Improve your Mount position in ground fighting

7 Details You Need to Know to Improve Your Mount Stance in Ground Fighting.

Anyone who’s felt the pressure of a well-placed mount knows it’s like having a boulder on your chest. It’s not just a position. It’s a system of control, of strategic torture. Roger Gracie called it his favorite position: ‘If I start from there, it’s only a matter of time.’ This article shows you how to get there… and how to stay there, while the other guy disintegrates under your weight.”

Today I want to talk to you about the position that is often called ” the king or queen of all positions in Jiu Jitsu “, the mount !

Improve your Mount position in Ground Battle

The 7 Details That Separate Those Who Are “On Top” From Those Who Truly Dominate

Have you ever felt like you had the upper hand… but weren’t really in control?

You’re in mount, the position everyone calls “the throne of grappling,” but something’s off: your opponent moves too much, he’s unable to defend, and you can’t finish. It almost seems like mount is overrated.

Yet, BJJ legends like Roger Gracie call it their favorite position.
How is this possible?

The truth is this: Mount is one of the most powerful positions in ground fighting , but only if you master its details.
It’s not enough to just “stay on top.” You have to know how to stay there , know how to attack , and above all know how to adapt your strategy based on how your opponent moves.

In this article, I’ll take you to the heart of the mount position.
Not theory, but real-world experience on the mat : drills, key concepts, technical variations, and strategies for BJJ, MMA, and self-defense.
I’ll explain:

✅ The three main variations of the mount (low, medium, high)
✅ The 7 technical details that make the difference between control and chaos
✅ How to attack intelligently with chokes, armbars and strikes
✅ How to use the mount in MMA and self-defense
✅ When is the right time to perform transitions (and not lose everything)

All explained directly, effectively, and always with a fighter’s mindset.
Because the mount isn’t a place to rest. It’s a place to finish.

If you want to take your ground fighting to the next level, start here.

Mount is a powerful but also complex position that needs to be deeply understood in order to be used effectively .

You often see people in mount position but unable to finish, almost as if it were a disadvantage.

Once upon a time, if Roger Gracie , one of the best Jiu-Jitsu fighters of all time, could choose from which position to start his ” BJJ mat battles” what would it be?

Without thinking twice, the “mount” responded.

Here I want to give you seven important details that have helped improve my ability to hold and attack from the mount position.

Ps. Learn some basic terms too !

What is Mount and Why is it Crucial in BJJ and Self-Defense?

“Mount is my favorite position. If I get there, I know it’s over.”
— Roger Gracie , 10-time World Jiu-Jitsu Champion

In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, the mount (monta in Italian) is often called “the queen of all positions . ”
Why? Because you are on top of your opponent , sitting on their torso or sternum, with your knees on the ground and all your weight centered on their breathing. From there you can:

• Striking (if you are in an MMA or real fight context)

• Finish (armbar, cross-choke, ezekiel, triangle)

• Back mount

• Maintaining a pressing, exhausting, hope-destroying control

It’s a position that destroys the morale of those on the other side.
But be careful: it’s not invincible.
If you use it poorly, if you don’t attack, if you don’t control, your opponent will turn it into an opportunity to reverse you, re-engage, or escape.

Sports Mount vs. Self-Defense Mount

In sport BJJ

Mount is worth points (generally 4 IBJJF points ) and can also be held passively. The goal is to dominate and then finish. It’s a rewarding position , even if static.

In real self-defense or street fighting

Mount is a double-edged sword .
It can give you control, yes…
But it leaves you exposed:

• You are visible and vulnerable to other attackers (third parties)

• The opponent can pull out an improvised weapon from underneath ( knife , bottle , pen )

• The ground is hard, unstable, slippery – there is no tatami

On the street, you don’t use your mount to stay on top. You use it to strike, neutralize, and escape.

So: why is it crucial to master it?

Why mount it:

• It is a position of psychological and physical dominance

• It allows you to impose pace and pressure

• It lets you choose: finish, strike, transition or walk away

But only if you know what you’re doing.
Only if you’ve studied it, trained it, tested it on those who resist , sweat, push, defend themselves, and force you to improve.

The 3 Main Variations of Mount: Knowing How to Switch Them Is Your Superpower

There is no “one-size-fits-all” mount.
There are three main variations , each with a different purpose , a different type of control , and most importantly, different attacks and transitions .

If you really want to master this position, you need to know how to recognize them, alternate between them, and use them strategically .

1. Mount Bassa

A position where you’re almost lying on top of your opponent. Your legs are hooked together with the classic “grapevine” (like enveloping roots) and your center of gravity is very low.

• Focus : Controlling the opponent’s hips and cancelling the bridge.

• Perfect for : wearing out, slowing down, tiring, neutralizing movement.

2. Mount Technique (or Media)

It’s a transitional mount. Your weight is centered, not too high or too low. Your knees can be above or near your hips, ready to change positions.

• Focus : Balance control and attacking possibilities.

• Perfect for : Reading reactions and quickly switching to high or back mount.

3. Mount Alta

The most aggressive. You sit high on your opponent’s chest, often with your knees under their armpits. This gives you direct access to their neck, arms, and soul.

• Focus : pressure, finishing, submission.

• Perfect for : chokes, armbars, triangles, back transitions.

Comparison Table: Advantages and Disadvantages of Mount Variants

Street Fight Mentality Tip:

“The true strength of mount isn’t standing still. It’s knowing how to change variations before your opponent realizes what you’re doing.”

When to use them?

• Mount Bassa : When you want to slow down, tire out, or are up against a very explosive opponent.

• Mount Tecnica : when you want to understand what it will do and where it will open first.

• Mount Alta : When you want to finish .

⚙️ Practical Application of the 7 Technical Details in the 3 Mount Variants

Each variant of the mount – low, technical/medium, high – requires a different strategy , but is still based on the same 7 fundamental elements :

1. Weight balance

2. Leg and foot check

3. Hip flexibility

4. Control of the opponent’s pelvis

5. Neck and arm control

6. Transition capacity

7. Tactile sensitivity and responsiveness

Let’s see how these principles apply in the three main variations of the mount:

Mount Bassa

• Balance and Weight : The weight is distributed forward, close to the opponent’s torso, to neutralize his bridge attempts. The center of gravity is low for maximum stability.

• Leg Control : knees close to hips/shoulders, feet tucked under the opponent’s body ( grapevine ), wide, tight base.

• ✅ Objective : To nullify the opponent’s mobility.

• ⚠️ Limitations : Few direct attacks, requires transition to finish.

Mount Tecnica (or Media)

• Balance and Weight : The weight is centered and neutral. Not too far forward, not too far back. This allows you to read your opponent and react in real time.

• Leg Control : Flexible knees, often slightly raised or floating above the abdomen or chest. Allows you to quickly transition to high mount or side control.

• ✅ Objective : prepare the attack or transition.

• ⚠️ Limitation : Requires close attention to the opponent’s leverage. Requires sensitivity.

Mount Alta

• Balance and Weight : The weight is projected high, above the chest or sternum. You must modulate your center of gravity well to avoid becoming unstable.

• Leg Control : Knees in the opponent’s armpits. The arms are automatically isolated. Excellent for chokes and armbars.

• ✅ Objective : To finish in a direct and brutal way.

• ⚠️ Limitation : Easier to tip over if weight is not managed properly.

Technical Conclusion

“The 7 elements don’t change. What changes is how you apply them depending on the variant.”

Train yourself to:

• Feel the weight and pressure in each variation

• Switching from one to the other in response to the opponent’s behavior

• Identify the perfect window to attack or transition through

With the right drill and attention to detail, you can turn any mount into an instant attack position , not just a comfort zone.

