BJJ Graph

100 Kilos

Dec 09, 20256 min read

100 Kilos (Cem Quilos in Portuguese) represents one of the most psychologically and physically devastating pressure positions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, named for the sensation of bearing the crushing weight of 100 kilograms concentrated on the chest. This specialized side control variation sacrifices some mobility and sustainability in exchange for overwhelming pressure that breaks both body and will. Unlike standard side control which emphasizes control retention and transition options, 100 Kilos is designed specifically to create rapid fatigue, restrict breathing, and force panic responses that expose submission opportunities. The position excels as a finishing tool in competition contexts where breaking an opponent’s defensive structure quickly is paramount, particularly effective against already-tired opponents or when time constraints demand aggressive tactics. Understanding both perspectives - defensive survival from bottom and pressure maximization from top - reveals the position’s role as a strategic weapon with defined operational parameters rather than a sustainable control position.

Key Principles

  • Concentrated pressure through skeletal structure creates maximum psychological and physical impact

  • Position sustainability is inversely proportional to pressure intensity - use strategically

  • Bottom survival requires systematic breathing management and mental composure under extreme discomfort

  • Top player must recognize 30-60 second effectiveness window before mutual fatigue compromises position

  • Defensive frames must be structural rather than muscular to preserve energy under crushing weight

  • Offensive transitions should be predetermined before entering position to capitalize on created fatigue

  • Both players face significant energy demands - position rewards superior conditioning and mental fortitude

Top vs Bottom

 BottomTop
Position TypeDefensiveOffensive
Risk LevelHighLow to Medium
Energy CostHighHigh
TimeShortShort to Medium

Key Difference: Shoulder pressure trades control for submission

Playing as Bottom

→ Full Bottom Guide

Key Principles

  • Maintain defensive chin position tucked to chest to protect airway and prevent chokes from developing

  • Create and maintain micro-frames with forearms and elbows even when full extension is impossible

  • Focus on controlled breathing despite pressure - short, efficient breaths through the nose when possible

  • Keep hips mobile and ready to shrimp even under pressure, never allowing them to become completely flat

  • Protect neck and prevent head from being isolated or controlled, as this leads to deeper attacks

  • Remain mentally calm and systematic in escape attempts rather than explosive or panicked movements

  • Conserve energy by choosing strategic moments to push and create space rather than constant struggling

Primary Techniques

Common Mistakes

  • ❌ Pushing directly into opponent’s shoulder pressure with arms fully extended

    • Consequence: Rapid arm fatigue, loss of framing ability, and increased vulnerability to arm attacks
    • ✅ Correction: Maintain bent-arm frames with elbows close to body, creating structural frames rather than muscle-based resistance

  • ❌ Holding breath or breathing in shallow panic breaths

    • Consequence: Rapid oxygen depletion, increased panic, and accelerated exhaustion leading to mental defeat
    • ✅ Correction: Focus on controlled nasal breathing with short efficient breaths, accepting discomfort while maintaining oxygen flow

  • ❌ Allowing hips to flatten completely against the mat

    • Consequence: Loss of mobility and escape options, making re-guarding nearly impossible
    • ✅ Correction: Keep hips slightly turned and mobile at all times, maintaining ability to shrimp even under heavy pressure

  • ❌ Explosive random escape attempts without systematic approach

    • Consequence: Energy waste, position worsening, and giving opponent opportunities to advance or submit
    • ✅ Correction: Use systematic escape sequences with proper timing, waiting for opponent’s weight shifts before committing energy

  • ❌ Turning face directly into opponent’s shoulder pressure

    • Consequence: Increased facial and airway pressure, potential for ezekiel or other chokes, vision obstruction
    • ✅ Correction: Keep chin tucked and head turned slightly away from pressure while maintaining peripheral awareness

Playing as Top

→ Full Top Guide

Key Principles

  • Use skeletal alignment and body weight rather than muscle tension to apply crushing pressure

  • Understand position’s 30-60 second sustainability window and plan transitions before fatigue compromises position

  • Position weight to make opponent’s breathing as difficult as possible, forcing them to work for each breath

  • Read opponent’s breaking point when crushing pressure creates panic escape attempts

  • Spread legs wide and relax muscles to maximize downward pressure application through chest

  • Always have clear transition plans to capitalize on created fatigue or move to sustainable positions

  • Recognize when opponent is pressure-resistant and transition to different strategy rather than wasting energy

Primary Techniques

Common Mistakes

  • ❌ Using muscular tension to apply pressure rather than relaxing and using body weight

    • Consequence: Rapidly exhausts you while providing less effective pressure on opponent
    • ✅ Correction: Relax your muscles and let your skeleton do the work - drop dead weight onto their chest rather than actively pushing

  • ❌ Staying in position too long without recognizing your own fatigue accumulation

    • Consequence: Your fatigue accumulates to point where subsequent positions and submissions are compromised
    • ✅ Correction: Set mental timer for 30-60 seconds maximum - transition to sustainable position before energy is depleted

  • ❌ Failing to spread legs wide enough for stable base

    • Consequence: Creates unstable platform requiring muscular effort to maintain balance, increasing energy expenditure
    • ✅ Correction: Extend legs as wide as comfortable with knees on mat, creating tripod structure for complete relaxation

  • ❌ Positioning chest too high on opponent’s body (shoulders/neck) or too low (abdomen)

    • Consequence: Reduces breathing restriction effectiveness and allows opponent to create frames or turn away
    • ✅ Correction: Target your chest directly on opponent’s sternum and upper rib cage where respiratory expansion is most restricted

  • ❌ Not having clear transition plan before entering position

    • Consequence: Wastes the fatigue you create because you don’t capitalize on their weakened state
    • ✅ Correction: Before establishing 100 kilos, identify your primary transition targets based on opponent’s typical responses

  • Side Control - Parent position - 100 Kilos is extreme pressure variant

  • Kesa Gatame - Similar crushing pressure mechanics and chest compression

  • Knee on Belly - Alternative high-pressure control with different biomechanics

  • Mount - Common advancement target from top perspective

  • North-South - Transition option when opponent attempts to turn

  • Half Guard - Realistic defensive escape target from bottom