BJJ Graph

High Mount Top | BJJ Position Guide | BJJ Graph

Oct 25, 20259 min read

High Mount Top

bjjstatemounttopdominantadvanced

State Properties

  • State ID: S241
  • Point Value: 4 (Mount points)
  • Position Type: Offensive
  • Risk Level: Low
  • Energy Cost: Low
  • Time Sustainability: Long

State Description

High Mount Top is an advanced variation of the mount position where the top player walks their knees up towards the opponent’s armpits or shoulders, positioning their hips and weight high on the opponent’s chest. This elevated position severely limits the bottom player’s escape options while dramatically increasing submission opportunities.

The high mount represents the pinnacle of mount control, offering the highest submission rate of any mount variation while being extremely difficult to escape. The position is characterized by exceptional dominance and is often the preferred finishing position for elite grapplers.

Visual Description

You are positioned on top of your opponent with your knees high near their armpits or shoulders, rather than at their sides as in standard mount. Your hips are elevated and positioned on their upper chest or sternum, with your weight distributed forward towards their head. Your feet may be crossed behind their back or positioned on the mat for base, depending on their escape attempts. Your upper body is upright or leaning slightly forward, with your chest over their chest, and your hands controlling their head, neck, or arms to limit their defensive options. Your knees are tight to their body, creating a wedge that eliminates the space needed for bridge escapes. This elevated position gives you exceptional control over their upper body while providing superior angles for armbars, chokes, and transitions to S-mount or technical mount.

Key Principles

  • Walk knees high to eliminate bridge leverage
  • Maintain forward weight distribution for control
  • Control opponent’s arms to limit defensive frames
  • Stay mobile and ready to transition with escape attempts
  • Threaten multiple submissions simultaneously
  • Use high position to create psychological pressure

Prerequisites

  • Solid mount control fundamentals
  • Understanding of armbar mechanics
  • Awareness of mount escape prevention
  • Hip mobility for elevated positioning

State Invariants

  • Knees high near opponent’s armpits or shoulders
  • Hips positioned on opponent’s chest/upper torso
  • Weight distributed forward for maximum control

Defensive Responses (When Opponent Has This State)

Offensive Transitions (Available From This State)

Counter Transitions

Expert Insights

  • Danaher System: High mount is the optimal position for the mount attack sequence. Emphasizes that the elevated position eliminates the bottom player’s most powerful escape (the bridge) while providing superior angles for arm attacks. Teaches systematic progression: maintain high mount, isolate arm, execute armbar or transition to S-mount based on defense. The key is patience combined with constant pressure.
  • Gordon Ryan: Views high mount as the final checkpoint before submission. Prefers to transition immediately to S-mount when established, as it offers even greater control with similar submission options. In competition, uses high mount to break opponent’s will - the psychological pressure of being so dominated often leads to mistakes or passive defense.
  • Eddie Bravo: While 10th Planet system emphasizes back control over mount, recognizes high mount as extremely effective for submission hunting. Uses high mount as entry to gift wrap position and technical mount variations. Emphasizes staying active and mobile rather than static control - opponent’s movements create submission openings.

Common Errors

  • Error: Sitting too low on hips
    • Consequence: Reduces control and allows easier bridge escapes, giving opponent space to recover guard.
    • Correction: Walk knees up towards armpits, positioning weight on upper chest/sternum area, eliminating leverage for bridges.
  • Error: Leaning too far back
    • Consequence: Creates vulnerability to sweep attempts and reduces submission opportunities.
    • Correction: Maintain forward weight distribution with chest over opponent’s chest, keeping base strong while maintaining offensive pressure.
  • Error: Neglecting arm control
    • Consequence: Allows opponent to create frames and escape pathways, increasing defensive options.
    • Correction: Constantly control opponent’s arms through grips, pressure, or isolation, limiting their defensive capabilities.
  • Error: Telegraphing submission attempts
    • Consequence: Gives opponent time to defend, reducing finish rate and potentially losing position.
    • Correction: Set up submissions through subtle movements, maintain multiple threats simultaneously, commit fully once opening appears.
  • Error: Staying static without pressure
    • Consequence: Allows opponent to rest and plan escape, reduces finishing opportunities, creates stalemate.
    • Correction: Maintain constant pressure and movement, continuously threaten attacks, make opponent defend multiple options simultaneously.

Training Drills

  • High Mount Establishment: Practice walking knees up from standard mount against progressive resistance (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%), focusing on maintaining balance and forward pressure throughout transition.
  • Submission Chains from High Mount: Drill armbar to Ezekiel to collar choke sequences, practicing fluid transitions between attacks based on opponent’s defensive reactions.
  • Mount Retention Against Escapes: Partner attempts bridges and shrimps while you maintain high mount, developing sensitivity to escape attempts and automatic counters.
  • Position Transition Flow: Flow between high mount, S-mount, and technical mount, learning to move seamlessly based on opponent’s movements and defensive postures.
  • Arm Isolation Drills: Practice different methods of isolating opponent’s arms from high mount, developing multiple entry points for armbars and other attacks.

Decision Tree

If opponent keeps arms extended/defensive:

Else if opponent frames against chest:

Else if opponent tucks arms tight to body:

Else if opponent attempts bridge or escape:

Position Metrics

  • Position Retention Rate: Beginner 55%, Intermediate 70%, Advanced 85%
  • Advancement Probability: Beginner 60%, Intermediate 75%, Advanced 90%
  • Submission Probability: Beginner 50%, Intermediate 65%, Advanced 80%
  • Position Loss Probability: Beginner 30%, Intermediate 20%, Advanced 10%
  • Average Time in Position: 1-2 minutes

Optimal Submission Paths

Fastest submission path: High Mount Top → Ezekiel Choke → Won by Submission

High-percentage armbar path: High Mount Top → Armbar from High Mount → Armbar Control → Won by Submission

Advanced control path: High Mount Top → S-Mount Transition → S-Mount Top → Armbar → Won by Submission

Choke sequence path: High Mount Top → Cross Collar Choke from Mount → Won by Submission

Graph View

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