⚔️ Control, Reactivity and Strategy: Mount is a Game of Precision

Regardless of the mount variant you are using – low, technical or high – there are two elements you can never overlook :

• Control of the neck or arms

• Active positioning of the hands and feet

The hands aren’t there by accident: one controls, the other threatens.
The feet aren’t stationary: they’re stability sensors.
Whenever you use them passively, you’re giving your opponent room to react.

Your mount posture isn’t static. It’s a living structure.

If your opponent changes stance, you react.
If he rolls onto his side, you go into S-Mount.
If he tries a bridge, you reposition your weight.
If he protects his neck, you go for the arms.
If he locks his elbows, you threaten a choke.

Mount is never a frozen situation.
It’s an attack powerhouse , a dynamic position where your body listens, adapts, and punishes your opponent’s every mistake.

What now? Learn more.

In the rest of the article we will explore:

✅ The specific opportunities offered by each variant
✅ How to choose the right mount at the right time
✅ How to build fluid and reactive attack chains
✅ How to dominate in BJJ, MMA and urban self-defense

If you want the mount to truly become yours, don’t just know it. Study it. Live it. Use it.

⚖️ Advantages and Disadvantages of the 3 Mount Variants

Each variant of the mount— low, medium/technical, high —offers specific advantages but also vulnerabilities.
There’s no such thing as the “perfect” mount. There’s the right mount at the right time , based on:

• to your goal (control, attack, transition)

• to the opponent’s reaction

• to the context (gi, no-gi, MMA, street)

Let’s see them one by one

Mount Bassa

Advantages:

• Maximum stability : low center of gravity, solidly distributed weight, difficult to tip over.

• Chest and breath control : Knees well placed close to the ribs block chest expansion.

• Great for wearing down : useful for tiring out the opponent, breaking the rhythm and setting up the transition.

• Quick transitions : You can easily transition to side control, back or armbar if your opponent opens up space.

⚠️ Disadvantages:

• Limited visibility and leverage : You are too close to the body to see everything that is going on.

• Little pressure on the neck or arms : requires a change of position to really threaten.

• Not intimidating : Experienced opponents easily read this mount and look for the reset.

Mount Media or Technique

Advantages:

• Perfect balance between mobility and pressure : you are in a strategic position to react or strike.

• Great reading point : you can see the opponent’s movement, feel it and anticipate it.

• Smooth Transition Base : Allows you to mount high or return low based on the enemy’s response.

⚠️ Disadvantages:

• Requires more energy : You are always micro-regulating your weight, so your energy expenditure increases.

• Opening risk : If you lose tension with your knees or get your timing wrong, you leave room for escape.

• Tactile sensitivity is required : you can’t improvise. You have to “feel” the reaction and act before experiencing it.

Mount Alta

Advantages:

• Maximum offensiveness : You’re tall, visual, and threatening. Your opponent feels psychological and physical pressure.

• Head and shoulder check : knees inside armpits = perfect isolation of arms and neck.

• Explosive attacks : cross-choke, mounted triangle, armbar, Ezekiel, americana – you’re in the kill zone.

⚠️ Disadvantages:

• Reduced stability : You are higher up, and if your opponent bridges or slips, you could lose everything.

• High risk of rollover : you must be ready to change angles or return to technique on the fly.

• It requires great control : it’s not a position you “hold.” You use it. And you finish it.

❌ Mount Rear? Not now.

Of course, there’s also rear mount (back grab) – and it’s devastating.
But in this post, we’re focusing on face-to-face mount , where the clash is visual, tactical, and pressing.
Rear mount will have its own chapter. For now, let’s stay frontal. Dominant.

So…How Do You Choose Your Mount?

It depends on what you want to do:

All three are based on 7 universal elements :
Balance, leg control, hip control, posture, reactivity, transitions, aggression.

✅ Master these 7 elements in every variation, and there will be no opponent who can escape you.

Comparison Table: Advantages and Disadvantages of Mount Variants

QUIZ: Which Mount Variant Is Right for You?

Find out which mount variation best suits your fighting style, strategy, and mindset.

❓ Question 1: How would you define your fighting style?

• A) I like to control and tire the opponent, then strike when he is exhausted

• B) I am constantly adapting: I read, I react, I transition

• C) I want to dominate and finish with psychological and physical pressure

❓ Question 2: In mount, what do you fear most?

• A) Being knocked over by a violent bridge

• B) Losing your balance and ending up in half guard

• C) That the opponent closes everything and gives me nothing

❓ Question 3: What is your priority while you are in mount?

• A) Stay glued, neutralize and manage the opponent’s breathing

• B) Create chaos and read every movement to act

• C) Impose submissions or heavy ground & pound

❓ Question 4: Do you feel better when…

• A) You are short, solid and feel you have control over your opponent’s entire body

• B) You are mobile and can move from one position to another fluidly

• C) You have constant pressure on the opponent’s head and shoulders and you crush him

❓ Question 5: In training, what type of drill do you prefer?

• A) Static control drills, bridge resistance and stable transitions

• B) Flow drill with position changes and conditioned rolling

• C) Pure attack: armbar, Ezekiel, triangle, choke from mount

RESULTS

Majority A: Mount Bassa

You’re a strategic, calculating fighter who prefers to wear yourself down before striking.
Mount Bassa is perfect for you: stability, control, and time management.

Focus : Grapevine, hip control, safe transition to side control.

Majority B: Mount Tecnica

You’re a chameleon. You read your opponent, adapt, and attack at the right moment.
Mount Tecnica gives you mobility, tactile sensitivity, and quick transitions.

Focus : Sensitivity, balance, smooth transition to high mount or back mount.

Majority C: Mount Alta

You’re dominant and aggressive. You want to finish and intimidate with pressure alone.
Mount Alta is your weapon: chokes, armbars, triangles, heavy strikes.

Focus : Armpit and head control, maximum offensiveness, active kill zone.

Devastating Mount Attacks: Your Dominator Weapons

The mount isn’t a break.
It’s an attack platform.
When you get there, you don’t have to stay. You have to finish.

Here is a very detailed overview of the most effective attacks you can perform from the mount, both in sports (BJJ, MMA) and in real self-defense.

1️⃣ Armbar (Submission to the Arm)

The ultimate attack.
If you can isolate one arm, the armbar from the mount is one of the most direct and cleanest finishes.

Setup :
– Isolate your arm as your opponent attempts to push your chest or protect your neck
– Bring your knee over your opponent’s head
– Rotate and slide into S-mount or high mount
– Disembark while controlling your wrist and locking your elbow

Pro Tip :
Check your pulse first, then move your body. Not the other way around.

2️⃣ Classic Chokes

Cross-Choke (with gi):

Insert a first deep grip into the lapel, then cross the other arm and squeeze with your wrists rotating.

Ezekiel Choke (also no-gi):

One hand behind the neck, the other pushes through the neck with the forearm like a blade.

Mounted Guillotine:

If your opponent hugs you or tries to climb up, lock your head under his armpit and block his throat from the front.

Pro Tip :
In chokes , timing is everything. If you hesitate, he defends himself. If you’re quick and decisive, he gives up.

3️⃣ Body Shots (Striking in Mount)

In a MMA or self-defense context, mount strikes are brutal :

• Hammer fists

• Blows to the liver or sternum

• Targeted blows to the face to break the guard

Objective :
To weaken, open space for transitions or submissions.

4️⃣ Elbows from Mount

Lethal. Precise. Frightening.

USA:

• Vertical elbows (12–6) if allowed

• Horizontal elbow thrusts to open eyebrows

• Elbow pressure on the jaw or temples

Pro Tip :
Pay attention to the rules. In self-defense, however… there are no rules, just survival.

5️⃣ Tactical Positional Control

Don’t underestimate pure control. If you’re mounted and your opponent is completely neutralized , you can:

• Breathe and analyze

• Look for errors in his defense

• Do “slow killing” (constant pressure, zero space)

In self-defense, checking can be more effective than hitting , if you want to avoid escalations or witnesses.

