Stoner Control Bottom

Jan 23, 20268 min read

Stoner Control Bottom encompasses two distinct but related positions from the 10th Planet system, both characterized by deep overhook control that ‘stones’ opponent mobility. The rubber guard variation features the bottom practitioner breaking opponent posture with rubber guard leg while establishing deep overhook control, creating a powerful platform for triangle, omoplata, and gogoplata attacks. The lockdown half guard variation combines lockdown mechanics with overhook control to set up sweeps, back takes, and the Electric Chair submission.

From the rubber guard version, the practitioner has completely broken down opponent posture, secured deep overhook on one arm, and maintains rubber guard structure on the opposite side. This configuration severely limits defensive options while opening multiple attacking pathways, particularly effective in no-gi where traditional collar grips are unavailable. The lockdown version features active lockdown squeeze on opponent’s trapped leg combined with overhook on far arm, creating dilemmas between defending back attacks versus defending sweeps.

Both variations represent Eddie Bravo’s systematic approach where each control position serves as both defensive stronghold and offensive launching point. Success requires hip flexibility (rubber guard) or lockdown proficiency, but rewards practitioners with high submission and sweep success rates once properly established.

Position Definition

  • Deep overhook secured on opponent’s arm with bottom practitioner’s arm threading completely under opponent’s armpit and gripping around back or shoulder, controlling rotation and preventing posting attempts
  • Leg control established through either rubber guard configuration (ankle behind opponent’s head/neck) or lockdown (feet crossed beneath opponent’s thigh), creating mechanical control that limits opponent mobility
  • Opponent’s posture broken forward and down toward bottom practitioner’s chest, with upper back rounded and head pulled below plane of bottom practitioner’s shoulders, eliminating defensive base
  • Bottom practitioner’s hips elevated off mat creating upward pressure through leg control while maintaining active overhook, preventing opponent from establishing stable weight distribution or recovering defensive posture

Prerequisites

  • Guard control already established from either closed guard (rubber guard version) or half guard (lockdown version)
  • Opponent’s posture successfully broken with leg control mechanisms
  • Deep overhook secured on one side with arm threaded under opponent’s armpit
  • Adequate hip flexibility (rubber guard) or lockdown control proficiency (half guard version)
  • Opponent’s weight committed forward enough to prevent easy posture recovery

Key Defensive 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

Available Escapes

Triangle Setup → Triangle Control

Success Rates:

  • Beginner: 35%
  • Intermediate: 55%
  • Advanced: 75%

Omoplata to Sweep → Omoplata Control

Success Rates:

  • Beginner: 30%
  • Intermediate: 50%
  • Advanced: 70%

Transition to Invisible Collar → Invisible Collar

Success Rates:

  • Beginner: 40%
  • Intermediate: 60%
  • Advanced: 80%

Old School Sweep → Mount

Success Rates:

  • Beginner: 40%
  • Intermediate: 55%
  • Advanced: 70%

Electric Chair Transition → Electric Chair

Success Rates:

  • Beginner: 35%
  • Intermediate: 50%
  • Advanced: 65%

Transition to Truck → Truck

Success Rates:

  • Beginner: 30%
  • Intermediate: 45%
  • Advanced: 60%

Transition to Chill Dog → Chill Dog

Success Rates:

  • Beginner: 35%
  • Intermediate: 55%
  • Advanced: 75%

Transition to Meathook → Meathook

Success Rates:

  • Beginner: 30%
  • Intermediate: 50%
  • Advanced: 70%

Half Guard to Back Take → Back Control

Success Rates:

  • Beginner: 25%
  • Intermediate: 40%
  • Advanced: 55%

Underhook Sweep from Half → Side Control

Success Rates:

  • Beginner: 40%
  • Intermediate: 55%
  • Advanced: 70%

Opponent Counters

Counter-Attacks

Decision Making from This Position

If opponent’s free arm posts on mat near hip attempting to establish base:

If opponent drives forward with weight or attempts stack pressure:

If opponent pulls trapped arm backward attempting to escape overhook:

If opponent establishes whizzer control and drives weight forward in lockdown variation:

Common Defensive Mistakes

1. 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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

Training Drills for Defense

Stoner Control Entry Drill

From closed guard or half guard with broken posture, practice securing deep overhook while simultaneously establishing rubber guard or lockdown. Partner provides 50% resistance. Focus on threading overhook deeply under armpit and positioning leg control. Repeat 10 times each side.

Duration: 5 minutes

Stoner Control to Submission Chain

Partner starts in defensive posture from Stoner Control. Bottom player establishes position then immediately transitions between triangle, omoplata, and electric chair setups based on partner reactions. Practice recognizing defensive patterns and executing smooth transitions. Work both sides, 8 repetitions each.

Duration: 8 minutes

Stoner Control Retention Under Pressure

Partner provides 75% resistance attempting to escape overhook, recover posture, and pass guard. Bottom player maintains Stoner Control for 30-second intervals using proper mechanics (hip elevation, leg pressure, deep overhook). Switch roles. 6 rounds total.

Duration: 6 minutes

Four-Way Flow from Stoner Control

From established Stoner Control, flow continuously between triangle setup, omoplata sweep, electric chair, and truck transitions. Partner remains passive initially then adds 50% resistance. Focus on smooth transitions maintaining control throughout movement chain. 5-minute continuous flow each side.

Duration: 10 minutes

Escape and Survival Paths

Shortest path to triangle finish from rubber guard

Stoner Control Bottom → Triangle Control → Triangle from Guard → Won by Submission

High-percentage omoplata sweep to back attack

Stoner Control Bottom → Omoplata Control → Back Control → Rear Naked Choke → Won by Submission

Electric Chair path from lockdown

Stoner Control Bottom → Electric Chair → Electric Chair Submission → Won by Submission

Truck to Twister path

Stoner Control Bottom → Truck → Twister Control → Twister → Won by Submission

Invisible collar to gogoplata sequence

Stoner Control Bottom → Invisible Collar → Gogoplata Control → Gogoplata → Won by Submission

Success Rates and Statistics

Skill LevelRetention RateAdvancement ProbabilitySubmission Probability
Beginner50%48%28%
Intermediate68%65%45%
Advanced83%80%63%

Average Time in Position: 20-60 seconds before transitioning to submission or sweep

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