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Immobilizations

Overview​

Immobilizations are dominant control positions where you've passed the guard and established superior positioning. These positions allow you to:

  • Control your opponent's movement
  • Exhaust their defensive energy
  • Set up finishing submissions
  • Prevent escapes and reversals

The Three Main Immobilizations​

🎯 Front Mount​

Sitting on the opponent's torso with full control. The most versatile dominant position.

Variations:

  • Low Mount (control focus)
  • Medium Mount (balanced)
  • High Mount (offensive)
  • S-Mount (transitional)

Key principle: Control the hips first, then advance to shoulders

🔒 Back Mount​

The most dominant position in BJJ, controlling opponent from behind like a "backpack".

Focus: Seatbelt grip, hooks vs body triangle, chest-to-back connection

Primary submissions:

⚡ Side Control​

Perpendicular chest-to-chest control using Table Theory and dynamic pressure.

Focus: Weight distribution, preventing escapes, transitioning to mount or submissions

Primary submissions:

Core Principles Across All Immobilizations​

Weight Distribution​

  • Use gravity and body positioning to make escape difficult
  • Distribute pressure strategically (not just raw strength)
  • Maintain multiple points of contact (Table Theory)

Space Management​

  • Fill space to prevent opponent's movement
  • Control the central line (torso)
  • Block the flanks (sides)

Progressive Control​

Pass through the body lines:

feet → legs → hips → shoulders/head

Each immobilization represents conquering these lines in sequence.

Training Focus​

From Top Position​

  1. Establish positional dominance first
  2. Maintain control through transitions
  3. Only attack submissions from stable positions
  4. If losing position, transition to another immobilization

From Bottom Position​

Understanding immobilizations helps you:

  • Recognize escape windows
  • Protect critical hip and shoulder lines
  • Time your defensive movements
  • Recover guard systematically

🔗 Related Resources​