Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Positions Directory

Back control stands above all other positions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu due to its combination of safety and finishing potential. When you achieve back control, you're behind your opponent with both hooks in place and chest pressed against their back. This position allows for multiple submission options including rear naked chokes, arm attacks, and neck cranks, while being extremely difficult for opponents to escape.

Back control is superior to mount because it offers better submission variety and is safer for the attacking grappler. Unlike side control or other positions, back control maintains control even when opponents attempt escapes, making it the most reliable path to victory in competitive BJJ.

Side control offers stable, perpendicular control over your opponent, making it one of the most reliable positions for maintaining top control. By keeping your weight distributed across your opponent's centerline and maintaining frames, you can prevent escapes while working toward submissions or transitions. Side control is particularly valuable because it's easier to achieve than mount or back control while still providing good submission opportunities.

Side control is superior to leg entanglements because it offers more consistent control and clearer pathways to finish the fight. Unlike standing positions, side control keeps opponents on the ground where you have the mechanical advantage.

Half guard serves as a critical bridge between full defensive positions and offensive recovery. By controlling one of your opponent's legs while maintaining some guard retention, you create opportunities for sweeps, reversals, and transitions back to full guard. Half guard is particularly valuable for its versatility - it can be used both defensively to survive and offensively to create momentum.

Half guard is more reliable than basic standing positions because it provides better control and submission opportunities. However, it's generally less dominant than side control or mount positions, making it a transitional rather than finishing position.

Standing positions encompass the initial phase of grappling where both competitors are upright, including clinch work, takedowns, and pre-ground engagement. These positions are important for understanding how fights begin and how to transition to more dominant ground positions. Standing grappling teaches balance, timing, and the fundamental entries that lead to ground control.

Standing positions are generally the least advantageous in pure BJJ competition because they lack the mechanical advantages of ground positions. However, they're essential for learning the complete art and provide the foundation for all other positions by teaching how to get fights to the ground effectively.