Back Control/Mount
Back control is a highly advantageous position where one practitioner is behind their opponent, with their chest against the opponent's back. The practitioner on top typically has their legs wrapped around the opponent's waist or hips, securing back mount. Note: do not cross your feet when you are controlling back mount as the opponent has the opportunity to break your ankles using a technique with their legs. This position offers significant control, as the practitioner on top has the potential to attack with chokes and various submissions while minimizing the defensive options for the opponent. Back control is considered one of the most dominant positions in BJJ.
Maintaining Back Control
Submissions
Rear-Naked Choke (RNC):Â The rear-naked choke is a fundamental and highly effective submission. It involves securing a grip around the opponent's neck, either with or without a gi, and applying pressure to cut off blood circulation.
Short Choke: A variation of the rear naked choke allows for choke pressure with an alternate control mechanism
Zip Tie Lapel Choke (Gi Only): A choke that uses grips on the Gi to produce a choking pressure through sliding pressure on the lapels.
Bow and Arrow Choke (Gi Only):Â Control one of the opponent's collars and one of their legs, creating a bow and arrow-like configuration that puts pressure on the neck.
Wrist Lock: Techniques that apply pressure to the wrist joint. From rear mount these techniques are likely more useful to break grips and create openings for submissions rather than achieving a submission.
Armbar:Â Transition to an armbar by isolating one of the opponent's arms and extending it to apply pressure on the elbow joint.
Triangle Choke:Â Secure a triangle choke from the back mount by trapping the opponent's head and arm using your legs. (Side note: I have had success to increase pressure of this choke when able to grab the opponents leg on the side of the choke lock and pull it towards my head. Not mandatory, but a cool option.)
Straight Arm Lock/Bent Arm Lock from Triangle Position: Secure an arm lock or bent arm lock (similar to an americana) while the opponent is in the triangle choke position.
Ezekiel Choke (Gi Only):Â If the opponent defends their neck with their hands, transition to an Ezekiel choke by using your own sleeves or the collar.
short choke, rear naked choke, bow and arrow, wrist lock, arm bars, triangle chokes, straight arm lock, bent arm lock, and arm-in ezekiel choke
Body Triangle to Chokes:Â (A personal favorite of mine) The body triangle can be used as a great control tool or can even be used as a submission. If you have a body triangle locked, use it to control the opponent's movement and create openings for various chokes.
Twister:Â A spinal lock that involves controlling the opponent's body and twisting their spine. Note that the twister can put significant strain on the neck and spine and should be applied cautiously.
Conclusion
In conclusion, back mount is arguably the most dominant position for both control and submissions in jiu jitsu. Submissions from the back mount represent the pinnacle of positional dominance, offering a range of high-percentage attacks such as the rear-naked choke, bow and arrow choke, and various collar and arm manipulations that highlight the strategic importance of achieving and maintaining this powerful and advantageous position. Mastery of back mount submissions not only showcases technical prowess but also highlights the practitioner's ability to control, anticipate, and seamlessly transition between attacks, making it a cornerstone of a well-rounded and effective ground game in BJJ.