finish
- Quick note: A submission sequence where the practitioner initiates a collar choke from side control and completes the technique by transitioning to mount position. approach combines positional advancement with submission pressure, creating a high-percentage finishing sequence
Spinning Armbar
- Most of the time A dynamic armbar variation executed when the opponent reaches for an underhook from side control. The practitioner spins their body around the opponent's arm while maintaining control, creating a rapid transition from positional control to joint submission
Half Guard
- Key detail: most of the time a transitional position where the opponent controls one of the practitioner's legs between their own, creating a specific set of control challenges and opportunities. position requires specialized techniques to either pass to more dominant positions or initiate submissions from the top
Flavio Canto Choke
- A specialized choke technique developed by Olympic judoka Flavio Canto, typically executed from half guard or similar positions. technique uses specific grip configurations and body positioning to apply choking pressure while maintaining control
Tarikoplata
- A shoulder lock submission that combines elements of an omoplata and armbar, typically executed from failed choke attempts or specific transitional positions. technique uses leg positioning to create leverage against the opponent's shoulder joint. Timing beats strength
Ninja Roll To Back
- If they frame, from here, a transitional technique from half guard where the practitioner executes a rolling motion to secure back control. dynamic movement capitalizes on the opponent's defensive reactions to create an opportunity for back exposure and control establishment
Telephone Armbar
- If they frame, quick note: an armbar variation from kesa gatame where the practitioner uses their legs in a specific configuration resembling telephone receivers to isolate and hyperextend the opponent's elbow joint. technique focuses on precise leg positioning and hip control
Scissor Choke
- From here, a choke technique from kesa gatame where the practitioner steps over the opponent's arm with their leg, creating a scissoring action that applies pressure to the carotid arteries. technique combines leg positioning with upper body control for effective choking pressure
Leg Americana
- a shoulder lock variation from kesa gatame where the practitioner uses their legs to apply pressure to the opponent's shoulder joint in a manner similar to the standard americana technique. approach uses lower body leverage to create joint manipulation
Bow And Arrow Choke
- From here, usually a highly effective choke from back mount or technical mount where the practitioner uses the opponent's lapel and their own body positioning to create a bow-like tension across the neck. technique represents one of the highest percentage submissions from back control
Armbar
- A fundamental joint lock targeting the elbow joint, typically executed by hyperextending the arm between the practitioner's thighs. technique can be applied from numerous positions and represents a cornerstone of submission grappling
Wing Choke
- If they frame, often a choke variation from technical mount that uses specific arm positioning resembling wings to apply pressure to the carotid arteries. technique focuses on shoulder positioning and grip configuration for effective choking mechanics. switch if it stalls
High Mount Arm Crush
- Once set, a submission technique from mount where the practitioner uses their body weight and positioning to apply compressive force to the opponent's arm, typically targeting the biceps or forearm. technique combines positional pressure with joint manipulation
Helio Choke
- A choke technique attributed to Helio Gracie, typically executed from mount using specific lapel configurations and body positioning. technique represents a fundamental approach to choking from the mount position
Rolling Omoplata
- A dynamic shoulder lock executed through a rolling motion, typically initiated when the opponent reaches for the practitioner's legs. technique combines transitional movement with joint manipulation to create submission opportunities from defensive reactions
Branch conditions
- Opponent Reaches For Legs
- if they Stays Tight
- opponent defends choke with two hands
- if they Defends Choke By Pulling With One Hand And Escaping Head
- Able To Hook Arm With Foot And Trap
- opponent reaches for underhook
- Unable To Finish Choke
- Step Over Arm
- Opponent Jumps Over Before Torso Leg Comes Over
- Opponent Clasps Hands