BJJ Graph

Stoner Control

Dec 09, 20258 min read

Stoner Control is an advanced control position from the 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu system that exists in two distinct variations: a rubber guard variant emphasizing posture breaking and submission setups, and a half guard lockdown variant focusing on sweeps and back attacks. Both variations share the core principle of using deep overhook control combined with leg entanglement to ‘stone’ or freeze the opponent’s mobility while creating offensive opportunities.

The rubber guard variation of Stoner Control represents a critical checkpoint in Eddie Bravo’s guard system, where the bottom practitioner has successfully broken the opponent’s posture with the rubber guard leg while securing a deep overhook on one side. This configuration severely limits defensive options while opening multiple high-percentage submission pathways including triangles, omoplatas, and gogoplatas. The position requires significant hip flexibility but rewards practitioners with extremely high finishing rates.

The lockdown half guard variation combines the mechanical control of the 10th Planet lockdown with specialized upper body control, creating powerful attacking opportunities for back takes and sweeps. Unlike traditional half guard that emphasizes space creation, this version focuses on closing distance and maintaining constant pressure, forcing opponents into predictable defensive patterns. Both variations embody the 10th Planet philosophy of creating dilemmas where every defensive choice opens a specific offensive opportunity.

Key Principles

  • Deep overhook control is essential in both variations - thread arm completely under opponent’s armpit to control shoulder and prevent posting

  • Create constant offensive dilemmas where defending one attack opens another - triangle vs omoplata in rubber guard, back take vs sweep in lockdown

  • Use Stoner Control as transitional checkpoint rather than static holding position - attack within 5-10 seconds of establishing control

  • Maintain active leg pressure (rubber guard or lockdown) throughout all transitions to prevent opponent escape or posture recovery

  • Coordinate upper body pulls with lower body control to maximize off-balancing effects and create unstable opponent base

  • Position requires significant flexibility (rubber guard) or lockdown proficiency - build prerequisites before attempting advanced variations

  • Hip elevation and side positioning essential to maintain mobility and offensive capability while preventing being flattened to back

Top vs Bottom

 BottomTop
Position TypeOffensiveDefensive
Risk LevelLow to MediumMedium to High
Energy CostMediumMedium
TimeMediumShort to Medium

Key Difference: Deep overhook with leg control to freeze mobility

Playing as Bottom

→ Full Bottom Guide

Key Principles

  • Maintain constant pressure with leg control (rubber guard or lockdown) to keep opponent’s posture broken and prevent base establishment

  • Secure impossibly deep overhook by threading arm completely under opponent’s armpit until shoulder contacts ribcage

  • Use active hip elevation to create space for attacks while simultaneously preventing opponent from driving forward with pressure

  • Transition rapidly between submission or sweep setups rather than holding static position - attack within 5-10 seconds

  • Coordinate leg pressure with overhook control to create opposing force vectors that freeze opponent mobility

  • Create constant dilemmas where defending one attack opens another - triangle vs omoplata, or back take vs sweep

Primary Techniques

Common Mistakes

  • ❌ Allowing leg control to release or drop below effective control position

    • Consequence: Opponent recovers posture easily and begins passing sequence or escapes guard control entirely
    • ✅ Correction: Maintain constant pressure with rubber guard leg high behind head or active lockdown squeeze throughout all transitions

  • ❌ Securing shallow overhook with arm only partially under opponent’s armpit

    • Consequence: Opponent easily pulls arm free, posts for base, or initiates passing attacks without significant resistance
    • ✅ Correction: Thread arm impossibly deep under opponent’s armpit until shoulder contacts ribcage, grip around back of shoulder or lat for maximum control

  • ❌ Remaining flat on back instead of elevating hips actively

    • Consequence: Reduces effectiveness of leg pressure, allows opponent to settle weight and establish base, limits mobility for submission setups
    • ✅ Correction: Keep hips elevated throughout position creating upward angle that amplifies leg pressure while maintaining freedom to adjust angles for attacks

  • ❌ Holding static position without progressing to submissions or sweeps

    • Consequence: Opponent develops escape strategy over time, fatigue sets in for bottom player, referee may penalize for stalling
    • ✅ Correction: Use Stoner Control as transition checkpoint rather than destination, immediately chain toward attacks within 3-5 seconds of establishing position

  • ❌ Attempting position without adequate hip flexibility or lockdown proficiency

    • Consequence: Cannot maintain proper control angles, position feels forced and uncomfortable, increased injury risk to joints
    • ✅ Correction: Develop flexibility gradually through consistent stretching, master prerequisite positions like Mission Control before attempting advanced variations

Playing as Top

→ Full Top Guide

Key Principles

  • Primary escape priority is extracting trapped arm from overhook while simultaneously addressing posture break from leg control

  • Never post aggressively with free arm near bottom player’s hips as this triggers high-percentage triangle or sweep setups

  • Establish crossface or head control on free arm side to limit bottom player’s mobility and create escape angles

  • Address leg control systematically - clear rubber guard by controlling ankle, or break lockdown through specific escape sequences

  • Maintain wide base with free leg and use pressure distribution to prevent bottom player from generating sweep momentum

  • Time arm extraction for moments when bottom player transitions between attacks, using their movement to create escape opportunities

  • Avoid driving forward aggressively as this triggers omoplata sweeps in rubber guard and Electric Chair or truck entries in lockdown

Primary Techniques

Common Mistakes

  • ❌ Posting aggressively with free hand near bottom player’s hips attempting to create base

    • Consequence: Immediately triggers high-percentage triangle setup or sweep mechanics, leading to submission or position loss
    • ✅ Correction: Keep free hand posted on mat away from bottom player’s hips, or establish crossface control to limit their offensive options

  • ❌ Pulling trapped arm straight backward with force attempting to rip free from overhook

    • Consequence: Bottom player uses pulling momentum to set up arm triangle or tighten overhook control, worsening position
    • ✅ Correction: Wait for transition moments when overhook loosens, then extract arm using circular motion combined with posture recovery

  • ❌ Driving weight aggressively forward attempting to flatten bottom player

    • Consequence: Triggers omoplata sweeps in rubber guard or Electric Chair submission in lockdown, leading to immediate reversal or finish
    • ✅ Correction: Maintain measured pressure while working systematically on posture recovery and overhook escape, avoiding forward commitment

  • ❌ Focusing exclusively on extracting trapped arm while ignoring leg control

    • Consequence: Bottom player maintains posture break with leg control making arm extraction impossible, prolonging bad position
    • ✅ Correction: Address both controls simultaneously - work crossface or head control to limit mobility while clearing rubber guard or breaking lockdown

  • ❌ Staying static in position hoping bottom player fatigues or releases pressure

    • Consequence: Bottom player has time to perfect control and set up submissions methodically, increasing finish probability over time
    • ✅ Correction: Work actively on systematic escapes using proper timing and technique, creating movement that prevents bottom player from settling control