Harness Top Position, also known as the seat belt grip from back control, represents one of the most dominant controlling positions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. This position is characterized by the top practitioner having their body positioned behind their opponent with both hooks in (or at least one hook), while maintaining a seat belt grip configuration - one arm over the shoulder and one arm under the opposite armpit, with hands clasped together on the opponent’s chest or sternum. The harness grip is the fundamental control mechanism for maintaining back control and is the foundation from which elite grapplers launch their most devastating submission attacks.
The position derives its name from the seat belt-like configuration of the arms, which creates a powerful connection that is extremely difficult for the bottom player to break. Unlike other forms of back control where the grips might vary, the harness specifically refers to this over-under grip pattern that provides superior control while maintaining offensive options. The top player’s chest is typically pressed against the opponent’s back, with hips positioned close to maintain the hooks and prevent the opponent from turning into guard or escaping to their knees.
Strategically, Harness Top Position is considered a premium scoring position (4 points in IBJJF competition) and offers the highest percentage submissions in BJJ, particularly the rear naked choke. The position allows the top player to control the opponent’s upper body completely while using the hooks to prevent hip escape and control the lower body. Advanced practitioners can maintain this position almost indefinitely against lower-skilled opponents while methodically working toward submissions. The harness grip creates a dilemma for the defender - defending the choke typically opens armbar opportunities, while defending armbars often exposes the neck. This makes Harness Top Position not just a controlling position, but a true submission platform where elite competitors regularly finish matches.
Position Definition
- Top player’s chest is pressed against opponent’s back with body weight distributed through core and hooks, maintaining constant forward pressure that prevents the bottom player from creating separation or turning to face
- Seat belt grip (harness) is established with one arm over the opponent’s shoulder and one arm under the opposite armpit, hands clasped together on the chest or sternum area, creating a locked control mechanism that resists grip breaks
- At least one hook is inserted with the instep of the foot positioned inside the opponent’s thigh, controlling hip movement and preventing the bottom player from turning or bridging effectively
- Top player’s head is positioned to the side (typically opposite the choking arm) or tucked behind the opponent’s head, protecting the face while maintaining structural connection and preventing backward head pressure escapes
- Bottom player’s back is exposed with their spine facing the top player, shoulders relatively square to the mat or angled, with limited ability to turn their upper body due to the harness grip control
Prerequisites
- Successful back take from turtle, failed guard pass defense, or transition from other controlling positions
- Ability to establish at least one hook before opponent completes their escape or guard recovery
- Seat belt grip secured before opponent can effectively defend or create frames
- Opponent’s back is exposed with their defensive posture compromised
- Top player has superior position with opponent unable to face them directly
- Control of opponent’s upper body through grip configuration
Key Offensive Principles
- Maintain constant chest-to-back connection with forward pressure through the core, never allowing space to develop between bodies
- Keep hands clasped together in the seat belt configuration, with proper hand position (palm-to-palm or gable grip) that resists opponent’s grip breaking attempts
- Use hooks actively to control opponent’s hips and prevent turning, with feet positioned inside thighs and heels pulling toward you
- Keep head positioned safely to the side or behind opponent’s head, never allowing it to drift in front where it can be controlled
- Distribute weight through chest and hooks rather than relying solely on arm strength to maintain position
- Adjust grip height and tightness based on opponent’s defensive reactions - higher grip for choke setups, lower for preventing forward rolls
- Maintain hip proximity to opponent’s hips to prevent them from sitting up or creating angles for escape
Available Attacks
Rear Naked Choke → Won by Submission
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 45%
- Intermediate: 65%
- Advanced: 85%
Armbar from Back with Legs → Armbar Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 30%
- Intermediate: 50%
- Advanced: 70%
Back Control to Crucifix → Crucifix
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 25%
- Intermediate: 45%
- Advanced: 65%
Triangle from Back → Rear Triangle
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 20%
- Intermediate: 35%
- Advanced: 55%
Bow and Arrow Choke → Won by Submission
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 35%
- Intermediate: 55%
- Advanced: 75%
Armbar from Back → Armbar Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 25%
- Intermediate: 45%
- Advanced: 65%
Choke from Crucifix → Won by Submission
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 40%
- Intermediate: 60%
- Advanced: 80%
Rolling Back Take → Body Triangle
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 30%
- Intermediate: 50%
- Advanced: 70%
Decision Making from This Position
If opponent is defending choke with both hands high, protecting neck:
- Execute Armbar from Back with Legs → Armbar Control (Probability: 70%)
- Execute Back Control to Crucifix → Crucifix (Probability: 65%)
If opponent is working to remove hooks and turn into you:
- Execute Rolling Back Take → Body Triangle (Probability: 60%)
