Montée Frontale
Quick Introduction
The mount is a ground control position where the person is on top, sitting over the opponent's torso. It controls, exhausts, and creates finishing options.
Position Overview
Station: Immobilization
Achieved from: Guard passing or takedowns
Leads to: Submissions or transitions to back
Mount Types (4 Main Variations)
⬇️ Low Mount (Control Focus)
Objective
Maximum stability and control; exhaust the opponent; look for chokes and arm isolation patiently
Main Characteristic
Equal weight distribution — hips pressing against the opponent's diaphragm
Execution (Step by Step)
- Cross your feet under/behind the opponent's hips (prevents half guard recovery)
- If opponent bridges (explosive hip thrust upward), hook with foot opposite to movement direction
- Hug the head and isolate at least one arm as soon as possible
Tactical Advantage
Conservative approach — ideal for tiring opponents and forcing defensive openings
⚖️ Medium Mount (Balanced)
Objective
Mix of control and attack (chokes and armlocks)
Main Characteristic
Weight divided between opponent's belly and your "pinching" knees
Execution
- Distribute weight between their belly and your knees
- Knees should pinch the body
- Connect feet (big toe to big toe) to prevent guard recovery
- If losing stability: hug head, place chest over face for pressure
Tactical Advantage
Versatile — good for controlling and attacking with variety
⬆️ High Mount (Offensive)
Objective
Extremely offensive, focused on arm attacks and finishing quickly
Main Characteristic
Sitting on opponent's chest, knees pinching high near armpits
Execution
- Sit higher, close to opponent's chest
- "Pinch" knees on torso, use arms as underhooks
- Control head with hands, keep it elevated
- Expose arms above shoulder line
Tactical Advantage
Creates many submission opportunities; requires attention to base
〰️ S-Mount (Transitional)
Objective
Transitional position for armlocks and triangles
Main Characteristic
Your body forms an "S" shape - upper body angles one way while hips angle opposite, following opponent's defensive turn
Execution
- Follow opponent's turn without lifting hips
- Place sole of foot under opponent's armpit
- Sit on hips, press heel against back of your knee
- Attack quickly - this is an opportunity position
Alternative Path
Transition to back mount:
- Establish seatbelt grip
- Sit back inserting first hook
- Complete with second hook
Tactical Advantage
Excellent for quick submissions; requires proper timing
Important Observations (General Rules)
Core Principles
- 🎯 Head control is almost always mandatory during mount
- 💪 Arm exposure - Raise opponent's arms above shoulder line (~90°)
- ⏱️ Patience - Don't rush submissions after achieving mount
- 🔄 Transitions - If losing mount, transition to back
- 🎮 Adaptability - Choose mount type based on objective:
- Control → Low Mount
- Combination → Medium Mount
- Quick Attack → High Mount
- Opportunistic → S-Mount
Connection to Theories
Applying core principles:
- Weight Distribution: Essential for all mount types
- Space Management: Fill space to prevent escapes
- Table Theory: Multiple contact points for stability
Common Mistakes
⚠️ Rushing submissions - Value position before submission
⚠️ Poor weight distribution - Allows easy escapes
⚠️ Ignoring transitions - Missing opportunities to take the back
🎯 Next Steps
After mastering mount:
- Learn transitions → Back Mount 🚧
- Develop submissions → Armbar, Triangle, Americana 🚧
- Practice variations → Contrôle latéral 🚧
🔗 Related Resources
- Immobilizations Overview - All dominant control positions
- Guard Passing - How to achieve mount
- Submissions - Attacks from mount position
- Central Line and Flanks - Understanding torso control
- Principles & Theories - Core concepts behind control