Pins / Side Control / Mount

Underhooks and chest. Flattening. Chest without hips fails.

Adapted from InGrappling, Pins / Side Control / Mount. System Games did not invent this curriculum.

Top positions — mount, side control, north-south, knee on belly, crucifix, kata gatame, technical mount, s-mount, quarter mount, gift wrap, domplata. Top and bottom perspectives covered.

Canon pages

Side ControlHip height, first connection, downward pressure. Home of many kimura and mount-entry games.MountHigh hips, low chest, isolate a limb. Armbar-from-mount lives here.North–SouthChest pressure without giving up the hip-escape lane.Crucifix — TopCrucifix — near arm trapped between top player legs, far arm separately controlled. Both arms isolated; opponent cannot defend.Crucifix — BottomCrucifix bottom — near arm trapped between top player legs, bottom player on the side. Entry prevention is the primary defence.DomplataThe domplata in no-gi: from mount, trap the arm under your thigh, swing the leg over the head and sit back with the foot blocking the neck.Gift WrapGift wrap — the opponent's arm is taken from mount or side control and folded across their own face and neck.Gift Wrap — BottomGift wrap bottom — your own arm folded across your face and controlled from mount, neutralising a primary defensive tool.High MountHigh mount — mount ridden up under the armpits so the frames die and the S-mount becomes available. The staging position for the mounted armKata GatameKata gatame — head-and-arm control for the arm triangle. Shoulder into neck, arm trapped; creates bilateral carotid compression.Kata Gatame — BottomKata gatame bottom — defending head-and-arm control.Kesa GatameKesa gatame — hip-seated position securing head and near arm. Weight distribution and arm structure are the control mechanism.Kesa Gatame — BottomKesa gatame bottom — defending the scarf hold.Knee on Belly — TopKnee on belly — knee into the torso; reactions are exploited. Pushing opens the armbar; reaching opens the triangle.Knee on Belly — BottomKnee on belly bottom — top knee into the abdomen. Instinctive push opens the armbar. Two-hand removal is the correct response.LocoplataThe locoplata in no-gi: the gogoplata delivered from mount instead of from guard, with gravity behind the shin and the free arm pressing theMount — BottomMount bottom — defending full mount, the highest-danger pin. Top player across the hips; preventing high mount is the priority.North-South — BottomNorth-south bottom — opponent facing the feet, weight on the chest. Kimura threat is immediate. Primary escape: bridge and hip.Octopus — Top PerspectiveOctopus top — passer's view against octopus guard. Back take and kosoto sweep are the threats. Near hip away is the defence.Quarter MountQuarter mount — top position at 45 degrees between side control and mount. Natural intermediate in the mount entry sequence.Quarter Mount — BottomQuarter mount bottom — defending the 45-degree transitional mount before it consolidates to flat mount or converts to kimura.Reverse Kesa GatameReverse kesa gatame — kesa rotated 180 degrees, top player facing the feet. Near arm and leg controlled from the reverse side.Reverse Kesa Gatame — BottomReverse kesa gatame bottom — defending the reverse scarf hold.S-MountS-mount — high mount with one leg over the far arm. Opens armbar, mounted triangle, and kimura from the top position.S-Mount — BottomS-mount bottom — defending the high mount with one leg over the far arm.Side Control — BottomThe defensive view of side control — when