Master BJJ mount control: how to maintain high mount, prevent escapes, and finish with armbar, triangle, and chokes.
Why Mount Is the Most Dominant Top Position
Mount gives you maximum control over your opponent's movement, access to their head for chokes, and both arms for submissions. In competition, mount scores 4 points β the same as back control. In self-defense, mount is the definitive ending position.
Mount Levels
| Level | Position | Submissions Available |
|---|
| Low Mount | Hips at their waist, feet hooked under thighs | Cross choke, arm bar entry |
| High Mount | Knees in their armpits | Armbar, americana, gift wrap, RNC |
| Technical Mount | One knee up, used for back takes | Arm triangle, back take |
Maintaining Mount: The 3 Keys
- Heavy hips: Drive your weight down through your hips. Don't sit back β sit INTO them.
- Posting hands: Keep hands forward and ready to post whenever they bridge.
- Anticipate the upa: The moment you feel them load the bridge (foot comes flat), post your hand on the side they're bridging toward and let them bridge into your post.
π‘ The S-mount upgrade: S-mount (one leg extended, one knee up) isolates one arm and sets up the fastest armbar and arm triangle entries in BJJ.
Submissions from Mount
Armbar from High Mount
- Isolate one arm by posting on their shoulder.
- Bring your knee up into their armpit (S-mount).
- Swing your leg over their head, maintaining wrist control.
- Pinch knees, fall back, extend hips.
Cross Collar Choke (Gi)
- High mount. First hand: deep thumb-in grip on far collar.
- Second hand: second knuckle deep on near collar.
- Elbows drive to floor, head stays up.
Gift Wrap β RNC
- Control one arm behind their head (gift wrap).
- Use this leverage to take technical mount.
- Rotate to back, take RNC.
Transitions from Mount
- Mount β Back (when they turn in): take one hook, reach over for the seat belt
- Mount β Arm triangle (when they frame with both arms): overhook, lock triangle, squeeze
- Mount β S-mount (for armbar): knee slides into armpit
FAQ
How do I stop people from escaping my mount?
The most common mount escape is the upa (bridge). Anticipate it by keeping your weight centered and having a post ready. The second most common is the elbow-knee escape β counter by keeping your knees tight to their torso and not sitting too far back.
What's the difference between mount and technical mount?
Regular mount has both knees on the mat beside their torso. Technical mount has one knee up (forming a triangle shape) β it's used primarily as a transition to the back or to set up arm triangle chokes.
Is high mount better than low mount?
High mount (knees near armpits) gives more submission options, especially the armbar and arm triangle. Low mount is more stable and harder to escape but has fewer direct finishing options. Ideally, work toward high mount when you can do so safely.