The Vaporizer Top position represents one of the most challenging defensive scenarios in no-gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, where the top practitioner finds themselves trapped in the bottom player’s lockdown while simultaneously being subjected to the destabilizing whip-up motion characteristic of 10th Planet methodology. This position demands immediate defensive awareness and systematic escape protocols, as the bottom player has multiple high-percentage attacks including the Electric Chair submission, Old School sweep, and transitions to the Truck position.
From the top position in the Vaporizer, the primary objective is to neutralize the lockdown control and whip-up pressure before the bottom player can advance to more dangerous attacking positions. The top player must address both the lower body entanglement (the lockdown) and the upper body control (typically an underhook or overhook) simultaneously, requiring coordinated defensive movements and strategic pressure application. Unlike traditional half guard top positions where maintaining pressure is advantageous, the Vaporizer top position often requires the top player to make calculated adjustments to their base and posture to prevent being swept or submitted.
Successful navigation of this position requires understanding the systematic nature of 10th Planet attacks emanating from the Vaporizer. The top player must recognize that every defensive action creates a potential counter-opportunity for the bottom player, making it essential to employ defensive sequences that address multiple threats simultaneously. Whether clearing the lockdown through leg positioning adjustments, countering the whip-up with base management, or transitioning to safer passing positions, the Vaporizer top position tests a practitioner’s ability to remain composed under pressure while executing technically sound defensive movements.
Position Definition
- Bottom opponent has established lockdown on one of top player’s legs, creating figure-four entanglement that restricts leg mobility and prevents standard base positioning
- Bottom opponent controls upper body through underhook or overhook, typically threading under the arm or wrapping over the shoulder to create leverage for whip-up motion
- Top player’s posture is compromised and weight is being shifted laterally through opponent’s whip-up mechanics, preventing stable combat base establishment
- Top player’s trapped leg is extended and controlled, limiting ability to generate forward pressure or establish secure posting positions
- Bottom opponent is actively creating upward and lateral hip pressure, forcing top player to constantly adjust base to prevent being rolled or swept
Prerequisites
- Top player previously in half guard top or passing position
- Bottom opponent successfully established lockdown on one leg
- Bottom opponent secured underhook or overhook on upper body
- Top player’s posture has been broken or compromised
- Bottom opponent initiated whip-up motion creating lateral instability
Key Offensive Principles
- Immediately widen base and lower center of gravity to counter whip-up motion and prevent being rolled to back or side
- Address lockdown first by clearing the figure-four configuration before attempting to advance passing position
- Maintain heavy shoulder pressure on bottom opponent’s chest to limit their mobility and reduce effectiveness of whip-up
- Keep weight distributed strategically to prevent both sweep attempts and submission setups while working escape sequence
- Use controlled breathing and patience rather than explosive movements that create space for bottom opponent’s attacks
- Systematically break upper body control while maintaining defensive leg positioning to prevent Electric Chair or Truck transitions
- Recognize attack patterns and preemptively defend based on bottom opponent’s grip adjustments and hip movements
Available Attacks
Half Guard Pass → Side Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 25%
- Intermediate: 40%
- Advanced: 55%
Knee Slice Pass → Side Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 20%
- Intermediate: 35%
- Advanced: 50%
Smash Pass → Side Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 20%
- Intermediate: 35%
- Advanced: 50%
Pressure Pass → Side Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 25%
- Intermediate: 40%
- Advanced: 55%
Base Widening → Combat Base
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 35%
- Intermediate: 50%
- Advanced: 65%
Whizzer → Half Guard
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 30%
- Intermediate: 45%
- Advanced: 60%
Decision Making from This Position
If opponent has deep underhook and is creating strong whip-up pressure:
- Execute Whizzer → Half Guard (Probability: 55%)
- Execute Base Widening → Combat Base (Probability: 45%)
If lockdown is tight but upper body control is weak:
- Execute Pressure Pass → Side Control (Probability: 50%)
- Execute Smash Pass → Side Control (Probability: 45%)
If opponent is threatening Electric Chair or attempting to roll to Truck:
- Execute Base Widening → Combat Base (Probability: 60%)
- Execute Half Guard Pass → Side Control (Probability: 40%)
If lockdown pressure decreases or opponent adjusts grip:
- Execute Knee Slice Pass → Side Control (Probability: 55%)
- Execute Half Guard Pass → Side Control (Probability: 50%)
Optimal Submission Paths
Defense to Pass Path
Vaporizer Top → Base Widening → Combat Base → Half Guard Pass → Side Control
Whizzer Counter Path
Vaporizer Top → Whizzer → Half Guard → Knee Slice Pass → Side Control
Pressure Escape Path
Vaporizer Top → Smash Pass → Pressure Pass → Side Control → Mount
Success Rates and Statistics
| Skill Level | Retention Rate | Advancement Probability | Submission Probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner | 30% | 25% | 5% |
| Intermediate | 45% | 40% | 10% |
| Advanced | 60% | 55% | 15% |
Average Time in Position: 60-120 seconds to escape or be swept/submitted