This week on Gracie Barra Blog we are looking at Intermediate to Advanced submission strategies from the side mount.

During the GB Curriculum week of side mount top, I saw many students struggle for ideas to submit beyond the basic Americana or 180 degree arm lock. The truth is, there is an abundance of submission opportunities from side mount top.

Let’s see some different ways to get the submission from side mount as taught by Gracie Barra instructors.

1) Paper Cutter choke
This sneaky submission doesn’t get the respect that it deserves, somehow getting less attention than the flashier arm bar of kimura. Try this in your next tournament.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5HTRAJsYeCw

2)Paper Cutter Choke To Kimura
Professor Dave Weber and Flavio Almeida demonstrate a solid 1-2 submission attack combination from your initial Paper Cutter attack.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5HTRAJsYeCw

3) Kimura To Paper Cutter Choke
Let’s go even DEEPER down the rabbit hole and see how we can move BACK from Kimura attempt to a variation of the Paper Cutter choke! Often, the submission combinations can go either way. Defending one attack leaves the opponent open for the opposite attack and vice versa.
https://youtu.be/fvmhXk95ZtA?t=1m

4)Advanced – Lapel Choke #1
When your opponent establishes a strong defensive frame, you may use their own lapel to choke them. I have even seen a no-gi variation of this technique put a competitor to sleep!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjNGED9kJiM&t=38s

5) 2 Sneaky lapel attacks
It can be difficult to find an opening against a defensive opponent. using your own (or your opponent’s lapel) is a great way to attack in this situation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_MvjYq8hIpY

See also on Gracie Barra : 4 Most Important Guard Attacks You Should Learn
https://graciebarra.com/2017/04/gb-learning-4-most-important-guard-attacks-you-should-learn/

Credits: Mark Mullen
Gracie Barra Black belt based in Saigon, Vietnam
Instagram: facebook.com/markmullenbjj