the opponent has completed a pass and holds the pin.Technical MountTechnical mount — one knee grounded, the other leg stepped out flat beside the opponent's hip.Technical Mount — BottomTechnical mount bottom — defending the stepped-out mount.Active Shot vs SprawlFrom the catalogAdd the LegsFrom the catalogAdvance the PinFrom the catalogAnkle Lock Finish GameFrom the catalogArm Trap Without HooksFrom the catalogArms OutFrom the catalogArms Under the HeadFrom the catalogAshi Garami Entry GameFrom the catalogAttacking Turtle ArmsFrom the catalogAttacking Turtle ArmsFrom the catalogBack Arm Trap FinishFrom the catalogBack EscapeFrom the catalogBack Position Seatbelt KeepFrom the catalogBack RetentionFrom the catalogBack Retention with HooksFrom the catalogBack-to-Back Spin UpFrom the catalogBall of YarnFrom the catalogBase OnlyFrom the catalogBase, Frame, KneeFrom the catalogBiceps to the EarFrom the catalogBreak the BaseFrom the catalogButterfly Ashi, Shotgun Grip — Thread to ControlFrom the catalogButterfly Kimura TrapFrom the catalogCausing PostsFrom the catalogChest or HipsFrom the catalogChest to Chest Chest to BackFrom the catalogChest to Chest PinningFrom the catalogChest-to-Chest Pin ControlFrom the catalogClimbing the BackFrom the catalogClinch Pummeling DefenseFrom the catalogCollar Tie Inside-Hand BattleFrom the catalogConfined-Area Guard RetentionFrom the catalogConnection ClimbFrom the catalogConnection Hold — Grips OffFrom the catalogContinuous Grip FightFrom the catalogCovering the HipsFrom the catalogCovering the ShouldersFrom the catalogCovering the ShouldersFrom the catalogCreateFrom the catalogCreate and Break ConnectionsFrom the catalogCreate and Break ConnectionsFrom the catalogCross-Leg Back TakeFrom the catalogDeny the Knee WedgeFrom the catalogDeny the Thigh PinFrom the catalogDLR/RDLR Leg EntryFrom the catalogDLR/RDLR Off-BalanceFrom the catalogDouble Arm IsolationFrom the catalogDouble Inside Back TakeFrom the catalogDouble Leg PinFrom the catalogEarn the Straight JacketFrom the catalogElbow Exposure Extension ContractionFrom the catalogElbow HuntingFrom the catalogFinishing the Pass — From the J-PointFrom the catalogFinishing the Reversal — From Shin-to-ShinFrom the catalogFinishing the Strangle — From the BackFrom the catalogFoot Sweep OnlyFrom the catalogFront Headlock ControlFrom the catalogFront Headlock FinishFrom the catalogFront Headlock FlattenFrom the catalogFront Headlock LiftFrom the catalogFront Headlock StrangleFrom the catalogFront Headlock to the BackFrom the catalogFront Headlock vs. Sit-Out and Stand-UpFrom the catalogFront Headlock — Back Take GameFrom the catalogFront Headlock — Guillotine Entry GameFrom the catalogGuard Armbar vs the Stack — Reading the DefenceFrom the catalogGuillotine and AnacondaFrom the catalogGuillotine ExchangeFrom the catalogHand Snap to Back TakeFrom the catalogHead-and-Arm Tackle DefenseFrom the catalogHip AccessFrom the catalogHold the ShellFrom the catalogHook War — Back Position Lower ControlFrom the catalogInitiating Maintaining Chest to Back ContactFrom the catalogIsolate FirstFrom the catalogIsolating the NeckFrom the catalogKeep It on the EarFrom the catalogKeep the Arms ApartFrom the catalogKeep the Top KneeFrom the catalogKnee Slide PassingFrom the catalogKnee to the CeilingFrom the catalogLateral Leg ClearanceFrom the catalogLeg First, Then the LockFrom the catalogLow MountFrom the catalogMaintain and Break ConnectionFrom the catalogMaintain ControlFrom the catalogMaintain Scarf HoldFrom the catalogMaintaining