Mastering Side Control Fundamentals

Side control represents the fundamental perpendicular pinning position where systematic grip control and weight distribution create multiple pathways to submissions and dominant transitions, forming the cornerstone of positional grappling that I've mastered throughout my championship career.

Establish perpendicular control across the opponent's torso with cross-face pressure and underhook grips to prevent guard recovery while maintaining low hip positioning for stability and creating pathways to submissions and transitions

Establish deep cross-face immediately to limit head movementControl the far-side arm with a strong underhook gripKeep hips low and knees wide for stable baseUse chest pressure to flatten the opponent's backPrevent space creation by maintaining constant contactBe ready to switch between high and low variationsControl opponent's hip movement with knee pressureLook for far-side arm isolation for submissionsMaintain pace dominance throughout the positionTransition smoothly when opportunities arise