6️⃣ Offensive Transitions

The mountain is also a crossroads. From here you can go anywhere:

• Mount → S-Mount → Armbar

• Mount → Knee on Belly → Side Pass

• Mount → Back Mount → Rear Naked Choke

• Mount → Mounted Triangle → Rolling Back Take

Pro Tip :
Every time your opponent turns his torso or raises an arm, you have an opportunity.

7️⃣ Tactile Sensitivity

Your invisible weapon.
Learn to sense what your opponent is about to do before he even does it:

• Is he breathing differently? He wants to explode.

• Is he pushing? He’s about to play bridge.

• Is he getting stiff? He’s preparing a shrimp.

Recommended drill : Mount with your eyes closed. Your partner tries to escape. You just have to react.

8️⃣ Variety and Psychological Pressure

A predictable attacker is a weak defender.

Alternate:

• Pressure → Armbar → Choke → Strikes → Transition

• Transition → Feint → Choke → Armbar

The secret isn’t choosing the right attack.
It’s forcing your opponent to make mistakes, under constant pressure.

In summary:

Comparing the 3 Mount Variants: Which One to Use and When?

There’s more to a mount than just one. It’s a system with multiple variants , each with strengths and weaknesses to be aware of and exploited.
To help you choose the right mount at the right time , take a look at this visual comparison table :

Detailed Variant-by-Variant Analysis

Mount Bassa

• Stability: ★★★★★
  You have a wide base, a low center of gravity, and are almost flat. Very difficult to tip over.

• Pressure: ★★★☆☆
  You can crush your opponent’s pelvis and hips, but you are too short to put much pressure on their upper body.

• Available Attacks: ★★☆☆☆
  Great for neutralizing, not ideal for submitting . The opponent’s arms are too close to the body, making it difficult to open them without rising.

• Ease of Transition: ★★★★☆
  Excellent base for high-mount climbing or back-to-back transitions. Excellent starting point for grabbing and moving forward.

• Risk of rollover: ★☆☆☆☆
  Very low. Only very skilled opponents will roll you over from here, and you’ll still hear the signal early.

When to use it: When you want to control, slow down, punish your opponent’s gas , and set up a transition.

Mount Tecnica (or Media)

• Stability: ★★★★☆
  Good balance between low and high. Less anchored than the low, but still manageable.

• Pressure: ★★★☆☆
  You can apply pressure to your chest and limit your breathing. Good use of your torso is required.

• Available attacks: ★★★☆☆
  You have space to start working choke, americana, armbar , but you have to manage the movements well.

• Ease of Transition: ★★★★★
  This is your central hub . From here you can go up, down, backflip, and switch sides. Perfect for flow and chaining .

• Risk of tipping: ★★☆☆☆
  If you have the feel, you can easily correct your weight and rebalance. But watch out for lateral defenses.

When to use it: ideal in dynamic phases , to work on chain attacks and read the opponent’s defenses.

Mount Alta

• Stability: ★★☆☆☆
  You’re high on your opponent’s chest or sternum. Great for attacking, but you lose your grounding. More risky.

• Pressure: ★★★★★ They’re suffocating
  here . The weight is on your diaphragm, your arms, your neck. If done right, it’s pure torture.

• Available Attacks: ★★★★★
  Best for working chokes, armbars, triangles, and transitions to back mounts . Opponent is exposed.

• Ease of Transition: ★★☆☆☆
  Going further up is difficult. Descending or changing angles must be done carefully or you’ll lose everything.

• Risk of tipping: ★★★☆☆
  High if you lack sensitivity. A poor weight shift or a misplaced lever can easily land you under.

When to use it: To finish, strike, choke . You have to know what to do and do it quickly. You won’t stay there for long.

When to Switch from One Variant to Another?

Here’s the rule of thumb:

• Low → Medium → High = When you feel in control, you want to attack, and the opponent is static.

• From High → Medium or Low = When the opponent moves too much or attempts a bridge/hip escape.

• From Technique → Back Mount = When the opponent turns on his side or turns his back to escape.

Tip:

Don’t get stuck in one variation.
A good fighter knows how to seamlessly transition between low, medium, and high mounts depending on their opponent’s response. Static is predictable; fluidity is lethal.

Mini Glossary: ​​Technical Terms on Mount

Mount
A dominant ground fighting position in which you sit on your opponent’s chest or stomach, with your knees on either side of his torso.

Low Mount
Variation of mount where you are almost lying on top of your opponent, with your feet “grapevined” around his legs for maximum stability.

Technical Mount (or Medium)
Intermediate position between low and high mount, ideal for fluid transitions and attacks.

High Mount
An aggressive mount variation where you sit on your opponent’s sternum or upper chest, perfect for chokes and strikes.

Grapevine
Technique in which the legs are hooked inside the opponent’s legs to prevent him from moving his hips or bridging.

Armbar (or Arm Lock)
Submission in which you extend your opponent’s arm and hyperextend it at the elbow.

Cross-Choke
Classic gi choke in which the hands cross over the opponent’s collar to compress the carotid arteries.

Ezekiel-Choke
A choke where you use one hand inside the collar and the other arm to push against the opponent’s throat or windpipe.

Transition
Technical passage from one position to another to improve control or attack.

Bridge (or Upa)
Explosive upward movement of the hips used to try to overturn the opponent from under the mount.

Hip Escape (Shrimping)
A hip shifting technique to create space and try to escape from control positions such as the mount.

Base
Your balance and postural structure to stay stable in one position and resist tipping over.

Tactile Sensitivity
The ability to perceive and react to an opponent’s movements through physical contact alone, without having to “see”.

Back Mount (or Rear Mount)
Control position from behind the opponent, in which you have both legs hooked around his torso and you look for a rear choke.

S-Mount
Advanced transition from mount where one leg passes next to the head and the other is positioned near the armpit, isolating one arm for an armbar or triangle.

Conditioned Rolling
A form of low-intensity sparring with specific technical objectives (e.g. maintaining the mount, attacking from there, transitioning, etc.).

The 7 important details of the mount position:

Balance

If you don’t have good balance , the mount position is practically useless.

It’s nearly impossible to execute an attack when you’re just trying to avoid being knocked over or rolled out.

This balance must be instinctive, it is not something you can think about because your attention must be focused on your attacks.

There’s a drill I use that can really help you with this.

Get into mount position on your training partner and have him put his hands behind his head and you do the same.

Now your partner tries to tip you over and you try to maintain your balance.

Once this becomes easy, the next evolution of the drill is to have your eyes closed while doing it.

This teaches you the timing and sensitivity required to maintain the mount position without using your hands, which can and must be free to start working on attacks, to execute chokes and arm locks.

Balance is undoubtedly one of the most crucial aspects of successfully maintaining the mount position in ground fighting.

Without good balance, it becomes difficult to execute effective attacks while trying to avoid being knocked over.

The drill you described is a great way to develop instinctive balance and greater sensitivity.

Here are some additional considerations:

1. Tactile Sensitivity : Practicing with your eyes closed is an excellent way to develop better tactile sensitivity. You’ll learn to sense your opponent’s movements through physical contact and adjust your balance accordingly.
2. Weight Control : Focus on how you distribute your weight on the mount. Keeping your weight evenly distributed can help improve your balance. Both in training and combat, try to avoid overloading any specific part of your body, which could make you more vulnerable to rollovers.
3. Reactivity : Training with your eyes closed teaches you to react instinctively to your opponent’s movements. This reactivity is essential for maintaining balance as you try to control your position and prepare for attacks.
4. Drill progression : As you mentioned, start with your partner trying to flip you over while you keep your hands behind your head and your hands free. Gradually, you can complicate the drill by allowing your partner to use their hands to try to lift themselves and flip you over. This adds an element of challenge and realism to your workout.
5. Relaxed Mindset : Maintain a relaxed mindset during the drill. Tension and stiffness can affect your balance. Try to breathe evenly and maintain a natural balance as you move.
6. Regular Practice : Repeat this drill regularly to further develop your balance and responsiveness. Regular practice is essential to improving your mount skills.

