Modified Scarf Hold Top represents one of the most dominant pinning positions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, combining the immobilizing power of traditional scarf holds with superior submission opportunities. The position offers exceptional control through chest-to-chest pressure while maintaining the mobility necessary to counter escape attempts and transition between attacks.
The strategic advantage of Modified Scarf Hold lies in its dual threat capability - you can simultaneously apply crushing pressure that drains opponent energy while maintaining immediate access to multiple high-percentage submissions. Unlike standard side control where submission attacks often require significant positional adjustments, Modified Scarf Hold keeps armbars, kimuras, and chokes readily available from the base control position.
Successful execution requires understanding the subtle weight distribution that maximizes pressure while maintaining mobility. The top player must balance between settling heavy chest pressure and staying light on the toes to counter escape attempts. This dynamic pressure application separates effective Modified Scarf Hold control from static pinning that allows savvy opponents to create escape opportunities.
The position excels in both point-fighting and submission-hunting strategies. In IBJJF competition, Modified Scarf Hold scores as side control (3 points) while offering better submission percentage than standard side control variations. The chest pressure creates visible discomfort that can influence referee decisions regarding stalling and activity.
From a submission perspective, Modified Scarf Hold provides multiple attack pathways that flow naturally from the control position. The near arm entrapment creates immediate armbar and kimura threats, while the chest-to-chest positioning enables various chokes including the North-South choke and arm triangle variations. Advanced practitioners develop the ability to chain these attacks seamlessly, creating the submission dilemmas that characterize high-level grappling.
The learning progression for Modified Scarf Hold top follows predictable stages. Beginners focus on achieving and maintaining basic chest pressure. Intermediate practitioners develop the mobility and weight distribution necessary to counter common escapes. Advanced players master the submission chains and transitional flow that make the position truly dangerous at the highest levels of competition.
Position Definition
- Your chest maintains constant downward pressure on opponent’s chest, with your sternum positioned directly over their ribcage creating maximum compression and breathing restriction
- Opponent’s near-side arm is controlled or trapped, either threaded under your armpit or wrapped with your arm around their head, eliminating their primary framing tool
- Your head is positioned heavy on opponent’s face or chest, adding directional pressure that restricts vision and limits their ability to turn into you or away from the position
Prerequisites
- You have achieved top position over opponent (from takedown, scramble, or transition)
- You have secured chest-to-chest contact before opponent established defensive frames
- Opponent’s near arm has been compromised allowing you to establish control
- Your weight is distributed to maximize pressure while maintaining base
Key Offensive Principles
- Chest pressure is your primary control tool - maintain constant downward force through sternum
- Control the near arm at all times - this prevents effective framing and creates submission pathways
- Stay on your toes for mobility - you must be able to adjust to counter escape attempts
- Head position amplifies pressure - keep your head heavy on opponent’s face or chest
- Submission opportunities emerge from solid control - establish the pin before hunting finishes
- Dynamic pressure beats static weight - adjust pressure angles as opponent moves
- Transition readiness is essential - be prepared to move to mount or north-south when opponent turns
Available Attacks
Americana from Side Control → Americana Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 40%
- Intermediate: 55%
- Advanced: 70%
Kimura from Side Control → Kimura Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 35%
- Intermediate: 50%
- Advanced: 65%
Armbar from Side Control → Armbar Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 30%
- Intermediate: 45%
- Advanced: 60%
Transition to Mount → Mount
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 45%
- Intermediate: 60%
- Advanced: 75%
Transition to North-South → North-South
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 50%
- Intermediate: 65%
- Advanced: 80%
North-South Choke → North South Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 25%
- Intermediate: 40%
- Advanced: 55%
Far Side Armbar → Armbar Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 20%
- Intermediate: 35%
- Advanced: 50%
Arm Triangle → Arm Triangle
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 28%
- Intermediate: 42%
- Advanced: 58%
Decision Making from This Position
If opponent’s near arm is isolated and extended:
- Execute Americana from Side Control → Americana Control (Probability: 65%)
- Execute Kimura from Side Control → Kimura Control (Probability: 55%)
- Execute Armbar from Side Control → Armbar Control (Probability: 50%)
If opponent attempts to bridge or turn away from pressure:
- Execute Transition to Mount → Mount (Probability: 70%)
- Execute Back Take Generic → Back Control (Probability: 55%)
If opponent turns into you to escape chest pressure:
- Execute Transition to North-South → North-South (Probability: 75%)
- Execute North-South Choke → North South Control (Probability: 50%)
Optimal Submission Paths
Americana Chain
Modified Scarf Hold Top → Americana from Side Control → Americana Control → Americana
Kimura to Armbar
Modified Scarf Hold Top → Kimura from Side Control → Kimura Control → Armbar from Side Control → Armbar Control → Armbar Finish
North-South Transition
Modified Scarf Hold Top → Transition to North-South → North-South → North-South Choke
Mount Advancement
Modified Scarf Hold Top → Transition to Mount → Mount → Armbar from Mount → Armbar Control → Armbar Finish
Success Rates and Statistics
| Skill Level | Retention Rate | Advancement Probability | Submission Probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner | 55% | 45% | 30% |
| Intermediate | 70% | 60% | 50% |
| Advanced | 85% | 75% | 70% |
Average Time in Position: 60-120 seconds to submission or advancement
Expert Analysis
John Danaher
Modified Scarf Hold exemplifies the principle of control preceding submission. The chest-to-chest pressure creates what I term ‘positional suffocation’ - the opponent’s ability to breathe and think clearly diminishes under sustained pressure, making submission setups significantly more effective. The critical mechanical element is maintaining your center of gravity directly over the opponent’s chest while staying mobile on your toes. This creates maximum downward force while preserving your ability to counter escape attempts. The near arm control is non-negotiable - once you allow the opponent to recover that arm for framing, the position’s effectiveness decreases by approximately 70%. Advanced practitioners understand that the position’s true power lies not in static pressure but in dynamic pressure adjustment that responds to opponent movement, creating a moving target that prevents the accumulation of small advantages that lead to escape.
Gordon Ryan
I love Modified Scarf Hold because it makes people quit. When I settle my chest pressure correctly, I can feel opponents start to panic within 15-20 seconds. They can’t breathe right, they can’t see clearly, and every second that passes they get more desperate. That desperation creates mistakes, and mistakes create submissions. My go-to sequence is pressure until they try to turn into me, then I slide to north-south and lock the choke. If they try to bridge, I ride it and take mount. The key is being patient with your pressure but explosive with your transitions. Don’t rush submissions from the control position - let the pressure do the work, then capitalize when they move. The guys who escape are the ones who stay calm and work systematic techniques, but under real pressure at high-level competition, very few can maintain that composure.
Eddie Bravo
Modified Scarf Hold is old school but it’s effective, especially when you add some 10th Planet concepts to it. I teach students to think of it as a pressure testing position - you’re testing whether the opponent can handle being uncomfortable and maintain technique under stress. The traditional approach is all about settling heavy weight, but I like to add some dynamic elements. Use your head pressure to create angles for different attacks - if you push their head one direction, it opens arm attacks on the other side. The position also sets up some sneaky transitions to twister control if they try to turn away. Don’t just sit there and squeeze - create movement dilemmas where every direction they try to escape opens a different attack. That’s when the position becomes truly oppressive and high-percentage for finishes.