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Positional

Side control top fundamentals

A path for beginners and intermediates: guides you through the most important attacks from side control and the logical transition to north-south. You will learn to think in terms of position, attack, transition.

5
Steps
White and blue belts
2-4 weeks of study
  1. 1
    positionSide control (top)Open
    Why this step

    Side control is your base starting point. Before you start attacking, learn to maintain the position for a full minute without losing control.

  2. 2
    techniqueKimura from side controlOpen
    Why this step

    Kimura is your first attack. Look for it when the opponent pushes on you or builds a frame.

  3. 3
    techniqueTransition to north-south from side controlOpen
    Why this step

    The transition to north-south disorients and opens new attacks. Not just kimura: you now have a different angle to their entire upper half.

  4. 4
    positionNorth-south (top)Open
    Why this step

    North-south is a new platform. Get comfortable here before attacking.

  5. 5
    techniqueNorth-south chokeOpen
    Why this step

    North-south choke is the reward for a good transition. In No-Gi it is one of the most effective chokes. You finish the sequence from a position you built yourself.