- Execute Rear Naked Choke → Won by Submission (Probability: 75%)
If opponent strips top arm and begins to turn to guard:
- Execute Back Control to Crucifix → Crucifix (Probability: 65%)
- Execute Triangle from Back → Rear Triangle (Probability: 55%)
If opponent turtles and hides arms defensively:
- Execute Bow and Arrow Choke → Won by Submission (Probability: 70%)
- Execute Rear Naked Choke → Won by Submission (Probability: 80%)
If opponent is flat on stomach trying to prevent hooks:
- Execute Rolling Back Take → Body Triangle (Probability: 65%)
- Execute Choke from Crucifix → Won by Submission (Probability: 60%)
Optimal Submission Paths
Highest Percentage Path
Harness Top → Rear Naked Choke → Won by Submission
Armbar Chain Path
Harness Top → Armbar from Back with Legs → Armbar Control → Straight Armbar → Won by Submission
Crucifix Development Path
Harness Top → Back Control to Crucifix → Crucifix → Choke from Crucifix → Won by Submission
Triangle Alternative Path
Harness Top → Triangle from Back → Rear Triangle → Triangle Choke → Won by Submission
Gi-Specific Path
Harness Top → Bow and Arrow Choke → Won by Submission
Body Triangle Advancement
Harness Top → Rolling Back Take → Body Triangle → Rear Naked Choke → Won by Submission
Success Rates and Statistics
| Skill Level | Retention Rate | Advancement Probability | Submission Probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner | 50% | 40% | 35% |
| Intermediate | 70% | 60% | 55% |
| Advanced | 85% | 80% | 75% |
Average Time in Position: 45-90 seconds before submission or escape attempt
Expert Analysis
John Danaher
The harness position represents the apex of positional control in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu from a biomechanical perspective. The seat belt configuration - one arm over the shoulder, one under the opposite armpit with hands clasped - creates what I call a ‘structural lock’ that is extraordinarily difficult to break through mechanical advantage alone. The key insight is understanding that the harness grip is not primarily about arm strength, but rather about creating a closed system where your body weight, chest connection, and hook control work synergistically to maintain the position. When executed properly, the bottom player faces a mathematical dilemma: their efforts to strip the grip actually tighten your control as they push your arms together. The hands should be clasped high on the sternum, creating maximum leverage for both control and offensive options. The hooks serve as rudders, not anchors - use them to steer the opponent’s movement rather than simply holding them in place. Most importantly, understand the hierarchy of controls: the seat belt grip is more valuable than both hooks combined. If forced to choose, maintain the grip and recover hooks later. This position creates perfect conditions for the highest percentage submission in grappling - the rear naked choke - while simultaneously offering clear paths to armbars and crucifix positions when the opponent defends predictably.
Gordon Ryan
From a competition standpoint, harness control is where I finish most of my matches. The reality in high-level no-gi is that getting to the back clean is actually harder than finishing once you’re there - the position is just that dominant when you know what you’re doing. My approach is aggressive and submission-focused: I’m not here to hold position for points, I’m here to finish. The moment I secure the seat belt, I’m already thinking three steps ahead to the choke finish. What works at the highest levels is constant offensive pressure - I’ll feint the choke to draw the hands up, then immediately attack the arm when they defend. If they defend the armbar, the neck opens back up. This isn’t a position where you should be comfortable playing defensive or reactive - you dictate everything. One critical detail most people miss: stay heavy on one side. I prefer my choking side to be dominant, keeping that shoulder pressure constant while my bottom hook does most of the steering work. When they try to turn into you, that’s when you roll with them and lock the body triangle. The body triangle variation is my preferred finish position because it eliminates 50% of their escape options immediately. In competition, time is a factor - you have limited energy and limited time to work. Don’t waste either by being passive from the back. Attack, create reactions, attack the reaction, finish.
Eddie Bravo
The harness from back control is fundamental, but at 10th Planet we take it to another level with our lockdown and control innovations. Traditional back control is great, but we’re always looking at how to make it better, more submission-oriented, and harder to escape. First thing - that seat belt grip is crucial, but we emphasize active wrist control on the bottom arm. Instead of just clasping hands, we’re fighting to control their wrist with our bottom hand, which sets up the rear naked choke way cleaner and prevents a lot of defensive frames. The Truck position is our bread and butter entry to back control, and once we establish the harness, we’re immediately looking at unconventional submissions most traditional schools don’t emphasize - the twister being the obvious one, but also calf slicers and unique choke variations. Here’s what’s important in our system: we don’t just maintain position, we hunt. If I’ve got your back with a harness, I’m already thinking about how to transition to the twister or set up the banana split. The hooks aren’t just for control - they’re submission tools. We teach an entire system around back attacks that includes not just the traditional RNC and armbars, but lockdown variations, calf compression, and spine manipulation techniques that create a much broader threat matrix. The beauty of the harness is it keeps their attention up high defending the choke while we’re attacking the lower body with submission threats they’re not expecting. That’s the 10th Planet difference - we respect the fundamentals but we’re always innovating new attacks from traditional positions.