Side control is one of the foundational control styles in No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu. While in side control it's one of the most stable holds you can have on an opponent. We actually have a definition and a deeper dive into the mechanics of side control located here. This article will be focused on the submissions of side control and when to execute them.

Why Side Control Works

Side control works because your entire body is pressed against their chest, while the opponent is lying completely flat on the mat. It is an extremely advantageous position to be in because you have passed their guard and left them virtually immobilized. In our other article, we went over how to escape side control and other common variations.

Best No-Gi Side Control Submissions

Kimura

The kimura is a very powerful shoulder lock that comes naturally from the side control position.

• Setup: Grip the opponent's wrist and push it flat down onto the mat next to their hip. Slide your other hand underneath their bicep and grab the wrist of your opposite hand to create a lock.
• Execution: Once the lock is secure, pull their elbow towards your chest. This will cause extreme pain, and they will tap.

Americana

The Americana and the Kimura are very similar. They both twist the arm, however, in opposite directions.

• Setup: Pin the opponent's wrist flat on the mat next to their ear. Drag their elbow to their body as close as you can, then slide your other arm under their bicep and create a lock.
• Execution: Once you have the lock, it works the same as the kimura. Twist the arm, and the opponent should tap.

Arm Triangle Choke

The arm triangle choke is a blood choke, which makes it especially powerful. If an opponent doesn't tap, they will pass out.

• Setup: From side control, use your head to force their arm across their neck. From there, slide your hand under their neck and grab your other bicep.
• Execution: Once you have the lock, it is only a matter of applying pressure. Squeeze your arms together and drive your shoulder into their neck to tighten the choke.

Another favorite of mine, the arm triangle. Similar to the submissions above, it is very simple and has a high success rate. The only issue with this submission is how easily you can wear out your grip. But if you cannot seem to submit your opponent, you can transition to other positions easily.

North-South Choke

Another blood choke, though a bit different from the arm triangle, as the North-South Choke uses the North-South side control variation.

• Setup: Either starting in the North-South position or transitioning to it from side control, slide your hand underneath the opponent's neck and create a lock with your other hand.
• Execution: Once you have the lock, apply pressure by dropping your chest on their neck and squeezing.

Straight Arm Lock (Jūji-Gatame)

A hyperextension submission that attacks the elbow joint. Unlike the Kimura and Americana, which twist and damage the shoulder, this move works by straightening the opponent's arm.

• Setup: Isolate the opponent's arm and extend it away from the body. When fully extended, pin it to the mat. Grab the wrist with both hands and keep a tight grasp while keeping their shoulder pinned.
• Execution: Pinch their arm close against your chest and lift your hips to apply pressure to the elbow. This bends their arm backwards, forcing them to tap.

Tips for Effective Side Control Submissions

• Maintain Tight Control: Keep all of your pressure on either the upper body to restrict the arms and shoulders, or the lower body to restrict the legs. Side control is all about using your weight to keep the opponent pinned.
• Use Proper Technique: No matter what submission you are going for, keep proper technique at all times. Small gaps are where smart opponents often find the upper hand.
• Stay Active: During side control, do not keep a rigid posture; stay flexible. A common mistake is staying completely still. Remember, your goal is to maintain pressure no matter how much they move.
• Switch Submissions: If a submission is not working, switch to an alternative. For example, if you are attempting a kimura and they won't budge, switch to an americana.
• Practice Patience: BJJ rewards the patient. Look for your moment and try to wear the opponent out. Never rush a submission; if you have already passed guard, you have the advantage.

Conclusion

Mastering side control submissions is vital to any grappler's ground game. Alternating between these submissions gives you the flexibility you need during side control.

By focusing on control, proper technique, and patience, you can add a new layer of danger to your game. Keep training, stay consistent, and see you on the mats!