BJJ Graph

Mount

Jun 15, 20254 min read

Mount

bjjstatedominantpinmount

State Properties

  • State ID: S004
  • Point Value: 4 (Highly dominant position)
  • Position Type: Offensive/Controlling
  • Risk Level: Low to Medium
  • Energy Cost: Medium
  • Time Sustainability: Medium to Long

State Description

Mount is a premier controlling position in BJJ where the top practitioner sits astride the opponent’s torso with both legs straddling their body and the opponent lying on their back. This position offers exceptional control and powerful attacking opportunities while limiting the opponent’s defensive options. In competition, mount is one of the highest-scoring positions, reflecting its tactical advantage.

Key Principles

  • Keep knees tight to opponent’s ribs/armpits
  • Maintain low center of gravity with hips sinking into opponent’s diaphragm
  • Distribute weight through hips, not hands
  • Control opponent’s head and arms to prevent defensive frames
  • Anticipate and counter bridge and escape attempts
  • Create and maintain mechanical disadvantages for opponent

Prerequisites

  • Successful pass from side control, guard, or other position
  • Control of opponent’s upper body
  • Opponent flat on back
  • Proper balance and weight distribution

State Invariants

  • Hips positioned on opponent’s torso/abdomen
  • Both knees on the ground on either side of opponent
  • Opponent on their back
  • Top player facing opponent’s head

Defensive Responses (When Opponent Has This State)

Offensive Transitions (Available From This State)

Counter Transitions

Expert Insights

  • Danaher System: Emphasizes the “Floating Mount” concept where weight is distributed in a way that allows quick transitions between high, low, and technical mount variations. Creates pressure sequences designed to force predictable defensive responses that expose submission opportunities.
  • Gordon Ryan: Focuses on establishing a systematic trap system that creates no-win scenarios for the opponent. Uses the mount primarily as a control position from which to set up arm triangles and back takes, rather than emphasizing submissions directly from mount.
  • Eddie Bravo: Often utilizes rubber guard principles even from the top position. Emphasizes the “Zombie Mount” where posture and weight distribution shut down conventional escapes while setting up gogoplatas, arm triangles, and quick transitions to the truck position.

Common Errors

  • Weight too far forward → Vulnerability to back rolls
  • Posture too high → Reduced control and stability
  • Knees positioned too wide → Allows space for escapes
  • Hands posted too far out → Susceptible to sweeps
  • Hunting submissions prematurely → Position compromise

Training Drills

  • Mount maintenance against increasing resistance
  • Transition cycles between mount variations (low, high, S-mount)
  • Submission sequences from mount with counters to defensive reactions
  • Balance and pressure sensitivity development
  • Technical mount to back control flow drills
  • High Mount - Mount with chest-to-chest connection and higher position
  • S-Mount - Modified mount with one leg positioned for armbar attacks
  • Technical Mount - Modified mount used when opponent turns to side
  • Low Mount - Lower positioned mount with hips closer to opponent’s hips
  • Mounted Triangle - Hybrid position combining mount and triangle control

Decision Tree

If opponent bridges strongly:

Else if opponent frames with arms:

Else if opponent turns to side:

Else (stable control established):

Position Metrics

  • Success Rate: 75% retention (competition data)
  • Average Time in Position: 1-2 minutes
  • Submission Probability: 55%
  • Positional Advancement Probability: 40% (to back control)
  • Position Loss Probability: 25%

Optimal Submission Paths

The shortest path to submission from this position: Mount → Cross Collar Choke → Won by Submission

High-percentage path: Mount → Arm Triangle Setup → Arm Triangle Control → Won by Submission

Alternative control-oriented path: Mount → Technical Mount Transition → Back Control → Rear Naked Choke → Won by Submission

Graph View

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