By developing a solid, instinctive balance, you’ll be able to maintain your mount position with greater confidence and focus on effective attacks. This skill is crucial to success in ground fighting.

Position of the feet

This “simple” tip allows you to reduce the number of times your opponents are able to trap one of your legs in half guard.

When in the low mount position, make sure your feet are constantly tucked under the body of your opponent or training partner.

Any gap between your feet and his body is a potential opportunity for him to trap one of your ankles and allow him to begin his re-guarding process, and we all know how frustrating it is to be hooked and flipped over.

Keep your feet hidden from your opponent because it will be more difficult for him to get out of the mount.

Keeping your feet tucked under your opponent or training partner’s body while in the low mount position is very important.

This tactic has many advantages, including preventing half-guard trapping and maintaining greater control over your mount position.

Here are some additional considerations:

1. Trap Prevention : Tucking your feet under your opponent’s body makes it harder for them to try to trap one of your ankles and move into half-guard. This helps you maintain your dominant position.
2. Control and stability : By keeping your feet close to your opponent’s body, you have tighter control over their upper body. This can limit their mobility and reduce their defensive options.
3. Increased difficulty for the opponent : Hiding your feet also makes it more difficult for the opponent to try to flip you or break free from the mount, as they cannot easily access your legs.
4. Preparation for attacks : This position allows you to prepare for mounted attacks, such as submissions or body shots. Keeping your feet tucked in gives you a solid base to launch your attacks.
5. Maintaining Pressure : Tucking your feet allows you to maintain constant pressure on your opponent’s upper body, increasing your control and limiting their options.
6. Tactile Sensitivity : Develop a good sense of touch to feel any movement from your opponent as they attempt to trap one of your legs. Recognizing these attempts early allows you to adjust your control accordingly.

This approach is particularly effective in low mount, but can also be applied to other mount variants.

With consistent practice, you will become more adept at hiding your feet and maintaining control from the mount position, reducing your opponent’s opportunities to roll you over or regain guard.

Flexibility of your hips

There is a common misconception among many fighters that squeezing your opponent between your knees while holding the mount position is the most effective way to control him but this is not the case because it tends to raise your center of gravity.

My experience is that the best mount specialists do exactly the opposite:

• They keep their feet hidden,
• they spread their knees and
• “sink” on top of the other fighter.

This greatly improves your balance because your base widens and your center of gravity lowers.

They carry weight!

This way you put a lot more pressure on the person underneath.

Ps. If you’re ever unlucky enough to have a black belt expert in mount holding you down, you’ll immediately understand exactly what I mean.

The only way to “drop” low enough to apply this kind of pressure is to have some flexibility in your hips.

If you haven’t already, it’s time to start stretching.

Suggestion I started doing: you have to do yoga!

Hip flexibility is an important aspect to consider in the mount position and in controlling the opponent.

A wider base and lower center of gravity can greatly improve your control and pressure on the person below you.

Here are some further thoughts on the importance of hip flexibility and how to develop it:

1. Stable Base : A wider base provides greater stability. Spreading your knees and keeping your feet tucked under your opponent allows you to distribute your weight evenly and maintain constant pressure.
2. Center of Gravity : Reducing your center of gravity makes it easier to maintain a mount position and prevents your opponent from easily lifting or flipping you over.
3. Effective Pressure : With a wide base and controlled pressure, you put more pressure on your opponent, making it difficult for them to breathe and move.
4. Hip Flexibility : Hip flexibility is essential for comfortably widening your knees and maintaining a low stance. Hip stretching exercises can help improve your flexibility in this area.
5. Yoga and Stretching : Yoga can be an effective way to develop hip flexibility. Yoga poses like “Pigeon Pose” and targeted hip stretching can help improve hip mobility.
6. Specific Training : Practice specific exercises regularly to develop hip flexibility. These may include working with a partner to widen your knees while in mount position.
7. Maintaining the Position : Focus on the sensation of widening your knees and keeping your feet tucked in while you’re in mount during your workout. Regular practice will help you internalize this position.

Hip flexibility is important not only to improve control from the mount but also to prevent injuries and improve your overall mobility.

Regularly incorporate stretching exercises and, if possible, yoga into your workout routine to improve hip flexibility and reap the benefits of ground fighting performance.

Understanding the different types of mounts

The main mount variations you need to work on are:

Mount low

In this mount position you are almost lying down, with your legs ‘grapevined’ (that’s the technical term) around your opponent.

The low mount is good for controlling your opponent because it allows you to drive down your opponent’s hips with yours, completely nullifying his bridge.

It is quite limited in its position when it comes to attacking.

Low mount is a mount position that offers solid control over your opponent, but as you’ve noticed, it’s relatively limited when it comes to attacking. It’s important to understand the characteristics of this position to make the most of it. Here are some considerations for low mount:

Advantages of Mount Bassa:

1. Control and Stability : The low mount offers exceptional control over your opponent. You can position your knees close to your opponent’s hips and use them to limit their mobility.
2. Bridge Cancel : Your low stance allows you to effectively cancel your opponent’s bridge attempts. You can maintain control of your opponent’s flanks and prevent their reversal moves.

Disadvantages of Mount Bassa:

1. Limited Height and Visibility : Being in such a low position, your visibility may be limited, making it more difficult to see attack opportunities and your opponent’s reactions.
2. Lack of Leverage : Due to your near-lying position, the low mount may lack leverage for some advanced submissions like the armbar or triangle.

Strategies from Mount Bassa:

1. Control and Stagnation : Low mount can be used to maintain control and limit your opponent’s actions. If you have the advantage in points, this position can be effective for keeping your opponent in check.
2. Transitions : From the low mount, you can easily transition into other mount variations, such as the medium or technical mount, if you want to look for more advanced attack opportunities.
3. Switch to Medium or High Mount : If you want to attack from above, you can switch to medium or high mount, allowing you to have better visibility and set up submissions or body shots.

The low mount is a key control position in Jiu-Jitsu and ground fighting.

While it has some limitations in terms of direct attacks, it can be a useful starting point for stabilizing your position and preparing for subsequent transitions or attacks. As with all stances, consistent practice is essential to mastering the low mount and using it effectively in your fighting strategy.

Mount Tecnica

This is usually used as a defense move against the most common mount, the elbow-knee escape, allowing you to maintain a reasonably good attacking position when your opponent has made the move to his flank.

Technical mount, as you’ve described, is often used as a transition or defense position from the more common mount. In this position, the primary goal is to maintain an advantageous attack position even when the opponent attempts to escape or defend. Here are some considerations about technical mount:

Features of the Mount Tecnica:

1. Transition from Classic Mount : Technical mount is a position often adopted when your opponent is attempting to make the elbow-knee escape move to overthrow you. Instead of completely losing control, you transition into this position to maintain a tactical advantage.
2. Torso Control : In this position, your weight and control are concentrated on your opponent’s torso. You can use your knees and chest to maintain control and prevent your opponent from completely turning around.
3. Mobility Limitation : The mount technique aims to limit your opponent’s mobility and prevent them from completing their escape move. You can use your weight and control to block their movement and force them into a less advantageous position.
4. Preparation for Attacks : While your primary focus is control, from the technical mount you’re still in a fairly advanced position to prepare for attacks. You can look for submission or body strike opportunities while maintaining control.

Using the Mount Technique:

1. Fluid Transitions : It’s important to be able to transition fluidly from the classic mount to the technical mount when you feel your opponent trying to flip you over. Practice this move to become more skilled at transitioning.
2. Detecting Your Opponent’s Actions : Develop a good sense of touch to detect when your opponent is trying to escape or defend himself. This sensitivity will help you decide when to switch to technical mount.
3. Constant Pressure : Maintain constant pressure on your opponent’s upper body. This will stress them and force them to make mistakes that you can exploit for attacks.

