This week on Gracie Barra Blog we are looking at finishing techniques and strategies from the most dominant position in jiu-jitsu: the Back Mount.

There is a reason the back mount is considered the most dominant position on the jiu-jitsu positional hierarchy. All of your opponent’s weapons are pointed away from you and all of your limbs are able to control and attack his body.

The most common (and effective!) submission from back mount would have to be the rear naked choke. In the gi, we have a far wider number of possibilities to hunt for the submission.

Let’s take a look at some more advanced variations of back submissions as demonstrated by some of the best Gracie Barra black belt instructors.

1) Single Wing Strangle after mount entry

The collar choke is the #1 finish from the back in gi. Prof. Rodrigo Caetano shows a variation of the sliding collar choke from the back known as a “single wing strangle” where you perform a half nelson on your second arm or increased leverage.

2) Arm Lock from Back Transition / Armlock partindo da pegada nas costas

Prof. “Samuka” shows a great transition from the back mount to armlock from the guard. You surprise your opponent in between the positions and catch his arm.

3) Triangle from the Back / Triângulo partindo da pegada das Costas

The collar choke or rear naked choke is not the only option to attack from the back. Prof. Rodrigo of Gracie Barra Itaipava enters into a rear triangle from the back mount.

4) Estrangulamento Arco e Flecha

Professor Flávio Almeida shows the most powerful choke from the back. Those grips have so much leverage that your opponent must tap!

5) Bow and Arrow with Lapel / Estrangulamento partindo da Pegada das Costas

I’ll bet that you have not seen this variation of the Bow and Arrow Choke that uses your own lapel when your opponent is defending their collars.

See also on Gracie Barra : How To Take The Back

GB Learning : How To Take The Back