In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), the ability to control and submit your opponent from various positions is crucial. One of the most dominant positions in both gi and no-gi BJJ is side control. In this post, we’ll explore some of the best no-gi side control submissions to add to your game.

When you have side control, you can pressure your opponent and create opportunities for submissions. Being on bottom in side control is also very tiring. To try to stop your opponent from mounting or getting a better position is exhausting. This exhaustion causes the bottom player to be far more susceptible to submissions.

Why Side Control is Powerful

Side control, also known as side mount, is a position where you pin your opponent's back to the mat while staying perpendicular to them. This position is strong for many reasons:

• Control: You can control your opponent's movement and limit their options to escape.
  
• Pressure: Applying chest-to-chest pressure can exhaust your opponent and make them more vulnerable to submissions.
  
• Versatility: From side control, you can transition to other dominant positions or set up submissions. This is arguably the biggest pro of side control.

Best No-Gi Side Control Submissions

1. Kimura:

The Kimura is a powerful shoulder lock that can be done from side control.

• Setup: Secure side control and isolate your opponent's far arm. Reach over their arm and grab your own wrist.
• Execution: Pull their arm away from their body, creating a figure-four grip. Lift their elbow and rotate their arm towards their head while keeping their wrist close to the mat.

What is good about the kimura as well is that it is a high percentage submission and simple. Anyone can do it, and it can be performed even at the highest level.

2. Americana:

The Americana, also known as a key lock, is another shoulder lock that is highly effective from side control.

• Setup: From side control, isolate your opponent's near arm. Pin their wrist to the mat with your hand.
• Execution: Slide your other hand under their arm and grab your own wrist. Lift their elbow while pushing their wrist towards their head to create the lock.

Very similar to the kimura but less versatile. The Americana is also high percentage and simple. It also sets up other moves and positions well.

3. Arm Triangle Choke:

The arm triangle choke is a blood choke that can force your opponent to submit or pass out.

• Setup: From side control, use your head to push your opponent's arm across their neck. Slide your arm under their neck and grab your biceps.
  
• Execution: Squeeze your arms together and apply pressure by lowering your shoulder onto their neck while walking towards their head to tighten the choke.

Another favorite of mine, the arm triangle. Similar to the submissions above, it is very simple and high percentage. The only issue with this submission is how you can easily wear out your grip. But if you can’t seem to submit your opponent while in this move, you can transition to other positions easily.

4. North-South Choke:

The north-south choke is a powerful choke that can be executed when transitioning from side control to the north-south position.

• Setup: From side control, move to the north-south position by circling around your opponent's head.
  
• Execution: Slide your arm under your opponent's neck and grip your other hand. Apply pressure by dropping your chest onto their neck and squeezing.

Simple and effective. This choke also sets up the darce and anaconda chokes, which are both good at all levels of the game.

5. Straight Arm Lock (Jūji-Gatame):

The straight arm lock is a hyperextension of the elbow that can be performed from various positions, including side control.

• Setup: Isolate your opponent's arm and extend it away from their body. Pin their wrist to the mat.
  
• Execution: Step over their head with your leg, sit back, and apply pressure to their elbow while keeping their wrist tight against your chest.

This submission ties very closely to the kimura and americana. When an opponent is trying to escape one of those submissions, it is a perfect time to go for the straight arm lock.

Tips for Effective No-Gi Submissions

1. Maintain Tight Control:

Ensure you have strong control over your opponent's body before attempting submissions. Tight control reduces their ability to escape or counter your moves.

2. Use Proper Technique:

Focus on the correct mechanics of each submission. Precision is key in no-gi, where grips are harder to establish and maintain.

3. Stay Active:

Constantly adjust your position and pressure. An active top game keeps your opponent defensive and creates more opportunities for submissions.

4. Combine Submissions:

Chain your submission attempts together. For example, transitioning from an Americana to a Kimura can catch your opponent off guard.

5. Practice Patience:

Don’t rush the submission. Secure the position first, apply pressure, and wait for the right moment to execute your technique.

Conclusion

Mastering side control submissions in no-gi BJJ is essential for any grappler looking to improve their ground game. These submissions are all effective techniques that can help you dominate.

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!