Technical mount is a useful transitional position for maintaining control and preparing attacks even when the opponent is trying to escape from classic mount.

With consistent practice and good tactile sensitivity, you can use this position effectively in your fighting strategy.

Mount Alta

In my opinion the most lethal and effective of all the variations, the high mount is ideal because you are sitting right above your opponent’s sternum, with your knees forcing his arms away from his midsection.

He advises you to choose a high or low mount and not to spend too much time fighting in ‘ no man’s land ‘ (i.e. sitting on your opponent’s stomach, between high and low mount)

Also, as a general rule, you should try to attack with a high mount because you have more attacks and options available.

The high mount is considered by many experts to be one of the most advantageous variations of the mount in ground fighting.

The main reasons include better control, greater attacking opportunities, and a stronger dominant position over the opponent.

Here are some of the main features and benefits of the high mount:

Mount Alta Benefits:

1. Better Control : In high mount, you have better control of your opponent’s body. You’re positioned directly above your opponent’s stomach and chest, making it difficult for them to move or try to knock you over.
2. Arm Restriction : Your knees push your opponent’s arms away from their midsection. This greatly reduces their defensive options and limits their ability to counterattack.
3. Greater Height : You are positioned higher than other mount variants. This gives you better visibility and allows you to see and react to your opponent’s actions more easily.
4. Effective Attacks : From the top mount, you have access to a wide range of attacks, including submissions, body shots, and chokes. This makes the top mount a very dangerous position for your opponent.
5. Rollover Difficulty : Due to your superior control and height, it is much more difficult for your opponent to roll you over from high mount than other variations.

Mount Alta Tips:

1. Smooth Transitions : Practice transitions from classic mount or technical mount to high mount so you can use this position effectively when the opportunity presents itself.
2. Variety of Attacks : Use your position to try a variety of attacks. You can look for submissions like the armbar or triangle choke, or body shots or chokes.
3. Maintain Weight : Make sure you keep your weight evenly distributed and don’t allow your opponent to lift or move you.
4. Tactile Sensitivity : Develops a tactile sensitivity to detect any move of the opponent and react accordingly.

In general, the high mount is a position of great power and control in ground fighting.

However, it is important to be able to transition between mount variations depending on the situation and opportunities that arise during combat.

‘High’ & ‘Low’ Chain Attacks

There are many attacks from the mount position, but the three that are often used are:

• the arm lock,
• the cross-choke and
• Ezekiel-Choke.

Now if your opponent finds himself defending the mount he will surely try to do two important things:

• Protects his neck,
• He keeps his elbows close to his center.

But here’s the thing you need to know, that your opponent can only make one correct defense at a time.

He can protect his neck perfectly with both hands, but then his elbows tend to open up and expose him to arm locks.

Or he may keep his elbows glued to his sides but in this case his hands tend to move away from his neck, meaning he is vulnerable to strangulations.

Knowing this, you must attempt combinations of arm locks and chokes until he gives you an opening, these possibilities make the mount a very dangerous advantageous position.

The importance of finding and seizing attack opportunities from the mount and how the opponent’s defenses can open up various options for attacks.

Attack combinations in this stance can be very effective.

Here are some additional considerations on how to exploit your opponent’s defenses from the mount:

Chain attacks from Mount Alta:

1. Arm Lock (Submission to the Arm) : When your opponent is protecting their neck, you might try to isolate one of their arms for an armbar. You can do this by pushing down on one of their elbows while keeping the other elbow close to their body. Once you’ve isolated the arm, you can perform the armbar.
2. Cross-Choke : If your opponent keeps their elbows close to their body, you might try to work their hands away from their neck and open up space for a cross-choke. This choke involves your arm going under one of their arms and tying in with the other arm, locking the neck.
3. Ezekiel Choke : The Ezekiel Choke is another option when your opponent keeps their elbows close to their body. You can use your arms to wrap around your opponent’s neck and lock in the Ezekiel Choke.

Attack Chains:

• Attacks and Transitions : While mounting, you can vary your attacks and try to catch your opponent in a chain of attacks. For example, you might start with an armbar attempt, and if your opponent defends the arm, you can quickly transition to a choke, or vice versa.
• Read Reactions : Carefully monitor your opponent’s reactions. If you notice them changing their defense or opening up an opportunity, adjust your attacks accordingly. The ability to read your opponent’s reactions is crucial to exploiting their vulnerabilities.
• Constant Pressure : Maintain constant pressure on your top mount while attempting to attack. This can make your opponent feel constant pressure, forcing them to make mistakes or react to your moves.
• Ground Practice : Practice attack chains during ground training. Training with a cooperative or sparring partner can help you develop the ability to execute attack combinations fluidly and responsively.

Attack chains from high mount are an essential part of the ground fighting strategy.

With consistent practice and the ability to read your opponent, you will be able to capitalize on opportunities and catch your opponent with a variety of submissions and chokes from the mount.

Keep your shoulder on the tatami

Almost every escape from your mount to succeed requires the defending person underneath to lift one or both shoulders off the mat , because he needs to sit down or turn onto his side.

Knowing this, you must adopt the mentality of a wrestler who attacks and tries to pivot on his shoulder to the mat at all times.

This makes it much more difficult for your opponent to escape and gives you more time to move into a high mount and set up your attacks from there.

This is an important tip for maintaining control from the mount position in ground fighting.

Holding your opponent’s shoulder to the ground is an effective tactic to prevent their ability to roll over or execute a mount exit.

Here’s how you can implement this strategy:

1. Weight on shoulder : Make sure to place your weight on your opponent’s shoulder. This can be done by pushing with your chest or upper body toward their shoulder. Keep your weight evenly distributed across their shoulder to make it difficult for them to stand up or turn around.
2. Hand Control : Use your hands to maintain control over your opponent’s head and neck. If you can place a hand on their neck or the collar of their gi, you may be able to better control their head and prevent them from moving.
3. Leg Hold : Use your legs to maintain control. Your knees should be positioned to limit your opponent’s mobility and prevent them from raising their shoulders.
4. Tactile Sensitivity : Develop a good sense of touch to sense any attempt by your opponent to raise their shoulders or move. Recognizing these movements early allows you to adjust your control accordingly.
5. Smooth Transitions : If you feel your opponent trying to raise their shoulders or turn, you can use your control to transition into a higher mount variation or to set up an attack.
6. Maintaining pressure : Keep constant pressure on your opponent’s shoulder, even as you transition into different moves or positions. This makes it difficult for them to try to lift themselves or move.
7. Specific training : Practice this strategy regularly in training. Work on your ability to keep your opponent’s shoulder on the ground and react to their actions with good positioning and control.

Keeping your opponent’s shoulder on the ground is an effective way to maintain control from the mount position and create attack opportunities.

With consistent practice, you will be able to master this technique and improve your ground fighting performance.

Knowing when to transition

Sometimes, no matter how well you are doing the mount position, a strong opponent will still be able to flip you over .

Consider that there is a ‘point of no return’ where it is futile to try to fight your opponent’s exit (whether it be a bridge or other technique), because the opponent has gone far enough ‘out’ to have acquired enough leverage to push you and flip you over.

If you can identify this point and your timing is good, you need to make the tactical decision to forgo the mount and transition into side control, guard, or otherwise .

This attitude is especially important if you are lightweight, for smaller and lighter fighters who may have difficulty holding larger opponents due to the weight difference.

So one important thing is not to focus on the mount and if you feel that you are coming out of your balanced position it is better to execute a transition than to find yourself in a disadvantageous position.

Recognizing when to transition from mount is an essential part of your ground fighting strategy.

Despite your control in the mount, there may come a point where your opponent is able to gain enough leverage to flip you over or try to break free.

