BJJ Top Game Fundamentals: Control, Advance and Finish

👑 BJJ Top Game Fundamentals

Master BJJ top game: how to establish heavy side control, advance to mount and back and finish from dominant positions.

A strong top game controls the pace of the match. Learn to establish tight positions, advance through the positional hierarchy and create submission finishes from on top.

Contents

Side Control Fundamentals

Near hip block: Block the near hip with your body weight to prevent hip escape.
Crossface: Drive your shoulder into the face to control the head and shoulders.
North-south transitions: Rotate to north-south to reset and apply pressure.

Advancing to Mount

Knee mount → technical mount → full mount progression.
Move slowly and keep weight — don't jump to mount and get swept.
Trap the arm or head before committing to mount.

Submissions from Top

Position	High-percentage Submission
Side control	Kimura, americana, north-south choke
Mount	Armbar, triangle, RNC transition
Knee-on-belly	Kimura, armbar (rolling)
Back control	RNC, bow-and-arrow choke

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the positional hierarchy in BJJ?

The general hierarchy from most to least dominant: back control → mount → knee-on-belly → side control → half guard top → guard top (opponent's guard). Advancing up the hierarchy scores points.

How do I get heavy on top in BJJ?

Three keys: 1) Keep your weight distributed through your hips and knees, not on your hands. 2) Move with your opponent rather than against. 3) Block the near hip with your body.

What is the best submission from top?

The armbar from mount is the highest-percentage submission from top control, followed by the rear naked choke from back control and the bow and arrow choke with collar.

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Common Mistakes in Top Game Fundamentals

Sitting Too High

Mounting high on the chest gives your partner room to bridge and roll. Sit low — hips near the belt line — and sprawl your weight through your knees.

Reaching Forward Too Early

Leaning forward to grab the collar before establishing hooks invites the upa escape. Secure weight distribution before attacking.

Neglecting Hip Control

Without controlling the hips through knee pressure and foot hooks, escapes become trivially easy. Drive knees inward and maintain active pressure.

Abandoning Base

Losing base while attacking submissions allows reversals. Keep your base wide, weight centered, and never over-commit to a single attack.