The Knee ShieldFrom the catalogMiddle MountFrom the catalogMount Armbar — Arm Extraction and Finish PositionFrom the catalogMount EscapeFrom the catalogMount HuntingFrom the catalogNo Knees Top PlayerFrom the catalogNo-Gi Hook GuardFrom the catalogNorth South PinningFrom the catalogNorth-South DenialFrom the catalogOpen Guard SweepingFrom the catalogOpen Side ControlFrom the catalogOpen the FeetFrom the catalogOutside Ashi, Shotgun Grip — Close to SankakuFrom the catalogOver-Under Clinch BattleFrom the catalogPass Without GripsFrom the catalogPassing the Ankle LineFrom the catalogPassing the Knee LineFrom the catalogPassing vs Knee ShieldFrom the catalogPick the ShotFrom the catalogPunishing PostsFrom the catalogPush to PullFrom the catalogRear Body Lock FinishFrom the catalogRebuilding Behind a FrameFrom the catalogSeatbelt Without HooksFrom the catalogShin SurfingFrom the catalogShot DefenseFrom the catalogShoulder and Hip ControlFrom the catalogSide Control CircumnavigateFrom the catalogSide Control Kimura — Establish and Defend the GripFrom the catalogSingle Leg FinishFrom the catalogSingle Leg to BackFrom the catalogSingle Underhook ControlFrom the catalogSingle-Leg X — Enter the Outside GameFrom the catalogSprawl Counter ChainFrom the catalogStand UpFrom the catalogStanding to Pin or StrangleFrom the catalogStanding vs SeatedFrom the catalogStanding vs Seated — With an AdvantageFrom the catalogStraight Jacket Back ControlFrom the catalogSubmission HuntingFrom the catalogTackle Finish to PinFrom the catalogTakedown to PassFrom the catalogThe Dogfight — Back or TopFrom the catalogToreando RecoveryFrom the catalogTransitionFrom the catalogTransitioning to Shoulder LineFrom the catalogTriangle FinishingFrom the catalogTriangle — Finish Game vs. Posture StackFrom the catalogTriangle — Hip Angle and Arm Isolation GameFrom the catalogTurtle Ankle AttacksFrom the catalogTurtle Body LockFrom the catalogTurtle SandwichFrom the catalogTurtle Top Kimura ControlFrom the catalogUnder the ElbowFrom the catalogUnderhook Back Step EntryFrom the catalogUnderhook ControlFrom the catalogUnderhook TakedownFrom the catalogWin the ScrambleFrom the catalogWrestling UpFrom the catalogWrist Pinning and TrappingFrom the catalog

Games

Active Shot vs Sprawlstandup · shot defense · sprawl · mid-shot · CLA · nogi-friendlyAdd the LegsPinsAdvance the PinPinsAnkle Lock Finish Gameashi-garami · ankle-lock · leg-locks · extraction · CLA · nogi-friendlyArm Trap Without HooksPinsArms Outuntested · slime mold originalArms Under the HeadPinsAshi Garami Entry Gameashi-garami · entries · seated-guard · CLA · nogi-friendlyAttacking Turtle Armsslime mold original · turtleAttacking Turtle Armsslime mold original · turtleBack Arm Trap FinishPinsBack EscapeEscapes · PinsBack Position Seatbelt Keepback control · seatbelt · pinning · CLA · nogi-friendlyBack RetentionPins · BackBack Retention with Hooksback-control · hooks · seatbelt · rear-naked-choke · ladder · CLA · nogi-friendlyBack-to-Back Spin Upscramble · spin entryBall of Yarnhalf guard · Modern Defensive GuardBase OnlyPinsBase, Frame, KneePinsBiceps to the EarPinsBreak the BaseGuard · RetentionButterfly Ashi, Shotgun Grip — Thread to Controlbutterfly-ashi · shotgun-grip · outside-ashi · entries · ladder · CLA · nogi-friendlyButterfly Kimura Trapkimura · butterfly · figure-four · sweep · CLA · nogi-friendlyCausing Postshalf guard · knee shield · untestedChest or HipsPinsChest to Chest Chest to Backpinning · Greg SoudersChest to Chest Pinninguntested · slime