Here are some important considerations when making a transition:

1. Tactile Sensitivity : Develop a good sense of touch to sense when your opponent is trying to overthrow you or open up space for an escape. Sense your opponent’s movements and pressure to anticipate their actions.
2. Leverage Recognition : Learn to recognize the signs that your opponent is gaining effective leverage. These signs may include raising your hips, creating space between your body and his, or using significant force.
3. Assess your opponent’s size and strength : Consider the differences in size and strength between you and your opponent. If you’re lighter and facing a significantly larger or stronger opponent, you may need to be more conservative with your mount position and seek more timely transitions.
4. Choose the right transition : When you feel yourself losing control or your opponent gaining leverage, make a prompt tactical decision. Possible transitions include side control, guard, back control, or other dominant positions. The choice depends on your personal preference and your Jiu-Jitsu skill.
5. Stay calm : Don’t panic if you feel like you’re losing your mount. Stay calm and execute the transition in a controlled and tactical manner.
6. Specific training : Regularly practice transitions from the mount in training. You’ll improve your ability to recognize the right moment and how to execute smooth transitions.
7. Strategic Choice : Ultimately, the choice to transition should be based on your fighting strategy, your personal style, and the specific combat situation. It’s not a defeat to abandon your mount; rather, it’s a tactical decision to maintain control and seek opportunities to attack from another position.

Maintaining flexibility in your strategy and knowing how to make effective transitions can be crucial, especially when facing larger opponents or when you want to maximize your chances of success.

The mount in MMA to strike

The mount stance is one of the most advantageous positions in mixed martial arts (MMA) when it comes to striking your opponent.

From mount, you have a dominant position that allows you to unleash effective strikes on your opponent without being exposed to direct hits.

Here’s how mount can be used for striking in MMA:

1. Positional Control : Before you begin striking, it’s important to stabilize your mount position. Make sure you maintain control of your opponent’s upper body, keeping your weight on their shoulders and limiting their mobility.
2. Body Strikes : From mount, you can deliver powerful blows to your opponent’s head and body. Body strikes can be particularly effective at weakening your opponent and opening up opportunities for more advanced attacks.
3. Chokes : As you strike, keep monitoring your opponent’s reactions. If they try to defend your strikes by covering their head, you may have the opportunity to lock in a choke. For example, you can look for a cross-choke or an Ezekiel choke while striking.
4. Variety of Strikes : Use a variety of strikes, including punches, elbows, knees, and even palm strikes. This variety will make it harder for your opponent to predict your movements and defend effectively.
5. Thin Ice Work : As you hit, make sure you maintain a good base and a solid stance. The mount offers a great balance of power and control, but you must be careful not to lose your stance and risk being knocked over.
6. Tactile Sensitivity : Develop a good sense of touch to detect your opponent’s reactions and adjust your strikes accordingly. If your opponent attempts to roll you over or defend, react quickly to maintain control.
7. Reading the Referee : Remember that during an MMA match, the referee is closely monitoring the action. If you’re not showing enough activity or if your opponent isn’t responding, the referee may stop the fight. Therefore, maintain a steady pace of activity and strikes.

Mount is a crucial advantageous position for ground and pound in MMA. With the right technique, control, and tactile sensitivity, you can inflict significant damage on your opponent while maintaining your dominant position.

However, it is important to be aware of the rules and referee’s directives to avoid penalties or premature stops in the fight.

❌ Mistake #1 to Avoid in Mount: Fighting to Stay… Without Attacking

“If you’re just trying to stay in mount, you’re already losing.”

The mount isn’t a kennel.
It’s not a place to stay comfortable.
It’s an attack platform, not a rest stop.

One of the most common – and lethal – mistakes seen even at advanced levels is reaching the mount and using it as a rest or stall point , rather than as a springboard to finish the fight .

Why is this mistake so serious?

• You lose the initiative. In mount, you have to dictate the pace. If you don’t threaten, he will.

• Give your opponent time. If you’re not attacking, they’ll regroup, calm down, find their breathing rhythm, and prepare for a bridge or escape.

• You’re predictable. Those who remain static in mount are like a tower in a tight spot: two good pushes are enough to tip it over.

• It exposes you to escapes. An experienced opponent immediately understands when you’re not attacking and starts creating space, legs, bridges, hip escapes, half guard. Game over.

Correct Mindset: “Every second in mount is an offensive opportunity.”

You’re not there to “just control.”
You’re there to finish . Whether it’s an armbar, a cross-choke, a ground and pound, a choke, or a back transition.

As soon as you’re mounted, the hunt begins :

• Control your hips with your legs (low mount)

• Jump in high mount to open the neck

• Try armbar ↔ choke chains

• If you feel instability… transitions

Remember this golden rule:

️ “If you’ve been mounted for more than 10 seconds without a real threat… you’ve wasted an advantage.”

✅ Concrete solutions:

• Train offensive chains. Armbar → fake → Ezekiel → cross-choke → back.

• Practice timed drills. 30 seconds in mount with the goal of attacking twice. Not staying.

• Condition your mind. Don’t think, “I’ve figured it out.” Think, “What do I break first?”

⚠️ Conclusion:

Mount isn’t stored, it’s used.
If you’re not a threat, you’re just a temporary obstacle.
And in real combat, obstacles are quickly removed.

Expert Quotes on Mount: The Position That Makes the Difference

Mount isn’t just a position. It’s a declaration of absolute control. Here’s what some of the most influential names in the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and grappling have to say:

Roger Gracie

“Mount is my favorite position. If I get there, I already know it’s going to be over.”
– Considered one of the most dominant grapplers of all time, Roger has finished most of his matches from mount.

John Danaher

“There is no attack that works from the mount without control of the opponent’s hips.”
– Legendary Danaher Death Squad coach always emphasizes that true control comes from control of the hips , not the torso or arms.

André Galvão

“Mount is the position that allows you to choose: finish or inflict pain.”
– ADCC Champion and founder of Atos, Galvão uses mount to punish, control, and then finish.

Renzo Gracie

“If you’re in mount and you’re not threatening, you’re just pretending to dominate.”
– A reminder of the aggressive mindset and the importance of using mount to apply real , not just superficial, pressure.

Operational Checklist: Are You Really in Control of the Mount?

It’s not enough to be “on the fence,” you need to be in total control.
Here are the 7 things to check every time.

✅ Centered Weight
Your weight is evenly distributed across your opponent’s torso (not too far forward, not too far back), so you maintain balance even if he attempts a bridge.

✅ Wide knees:
Open your knees to increase your base of support and lower your center of gravity. Greater stability = more pressure + less risk.

✅ Feet tucked under your opponent’s body.
If you leave them free, they can be hooked and you’ll find yourself in half guard in an instant. Keep them tucked in, as if you were tucking in the blankets.

✅ Hip control:
With your hips locked, your opponent can’t perform a hip escape or use the bridge force. It’s like taking the engine out of a car.

✅ Neck or Arm Control:
If you’re not controlling one of them, you’re giving them defense and escape options. Choose what you attack, but take control first.

✅ Keep an eye on your opponent’s reaction
. Observe, listen, feel. Mount is a tactile listening position: every movement is an instruction on what to do next.

✅ Are you ready to transition?
Don’t get stuck. If you feel like you’re losing your balance or pressure, transition immediately: S-Mount, Back, Side. Fluid is better than static.

Pro Tip:

Review this checklist every time you go to mount.
Repeat it mentally, at first as a mantra. Then it will become automatic.

Drill Session – Become Relentless from Mount

It’s not enough to know what mount is.
You have to live it. Sweat it. Master it in real-world conditions.
Here are 3 essential drills to develop balance, fluidity, attack, and responsiveness in fighter mode .

Drill 1 – “Eyes Closed, Hands Behind Head”

Objective: To develop balance and tactile sensitivity without using hands

• Parts in low mount.

• Close your eyes. Place your hands behind your head.

• Your partner below has 1 minute to try to flip you over.

