Whenever you perform most sweeps from the closed, rubber, open, or butterfly guard, you will typically land in one of two dominant positions: the mount or side control. Understanding good Jiu-Jitsu self-defense is being able to submit your opponent from either position, as well as recognizing the transitions to and from there.
Whoa! that dude is getting chokeed out!!!
Which One Should You Try to Transition To?
Most grapplers would automatically answer “Mount” when asked which position they would prefer to transition to. However, the truth is that some grapplers would rather work from side control, which tends to offer a little more flexibility in regards to submissions. Although everyone has their own preferences, it would probably be wise to transition to side control after a sweep, and in the following sections, we’ll explain why.
Transitioning to the Mount Position
In regards to Jiu-Jitsu self-defense, mount position is one of the more dominant positions that you can be in. But in a lot of cases, you may find it extremely difficult to submit and opponent from this position. Another reason why it may not be a good idea to attempt to mount right after a sweep is because your opponent is likely going to defend this first, probably putting you back in his or her guard.
Transitioning to Side Control
In most cases, side control is where you are going to end up anyway after a scramble, which is why you shouldn’t feel reluctant to go here. In fact, the good news about this is that there are dozens and dozens of submission combinations that you can go for here.
What’s the “Invisible Sleeve”?
The invisible sleeve is a technique made famous by Eddie Bravo of 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu. It’s a super-dominant Jiu-Jitsu self-defense technique that you can use to secure mount on your opponent. To perform this technique, you should be starting in the butterfly guard with your hips scooted out and an over-hook on your opponent’s arm. From here, bring your leg to the inside of your opponents’ lower body and hook the inside of their leg. Now all that you have to do is force your hip through while maintaining control of your opponent’s arm. This is a technique that should be applied quickly in order for it to work. As your opponent lands on their back, be sure to let go of the grip and secure mount position.
Portland Jiu Jitsu Self-Defense Technique: Sweep to Side Control
Parting Thoughts
Overall, there is no definite answer regarding whether or not you should secure mount position or side control after a successful sweep. Above anything, Jiu-Jitsu self-defense is all about improvising and working with what you have, which in certain cases, may be nothing more than a scramble followed by both you and your opponent standing up.