One of the most dominant positions in Jiu Jitsu is back control. Known for its effectiveness and the potential it offers for debilitating attacks, the back control enables practitioners to secure a strong position and dictate the outcome of a match. In this blog post, we’ll explore the nuances of back control in Jiu Jitsu and discuss some devastating attacks that can be employed from this advantageous position.
Understanding Jiu Jitsu Back Control:
Back control occurs when you establish control over your opponent’s back and entangle your limbs, making it difficult for them to escape. Achieving back control not only earns valuable points in competitions but also grants you significant control over your opponent’s movements, options, and ultimately, their fate. Mastering back control requires a deep understanding of weight distribution, grips, and the ability to maintain a solid base.
Grips and Hooks:
In back control, a key aspect of maintaining control and stability is securing effective grips and hooks. Your legs should ideally be positioned around your opponent’s waist, with your insteps hooked beneath their thighs. This “seatbelt” position helps immobilize your opponent while allowing you to control their upper body.
Maintaining the Seatbelt Grip:
The seatbelt grip has two components: the choking hand and the cross lapel/harness grip. The choking hand is positioned underneath your opponent’s neck, ready to secure a rear-naked choke or other submissions. The cross lapel/harness grip secures your control over their upper body. Maintaining a tight grip on these positions ensures that your opponent will struggle to escape or regain a dominant position.
Attacks from Jiu Jitsu Back Control:
Once you have established a secure Jiu Jitsu back control position, you can launch a variety of potent attacks. Here are four common attacks that you can practice and utilize effectively:
1. Rear-Naked Choke:
The rear-naked choke is arguably the most dominant submission from Jiu Jitsu back control. By placing your choking hand deep around your opponent’s neck and securing a tight grip, you can apply immense pressure and cut off their blood flow, forcing them to tap out or render them unconscious if not released.
2. Collar Choke Variations:
Utilizing the cross lapel/harness grip, several collar chokes can be executed. The loop choke, bow and arrow choke, and clock choke are all variations that exploit your opponent’s collar and can lead to a quick, surprising submission if executed with precision.
3. Armbar:
In some cases, your opponent may try to defend against chokes by extending their arms. This creates an opportunity for you to transition to an armbar. Maintaining control of their back while isolating one arm, you can secure a tight grip on their wrist and apply leverage to hyperextend the arm joint, forcing a tap or potential injury.
4. Triangle Choke:
If your opponent attempts to escape by standing or posturing up, you can transition to a triangle choke. By using your legs and quick hip movements, you can lock your opponent’s head and one of their arms, creating a tight triangle with your legs and applying pressure to their neck.
Mastering the art of Jiu Jitsu back control is essential for any practitioner seeking to dominate their opponents on the ground. With a solid understanding of grips, hooks, weight distribution, and a wide range of attacks, you can capitalize on this advantageous position. By utilizing the rear-naked choke, collar chokes, armbars, and triangle chokes, you can finish your opponents efficiently and emerge victorious in your Jiu Jitsu journey. So, practice these techniques diligently, and soon you too will be a formidable force in back control.