• You can only use your torso, legs, weight and pressure to stay balanced.

Do 3 rounds of 1 minute , switching partners.
Advanced variation: Start with your eyes open, then close them after 10 seconds.

Drill 2 – “Mount Transition High ↔ Low”

Objective: Learn to switch fluently between variations to maintain control

• Start in low mount (feet tucked, knees down).

• After 5 seconds, come up into a high mount (knees close to the armpits, pressure on the chest).

• Hold there for 5 seconds, then go back to low mount.

• At each pass, the partner below makes a minimal attempt at escape (bridge or hip escape).

• You have to manage timing, weight, and control to avoid being destabilized.

3 rounds of 1’30” – each round alternates 3-4 transitions.

Drill 3 – “Offensive Chain: Mount → Armbar → Back → Cross-Choke”

Goal: Build a fluid and responsive chain of attacks from the mount

• Parts in high mount.

• Go for the armbar : if the opponent defends, switch to the back (back mount).

• From the back, if you can’t finish, go back into mount and finish with a cross-choke .

• The focus is not on finishing, but on smooth and continuous transition under pressure.

4 reps per side, 2 rounds of 2 minutes.
Variation: Free time, goal = 3 connected attacks without losing control.

Tips for using these drills to their full potential:

• Stopwatch in hand. The pressure of time prepares you for the pace of real combat.

• An active but non-competitive partner. Realistic but controlled resistance is required.

• Repeat each drill 2-3 times a week for 4 weeks. Then incorporate them into conditioned rolling.

Bonus – Transition to S-Mount: The Breaking Point

“If Mount is control, S-Mount is surgery.”

The S-Mount is an advanced but crucial transition, often overlooked by those who are content to stay “up” without finishing.
But when you get it right, it’s game over.

When to use it

• The opponent turns on his side to try to escape (elbow-knee or side bridge)

• Or raise an arm to push yourself away or protect your neck.
  Clear signals that it’s time to cut the corner and switch to S-Mount.

How to make the transition

1. From a high mount , isolating one of your opponent’s arms, bring your knee past his head (without losing control).

2. The other leg (which was on the opposite side) repositions itself next to the torso , creating an “S” shape with the legs.

3. Your weight shifts diagonally , loading your opponent’s chest and freeing your isolated arm.

The trick is to use pressure from your torso and knee to block the movement, without “jumping” and losing contact.

Why it works (and hurts)

• Total arm isolation → perfect for the classic armbar or the spinning armbar

• Compressed head → opens mounted triangles, collar choke, American from S

• Difficult to tip over → you have a low, diagonal and stable base

Typical combinations from the S-Mount

• S-Mount → Armbar

• S-Mount → Mounted Triangle

• S-Mount → Rolling Armbar (transition to the back)

• S-Mount → American (if the opponent turns his wrist to defend himself)

Expert tip:

“When you go into S-Mount, don’t stop.
It’s a live position: attack, change angles, and strike immediately.”

Recommended Drill:

Transition Mount Alta → S-Mount with Smooth Armbar

• High mount parts

• When your partner pushes an arm, you enter S-Mount

• Hold control for 3 seconds

• Isolate the arm → armbar

❗ 3 repetitions per side, with a slightly resistant partner.

Focus – Mount in Self-Defense: When It’s Needed… and When You Should Walk Away

Mounting in self-defense isn’t the same as grappling or MMA on the mat.
In the real world, you’re on asphalt, concrete, gravel, glass, wet sidewalks, or the slippery floors of a nightclub .
Every second spent on them is an added risk .

Concrete risks in an urban context:

• Hard or unstable surfaces.
  Falling while riding can break your knees or wrists. If you’re on top of an opponent and slip, you’re in even worse trouble.

• Improvised weapons:
  A pocket knife, a broken bottle, a pen, a screwdriver. Even if you’re in control, if your opponent has a free hand and a nearby object, they can strike from below.

• Third parties involved
  . Mounting exposes you. You can’t see anyone coming from behind. In a multiple assault scenario or a “night out,” lying on top of someone is doomed.

✅ Recommended strategy: Mount → Called Shots → Quick Disengage

1. Only take the mount if you have to (e.g. when falling or to contain an attacker).

2. Strike with power and precision: palms, short elbow strikes, punches to the plexus.

3. Don’t stay in “domination .” Your priority is to get up, control the distance, escape, or reposition yourself.

On the road, control isn’t about “holding down.” It’s about getting out alive, whole, clean, and with room to act.
If you stay in mount, be lethal, fast, and mentally out of there.

Bonus tip:

“Mount in self-defense = offensive transition phase, not final position.
You only have time to break the other’s initiative. Then you’re already somewhere else.”

Effective Mount Attacks: Techniques, Logic, and Finishing

Getting into the mount is only half the battle .
The real art lies in knowing how to finish , or in creating an offensive move that forces the opponent to give in or expose himself .

Let’s look at 5 fundamental attacks from the mount — each with its own logic, timing, and tactical impact.

1. Armbar from Mount

One of the most lethal, classic and effective submissions.

When to use it:
– The opponent pushes your chest with his arms
– He is trying to free his pelvis without protecting his elbows
– After a feint choke (the opponent opens his arms)

Logic:

• Isolate the arm = break the defensive base

• Transition in S-Mount → rotation → lever on the elbow

• It is also deadly in self-defense

Key technique:
Lock your wrist before starting the rotation.
Also control the opposite shoulder with your knee.

2. Cross Choke (with gi)

An extremely effective, often overlooked cross-choke.

When to use it:
– Opponent closes in
– You already have control of the collar (gi)
– You are in medium or high mount and he protects his arms

Logic:

• Work under the defense, not against it

• With crossed wrists, sideways strangles

• If it fails, he opens up for an armbar or Ezekiel

Pro Tip:
The first hand goes deep without being seen .
The second hand closes the circuit and creates leverage.

3. Ezekiel Choke

Works with or without gi.
A lethal weapon from the mount, especially against those who close in.

When to use it:
– The opponent is in static defense
– You have a free hand behind his head
– You want to avoid transitions, but you want to close

Logic:

• One hand behind the head

• The other pushes the forearm into the trachea

• It can be lethal even from an unstable position

Self-Defense:
One of the fastest and “cleanest” chokes to perform on the street, even over clothes or with a hood.

4. Ground and Pound

Not just grappling.
Mount is the ideal position for delivering devastating blows , especially in MMA or street situations.

When to use it:
– In self-defense or a sporting context with striking
– The opponent has not closed his arms completely
– You want to open up openings for finishing

Logic:

• Hammer, elbows, short and falling punches

• If it closes too much → choke

• If it opens too much → armbar

Street Tip:
Never hit a shot.
Every shot should elicit a clear reaction, and you should already know the answer.

5. Transitions to Back Mount

If your opponent rolls onto his side or tries to “shrimp” (slide away sideways), that’s your invitation to the party.

When to use it:
– After repeated high mount presses
– When the opponent rotates or tries to escape laterally
– You want a “safer” finisher like a rear-naked choke

Logic:

• Climb to high mountain

• When turning → hooks inside, seatbelt grip

• Back steps with total control

Typical chain:
Mount → S-Mount → Armbar or Choke → transition to Back Mount if opponent rolls

Recommended drill:
“Chase the Back”: start in mount → partner rolls → you chase and catch the back with a fluid transition.

Tactical Summary: Which Attack, When?

5. Mount in MMA: Striking with Control, Intelligence and Dominance

In an MMA match, getting mounted is like sitting on a throne .
But be careful: it’s not enough to hit hard. You need to hit smart.

Ground & Pound management from the mount is a strategic art, where biomechanics, mental pressure, reading the referee and time management come together.

