How To Get To Mount And Take The Back In BJJ

Posted by Matt Bryers on February 21, 2019

In Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, the mount position and taking the back are considered two of the most dominant positions to attack submissions from

However both positions require a high level of control in order to prevent being counter by your opponent. Therefore, having good technique is crucial to retaining either position. For example, in the mount position it is very easy for the guy on bottom to start bumping you with his hips. If you have bad technique it is likely they are just going to continue to break you down and work towards reversing your position. As another example, when you get to the back, if you do not have proper control with both your legs and arms then you will not be able to control your opponent correctly to hit submissions.

By combining the skills to get to the mount and then get to your opponent’s back, you open up greater opportunities for effectively controlling your opponent. Let’s take a look at just how to do it. First, we will break it down into two first. The first part will be how to take the mount and counter your opponent’s bridging defense. In the video below, seasoned grappler and UFC veteran Chael Sonnen demonstrates how to take the mount from guard. Let’s check it out. Watch the video below and then we will break down the technique.

If there is one thing Chael emphasizes the most in this demonstration is movement. Chael from the moment you start to pass the guard you should always be looking to advance your way to mount. Chael posts on his training partner’s chest and stands to break the guard. From here he is able to get one knee flat on the mat. As soon as the knee touches the mat, Chael is looks to pin the opposite side arm of his training partner. Your training partner’s instinct will be to bridge. When he does step over and hook your leg. Good technique in mount is determinant on your ability to restrain your opponent from bridging with his hips. Keep your heels together and use your hips to pressure your training partner into the ground. You can make it impossible for him to move if you lift his head.

Once you are in the mount position and you have good control established you can work towards a back take, which puts you in a great position for a submission. Check out the video below and then we will break down the technique.

In this example, your opponent has been able to capture one of your legs. This first thing you want to do is work toward freeing your leg. You can free the leg by back stepping towards your trapped leg. Now all you have to do is close up your triangle and sit on your opponent’s thigh. This prevents your opponent from repositioning. From here you can work to reverse the position. Now, forward roll onto your shoulder towards your opponent’s legs. Once you forward roll you should extend your legs as you are finishing your roll. Under hook your training partner’s arm and get your free hand over his shoulder. From here lock up the sealt belt grip and get your hooks in.

Knowing how to maneuver from one spot to another is key when it comes to learning Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and any grappling martial art. I think Chael says it best, “my movement, my movement, my movement!” Get greedy with your movements and try to chain as many in a series as you can before your opponent gets an opportunity to move once. Knowing how to get to mount and get to the back are vital to becoming a well rounded grappler. Both the mount and the back are great positions to attack submissions from. So keep this in mind the next time you are on the mats!