The top Mount position represents the pinnacle of positional dominance in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, offering maximum control with diverse submission opportunities. This position, awarded 4 points in IBJJF competition, places the top practitioner in an elevated position astride the opponent’s torso with the ability to distribute weight strategically while maintaining mobility for attacks. Effective mount control is about creating a system where the opponent’s every defensive movement opens new offensive opportunities, forming submission chains that flow naturally from one attack to the next. The fundamental concept involves using gravity as an ally, keeping the hips heavy on the opponent while the upper body remains mobile and ready to capitalize on defensive reactions. Modern mount attacks prioritize high-percentage submissions that can be finished quickly under time pressure, with particular emphasis on the armbar and cross collar choke as primary weapons. The position’s effectiveness stems from the top practitioner’s ability to advance through progressive variations - from low mount emphasizing control, to high mount near the armpits for immediate submission access, to technical mount bridging toward back control. Understanding mount progression involves recognizing when to maintain control versus when to advance position, balancing the security of the mount against the increased finishing potential of variations like S-mount for armbars or technical mount for back takes. The position requires patience and technical precision, as rushing submissions from poor positions often results in losing the mount entirely.
Position Definition
- Top practitioner sits astride opponent’s torso with knees positioned on either side of body
- Top practitioner’s hips maintain downward pressure while upper body remains mobile
- Bottom opponent’s back remains on mat with limited mobility
- Top practitioner maintains ability to post hands for base or transition to submissions
Prerequisites
- Understanding of base maintenance and weight distribution from top positions
- Knowledge of fundamental mount submissions (Americana, Armbar, Cross Collar Choke)
- Ability to transition smoothly between mount variations (low, high, technical, S-mount)
- Familiarity with mount maintenance against common escape attempts (elbow escape, upa)
- Understanding of submission chains and creating offensive dilemmas
Key Offensive Principles
- Heavy hips, light hands - Maintain weight through hip pressure while staying mobile above
- Control before submission - Establish dominant control before committing to finish attempts
- Create submission dilemmas - Every defense opens new attack, forming inescapable chains
- Progressive advancement - Move systematically from low to high to technical mount as opportunities arise
- Pressure application - Use constant forward pressure to exhaust opponent and reduce defense effectiveness
- Base adaptation - Adjust base width and posting positions based on opponent’s escape attempts
- Submission from reaction - Allow opponent’s defensive movements to guide attack selection
Available Attacks
Armbar from Mount → Armbar Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 35%
- Intermediate: 55%
- Advanced: 75%
Americana from Mount → Americana Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 30%
- Intermediate: 50%
- Advanced: 70%
Cross Collar Choke → Won by Submission
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 25%
- Intermediate: 45%
- Advanced: 65%
Ezekiel from Mount → Won by Submission
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 20%
- Intermediate: 40%
- Advanced: 60%
Transition to Back Control → Back Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 40%
- Intermediate: 60%
- Advanced: 80%
Mounted Triangle → Mounted Triangle
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 15%
- Intermediate: 35%
- Advanced: 55%
Kimura from Mount → Kimura Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 25%
- Intermediate: 45%
- Advanced: 65%
Transition to Technical Mount → Technical Mount
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 45%
- Intermediate: 65%
- Advanced: 85%
S-Mount Transition → S Mount
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 30%
- Intermediate: 50%
- Advanced: 70%
Gift Wrap Control → Gift Wrap
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 20%
- Intermediate: 40%
- Advanced: 60%
Decision Making from This Position
If opponent establishes strong frames and begins hip escape:
- Execute Grapevine Legs → Mount (Probability: 60%)
- Execute Transition to High Mount → High Mount (Probability: 55%)
If opponent extends arm to frame on face or neck:
- Execute Armbar from Mount → Armbar Control (Probability: 70%)
- Execute Americana from Mount → Americana Control (Probability: 50%)
If opponent keeps elbows tight and defends arms:
- Execute Cross Collar Choke → Won by Submission (Probability: 55%)
- Execute Ezekiel from Mount → Won by Submission (Probability: 45%)
If opponent turns to side to escape:
- Execute Transition to Back Control → Back Control (Probability: 75%)
- Execute Transition to Technical Mount → Technical Mount (Probability: 65%)
If opponent turtles or attempts deep half entry:
- Execute Swim to Back Control → Back Control (Probability: 70%)
- Execute Gift Wrap Control → Gift Wrap (Probability: 50%)
Optimal Submission Paths
Primary Armbar Chain
Mount → High Mount → S Mount → Armbar Control → Won by Submission
Collar Choke Series
Mount → Cross Collar Choke → Ezekiel from Mount → Won by Submission
Back Take Progression
Mount → Technical Mount → Back Control → Rear Naked Choke
Americana to Armbar
Mount → Americana from Mount → Armbar from Mount → Won by Submission
Gift Wrap to Back
Mount → Gift Wrap → Back Control → Submission Position
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: 2-4 minutes to submission at intermediate level with active attacks