Objective: Damage with Control

In the MMA rules, the Ground & Pound must be:

• Effective (significant blows, not just symbolic ones)

• Controlled (avoids back of the neck or illegal verticals)

• Constant (demonstrates activity to avoid stand-up)

• Defensible (if the opponent doesn’t defend = end of the match)

The 4 Pillars of Ground & Pound from Mount

1️⃣ Pelvic Control

The real key:
If your opponent can bridge or hip escape, he’ll flip you over .
Lock your hips with your weight and only open up when you’re stable .

2️⃣ Targeted Shots, Not By Chance

Hands should not be thrown as in a fight.
You strike for:

• Open the guard

• Force to uncover the head

• Induce rotation (then take the back)

Alternate power and volume.

3️⃣ Watch out for the referee

Knowing how to read the referee is essential.
You want him to see that:

• You’re hitting it smartly

• The opponent is not actively defending himself

• You are unmistakably dominant

Pro Tip : Move laterally to give the referee visibility during the sets.

4️⃣ Constant Rhythm, Psychological Pressure

No frenzy.
No “see what happens” pauses.
Your job is to impose a surgical consistency :

• Shot → control → shot

• Change angle → strike → knee to the body

• Pressure → half-force pause → final explosion

Gym Drills: “Ground & Pound IQ”

Three 1-minute rounds with your partner on the bottom, actively defending.
You work on:

• Hip control

• Series of 4–6 strikes (hammer, elbows, fists)

• Power/direction variation

• Eyes on the coach/referee who simulates a stoppage

⚠️ Rules to Remember

In Self-Defense? Even More Complex

On the road or in an urban context:

• The ground is uneven, slippery, potentially dirty

• Third parties can intervene

• The opponent can draw a weapon

Ideal strategy:
Hit hard to stun , then disengage .
The mount is powerful, but it’s not designed to stay on the streets for long .

In Summary: Mount in MMA

Have you ever tried Ground & Pound from the mount in real sparring?
How did it feel? Dominant or unstable?
Let me know in the comments or send me a DM on Instagram @ExpertFightingTips.

6. Mount in Self-Defense: When It’s Useful… and When It Tricks You

Mount is powerful.
But in the real world , off the mat , the rules change.
The environment doesn’t forgive “academy” mistakes.

⚠️ Mount ≠ Automatic Security

In self-defense, the mount should be used INTELLIGENTLY, not automatically .
It is a dominant position, yes.
But only if conditions allow it .

Real Context: What Changes?

✅ When to Use It

• To interrupt an attack (block the opponent who is mounting you, roll him over and counterattack)

• To temporarily incapacitate a smaller or stunned attacker

• To gain time to check or escape

Real-world example:
You’ve mounted an attacker on the ground who’s already thrown a punch…
3 elbow strikes, temporary immobilization → you get up → ESCAPE. The end.

❌ When NOT to Use It

• If the environment is unstable or dangerous (glass, uneven ground, hot asphalt)

• If there are multiple attackers (in mount → you are exposed)

• If the opponent is much bigger or armed (he can lift you up and knock you over)

• If you can escape without engaging (escape is always the goal in real defense)

Real Strategy = Limited Time Mount

Don’t think of the mount as a “safe house.”
It’s a way station .

⏱ Suggested maximum time:
5–10 seconds of control → hit → stun → move (back, side, escape)

Recommended Technique: “Hit and Disappear from Mount”

1. Controlled mount climbs

2. 1-2 precise elbow strikes

3. Does the opponent react? → transition to back mount or escape

4. Is the opponent staying? → you temporarily immobilize him and move away

Real Training Drill

Situation: Mount in simulated parking lot (tiles + lateral obstacles)
Objective: Maintain mount for a maximum of 8 seconds, then transition or escape
Variants:

• Third person enters after 5 seconds

• The attacker pulls out a fake gun

• Sudden sound forces you to react and move

Train your mount with scenarios , not just passive resistance.
You must learn to use it as a survival lever , not as a comfort zone.

Conclusion: The Mount is a Weapon, Not a Cradle

In academia, it’s a position of dominance.
On the street, it’s a calculated risk .
Only those familiar with the context know when to use it…
And, above all, when to abandon it without ego .

Have you ever tried using the mount in a drill with obstacles, street clothes, and shoes?
Let me know in the comments or send me a private message on Instagram @ExpertFightingTips.
Let’s talk.

Conclusion – Don’t Stay in Mount. Dominate It.

If you’ve made it this far, you already know that the mount isn’t just a position , it’s a territory to be conquered, controlled, and exploited .
Every inch gained up there can be the difference between winning and surviving , between controlling or being overthrown , between dominating or being dragged into chaos.

Whether you practice BJJ, MMA, or self-defense , mount offers you enormous power. But only if you master it —the technical details, the sensitivity, the pressure, and the transitions.

Remember these key points:

✅ It’s not enough to stay in mount. You have to act. You have to threaten. You have to finish.
✅ Every variation (low, technical, high) has a purpose. Learn when to use them, how to pass them, how to manage timing.
✅ Practice offensive chains . Work on common mistakes .
✅ Don’t forget the real context: street mount is short, brutal, and strategic.
✅ Practice with realistic drills, use the checklist, create habit, not sensation.

“Whoever controls the mount, controls the fight. Whoever knows when to let go… controls the fight.”

Work on this position until it becomes second nature.
Be fluid. Be responsive. Be dangerous.

Now it’s your turn

Try the drills.
Download the checklist if you haven’t already.
Practice conditioned rolling, experiment under stress, with big, fast, dirty partners.
Study your opponent’s behavior and learn to read him before he reads you .

️ Street Fight Mentality & Fight Sport
Andrea

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about Mount in Ground Battles

❓ Which mount variant is the most difficult to maintain?

The high mount. It’s also the most dominant, but it requires great balance, tactile sensitivity, and weight control. If you don’t know how to handle it, you easily risk being knocked over.

❓ Do I always have to look for the high mount to attack?

No. It depends on the situation. The low mount offers excellent control and stability, useful for neutralizing an agitated or closed-backed opponent. The high mount is ideal for finishing, but can be risky if not managed well. The real secret? Knowing how to transition fluidly between variations.

❓ How can I prevent my opponent from knocking me off my mount?

Learn to distribute your weight, keep your feet tucked in, lower your center of gravity, and develop sensitivity to your opponent’s torso and hip movements . Drills like “eyes closed, hands behind your head” are essential.

❓ Is it better to stay in mount or immediately seek submission?

It depends. If you have complete control, you can look for a finish. If you feel unstable or your opponent is gaining leverage, switch to side control, back control, or look for a transition attack . Don’t get hung up: the mount is a platform, not a cage.

❓ Is mount also effective in real self-defense?

Yes, but be careful. In real-world situations (street, multiple situations, or unstable environments), it’s not always safe to stay on top of someone for too long . The mount is used to temporarily control, neutralize, and create space to escape , not to stay in the danger zone.

❓ How can I improve my mount if I’m lighter than my opponent?

Focus on:

• Technique over strength

• Correct use of pressure (with hips and chest)

• Quick transitions and specific drills

• Workouts with bigger partners to learn how to read the lever and move weight efficiently

❓ Does the mount also work without a kimono (no-gi)?

Absolutely. But it requires greater tactile sensitivity and body control. In no-gi, you rely less on grips and more on positioning, pressure, and biomechanical adherence .

❓ Can I hit from the mount in BJJ competitions?

No. In BJJ sport competitions, strikes are not allowed . But in MMA and self-defense, mount is one of the best positions for safe striking with fists, elbows, and the palm of the hand.

❓ What are the most effective attacks from the mount?

The most used and effective are:

• Armbar

• Cross-choke

• Ezekiel choke

• Body strikes (MMA)

• Transition to back mount for rear naked choke

❓ What is the most useful drill to improve the mount?

The most useful? The no-hands, eyes-closed drill , with your opponent trying to flip you over. It trains balance, pressure, and reaction. Then work on the armbar-choke attack chains to develop tactical fluidity.