mold originalChest-to-Chest Pin Controlside control · regressive gameClimbing the Backslime mold originals · closed guard · supine guard · guard · untestedClinch Pummeling DefenseTakedowns · StandingCollar Tie Inside-Hand Battlestandup · collar-tie · inside-hand · front-headlock · takedown · CLA · nogi-friendlyConfined-Area Guard Retentionguard · retention · spatial · frames · hips · CLA · nogi-friendlyConnection ClimbTransitions · StandingConnection Hold — Grips Offside control · pinning · connection · no grips · CLA · nogi-friendlyContinuous Grip FightEngagement · StandingCovering the HipsGreg Souders · pinningCovering the Shouldersslime mold original · turtleCovering the Shouldersuntested · slime mold original · turtleCreateslime mold original · leg entanglementsCreate and Break Connectionsslime mold originals · closed guard · supine guard · guardCreate and Break Connectionsslime mold originals · closed guard · supine guard · untestedCreate and Break Connectionsguard · open guard · Greg SoudersCross-Leg Back TakeTakedowns · StandingDeny the Knee WedgeGuard · RetentionDeny the Thigh PinGuard · RetentionDLR/RDLR Leg EntryGuard · LegsDLR/RDLR Off-BalanceGuard · Guard offenseDouble Arm Isolationside control · control progressionDouble Inside Back TakeTakedowns · StandingDouble Leg PinTransitions · PinsEarn the Straight JacketPinsElbow Exposure Extension Contractionmount · Greg Souders · pinningElbow HuntingPinsFinishing the Pass — From the J-Pointpassing · pin · j-point · finish-first · ladder · CLA · nogi-friendlyFinishing the Reversal — From Shin-to-Shinshin-to-shin · seated-guard · wrestle-up · entanglement · retention-ladder · CLA · nogi-friendlyFinishing the Strangle — From the Backback · strangle · finish-first · seatbelt · CLA · nogi-friendlyFoot Sweep Onlystandup · clinch · foot sweeps · constrained finishes · CLA · nogi-friendlyFront Headlock ControlPinsFront Headlock FinishTakedowns · StandingFront Headlock FlattenTransitions · PinsFront Headlock LiftTakedowns · StandingFront Headlock StranglePinsFront Headlock to the Backfront headlock · turtle · slime mold original · untestedFront Headlock vs. Sit-Out and Stand-Upfront headlock · turtle · sit-out · stand-upFront Headlock — Back Take Gamefront-headlock · back-take · seatbelt · turtle · CLA · nogi-friendlyFront Headlock — Guillotine Entry Gamefront-headlock · guillotine · entry · turtle · CLA · nogi-friendlyGuard Armbar vs the Stack — Reading the Defenceclosed-guard · armbar · stack · triangle · CLA · nogi-friendlyGuillotine and AnacondaPinsGuillotine ExchangePins · StranglesHand Snap to Back TakeTransitions · StandingHead-and-Arm Tackle DefenseEscapes · PinsHigh Mountpinning · slime mold original · untestedHip Accesshalf guard · Greg SoudersHold the ShellGuard · RetentionHook War — Back Position Lower Controlback control · hooks · body triangle · seatbeltInitiating Maintaining Chest to Back ContactGreg Souders · pinningIsolate FirstPinsIsolating the Neckfront headlock · turtle · slime mold original · untestedKeep It on the EarPinsKeep the Arms ApartPins · BreakingKeep the Top KneeGuard · RetentionKnee Slide PassingPassingKnee to the CeilingPinsLateral Leg ClearancePassingLeg First, Then the LockPinsLow Mountpinning · slime mold original · untestedMaintainslime mold original · leg entanglementsMaintain and Break Connectionpinning · Greg Souders · backMaintain Connectionguard · open guard · slime mold original · untestedMaintain Controlpinning · back · slime mold originalMaintain Scarf Holdside control · pinningMaintaining