3-4 Mount Bottom represents a defensive position where the practitioner is on their back with the opponent in a modified mount position, characterized by the top player having three points of contact on one side and four on the other (three limbs on the ground on one side, four on the other). This asymmetric position creates unique escape opportunities compared to traditional mount bottom, as the weight distribution is uneven and specific angles become available for defensive movement.
The position occurs when the top player transitions between mount variations or when the bottom player begins defensive movements that shift the top player’s base. Understanding 3-4 Mount Bottom is essential for mount escape development, as it represents a critical transitional state where proper defensive frames and hip movement can lead to successful escapes or guard recovery. The asymmetric nature of the position means that escape routes differ significantly from standard mount escapes, requiring specific technical knowledge.
From a positional hierarchy perspective, 3-4 Mount Bottom is a high-risk defensive position worth -4 points in IBJJF competition, requiring immediate defensive action to prevent submissions and create escape opportunities. Success in this position depends on recognizing the specific 3-4 configuration, establishing proper defensive frames, and exploiting the inherent instability in the top player’s asymmetric base.
Position Definition
- Bottom player’s back is flat on the mat with shoulders pinned, facing upward with opponent’s hips positioned on the torso/abdomen creating downward pressure through asymmetric weight distribution
- Top player has asymmetric base with three points of contact (e.g., both knees plus one hand) on one side and four points (e.g., both knees, hand, and posted foot) on the other side, creating uneven weight distribution
- Bottom player’s hips are controlled beneath opponent’s weight but with potential mobility due to asymmetric pressure, arms positioned to create defensive frames protecting neck and preventing chest-to-chest connection
- Top player maintains dominant position above bottom player’s center of gravity, though base stability is compromised compared to traditional mount due to weight shift toward one side
Prerequisites
- Opponent has achieved mount position with weight on torso
- Asymmetric base has been established by top player (intentionally or during transition)
- Bottom player is on back with shoulders to mat
- Top player’s weight distribution creates 3-4 configuration
- Defensive frames are compromised or being established
Key Defensive Principles
- Recognize the asymmetric weight distribution and identify the lighter side for escape attempts
- Maintain defensive frames with elbows tight to body, preventing chest-to-chest connection and protecting neck from choke attempts
- Create hip mobility by bridging toward the heavier side to disrupt base, then escaping toward the lighter side
- Control opponent’s sleeves or wrists to prevent posting and base recovery during escape movements
- Keep chin tucked and protect neck at all times, never allowing opponent to establish collar grips or arm positioning for chokes
- Use small, controlled movements rather than explosive panic responses to conserve energy and maintain structural integrity
- Coordinate bridge and shrimp movements to systematically create space and angle for guard recovery or positional improvement
Available Escapes
Elbow Escape → Half Guard
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 30%
- Intermediate: 45%
- Advanced: 60%
Bridge and Roll → Closed Guard
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 20%
- Intermediate: 35%
- Advanced: 50%
Shrimp Escape → Open Guard
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 25%
- Intermediate: 40%
- Advanced: 55%
Hip Escape → Open Guard
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 22%
- Intermediate: 38%
- Advanced: 52%
Frame and Shrimp → Half Guard
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 18%
- Intermediate: 32%
- Advanced: 48%
Upa Escape → Closed Guard
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 25%
- Intermediate: 40%
- Advanced: 55%
Decision Making from This Position
If opponent has asymmetric base with clear weight distribution to one side and hands are posted high:
- Execute Bridge and Roll → Mount (Probability: 45%)
- Execute Upa Escape → Closed Guard (Probability: 40%)
If opponent drops weight low with chest pressure but maintains 3-4 configuration:
- Execute Elbow Escape → Half Guard (Probability: 50%)
- Execute Shrimp Escape → Open Guard (Probability: 45%)
If opponent attempts to transition to traditional mount or high mount:
- Execute Frame and Shrimp → Half Guard (Probability: 48%)
- Execute Hip Escape → Open Guard (Probability: 42%)
If opponent isolates one arm for submission attempt:
- Execute Bridge and Roll → Closed Guard (Probability: 35%)
- Execute Elbow Escape → Half Guard (Probability: 40%)
Escape and Survival Paths
Shortest defensive path to safety
3-4 Mount Bottom → Elbow Escape → Half Guard → Guard retention established
High-percentage reversal path
3-4 Mount Bottom → Bridge and Roll → Mount → Positional dominance
Conservative recovery path
3-4 Mount Bottom → Frame and Shrimp → Open Guard → Closed Guard
Dynamic escape to standing
3-4 Mount Bottom → Hip Escape → Technical Stand-up → Standing Position → Neutral position
Success Rates and Statistics
| Skill Level | Retention Rate | Advancement Probability | Submission Probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner | 15% | 25% | 0% |
| Intermediate | 30% | 40% | 0% |
| Advanced | 45% | 55% | 5% |
Average Time in Position: 30-90 seconds before escape or submission
Expert Analysis
John Danaher
The 3-4 mount bottom position represents a critical transitional state in the mount escape hierarchy where the asymmetric weight distribution creates mechanical vulnerabilities in the top player’s base structure. From a biomechanical perspective, the uneven contact points generate predictable force vectors that the bottom player must identify and exploit. The key insight is that bridging must be directionally intelligent—directing force toward the heavier side to maximize base disruption, then immediately capitalizing on the created instability by escaping toward the lighter side where fewer contact points exist. This is not random thrashing but calculated force application based on understanding leverage principles. The defensive frames must be maintained with bent elbows creating wedge structures rather than extended arms which become levers for opponent control. Success in this position requires systematic thinking: recognize configuration, establish frames, disrupt base through angled bridge, execute escape toward vulnerability. Each movement builds upon the previous one in a logical sequence designed to progressively improve position until guard recovery is achieved.
Gordon Ryan
In competition, 3-4 mount bottom is a position you never want to be in for more than a few seconds because high-level opponents will immediately transition to more dominant mount variations or attack submissions. The reality is that the asymmetric base gives you a window of opportunity that won’t last—you need to recognize it instantly and commit to your escape. I look for that lighter side immediately and I’m bridging and shrimping in one fluid motion before my opponent can consolidate. The frame game is everything here—if you let them connect chest to chest, you’re done. Keep those elbows in, create that wedge, and the moment you feel their weight shift, that’s your cue to explode into your escape. I prefer the elbow escape from here because it’s highest percentage against skilled opponents who know how to base. Bridge and roll works great against less experienced players, but at elite levels, you need that systematic shrimp to half guard. Train this position under heavy pressure so when competition stress hits, your body knows exactly what to do without thinking.
Eddie Bravo
The 3-4 mount is actually a gift if you know how to read it—it’s telling you exactly where the escape route is because one side is weaker than the other. Traditional jiu-jitsu teaches you to escape to half guard, which is solid, but I’m always looking for that electric chair opportunity or lockdown if I can get my leg through. The asymmetric pressure means their base is already compromised, so I’m thinking about unconventional escapes that create scrambles. Sometimes I’ll actually bridge into the heavy side to create a reaction, then use that momentum to swing my hips completely the other way—it’s like a bait and switch. The key is not being predictable with your escape timing. Create little movements, make them adjust, then when they over-commit to shutting down one escape, you hit the other direction. Also, if you can control their sleeves during your bridge, you can often create enough disruption to actually come up to turtle or even take their back if they post heavy. Don’t just think defense from here—think about creating chaos they can’t manage.