The Knee Shieldhalf guard · knee shield · untestedMiddle Mountpinning · slime mold original · untestedMount Armbar — Arm Extraction and Finish Positionmount · armbar · s-mount · extraction · back-take · CLA · nogi-friendlyMount EscapeEscapes · RetentionMount HuntingPinsNo Knees Top Playerscramble · pinningNo-Gi Hook GuardGuard · Guard offenseNorth South Pinninguntested · slime mold originalNorth-South DenialEscapes · Guard retentionOpen Guard Sweepingguard · open guard · Greg SoudersOpen Side Controlside control · transitional gameOpen the Feetslime mold originals · closed guard · supine guard · guardOutside Ashi, Shotgun Grip — Close to Sankakuoutside-ashi · shotgun-grip · outside-sankaku · leg-locks · ladder · CLA · nogi-friendlyOver-Under Clinch Battlestandup · clinch · over-under · body lock · takedownsPass Without GripsPassingPassing the Ankle Linepassing · ankle-line · open-guard · pin · ladder · CLA · nogi-friendlyPassing the Knee Linepassing · knee-line · open-guard · pin · ladder · CLA · nogi-friendlyPassing vs Knee ShieldPassingPick the ShotTakedowns · StandingPunishing Postshalf guard · knee shield · untestedPush to PullGuard · Guard retentionRear Body Lock FinishTakedowns · StandingRebuilding Behind a Frameguard-retention · frame · elbow-knee · entanglement · ladder · CLA · nogi-friendlySeatbelt Without HooksPinsShin Surfingguard · leg ride · Craig Jones · shin surfingShot DefenseTakedowns · StandingShoulder and Hip Controlpinning · Greg Souders · backSide Control Circumnavigateside control · pinning · transitionsSide Control Kimura — Establish and Defend the Gripkimura · side-control · figure-four · CLA · nogi-friendlySingle Leg FinishTakedowns · StandingSingle Leg to BackTakedowns · StandingSingle Underhook Controlhalf guard · Greg SoudersSingle-Leg X — Enter the Outside Gamesingle-leg-x · SLX · outside-ashi · entries · ladder · CLA · nogi-friendlySprawl Counter ChainTakedowns · StandingStand Upslime mold originals · closed guard · supine guard · guardStanding to Pin or StrangleEngagement · StandingStanding vs Seatedpassing · standing · seated-guard · pin · entanglement · ladder · CLA · nogi-friendlyStanding vs Seated — With an Advantagepassing · standing · seated-guard · pin · entanglement · ladder · CLA · nogi-friendlyStraight Jacket Back ControlPinsSubmission Huntingpinning · Greg Souders · backSubmission Huntingside control · Greg SoudersTackle Finish to PinTransitions · StandingTakedown to PassTransitions · StandingThe Dogfight — Back or Topdogfight · back takes · underhooks · scramble · CLA · nogi-friendlyToreando RecoveryGuard · Guard retentionTransitionuntested · slime mold originalTransition to Mountuntested · slime mold originalTransitioning to Shoulder Linemount · Greg Souders · pinningTriangle FinishingPins · StranglesTriangle — Finish Game vs. Posture Stacktriangle · finish · stack · closed-guard · CLA · nogi-friendlyTriangle — Hip Angle and Arm Isolation Gameclosed-guard · triangle · hip-angle · arm-isolation · CLA · nogi-friendlyTurtle Ankle Attacksturtle · slime mold original · untestedTurtle Body Lockturtle · slime mold original · untestedTurtle SandwichPinsTurtle Top Kimura Controlturtle · kimura · back takes · hammerlock · CLA · nogi-friendlyUnder the ElbowPinsUnderhook Back Step EntryTakedowns · StandingUnderhook Controlhalf guard · Greg SoudersUnderhook TakedownTakedowns · StandingUseslime mold original · leg entanglementsWin the ScrambleTransitions · PinsWrestling UpGuard · Guard retentionWrist Pinning and Trappingmount · Greg Souders · pinning