Gift Wrap

Position
Also known as:
Gift Wrap Top

The Gift Wrap is a dominant control position where the top player threads the opponent's arm across their own face and pins it using the opponent's own lapel (in gi) or by gripping the wrist behind their head (no-gi). It is typically achieved from mount or side control and provides exceptional control while opening numerous submissions and transitions to the back or crucifix.

Quick Reference

Key principles

  • · The opponent's arm is folded across their own centerline and pinned against their face or neck, using their body structure against them.
  • · Heavy chest-to-chest pressure keeps the opponent flat and prevents them from creating frames or turning away.
  • · The controlling hand threads deep behind the opponent's head to secure the wrist, creating a self-reinforcing pin.
  • · Maintaining head position on the same side as the trapped arm prevents the opponent from extracting it by bridging.
  • · When the opponent tries to turn away to escape, you follow to take the back or transition to crucifix.

Execution

  1. 1 From mount or side control, isolate one of the opponent's arms and push or guide it across their face toward the opposite side.
  2. 2 Thread your same-side hand behind their head and grip their wrist (no-gi) or feed their lapel through to lock the arm in place (gi).
  3. 3 Drop your chest weight onto the trapped arm and their face, keeping your hips heavy and base wide.
  4. 4 Use your free hand to control their hip or far arm, preventing escape while setting up submissions or back takes.
  5. 5 When the opponent turns into the trapped arm to relieve pressure, follow their rotation to secure back control or crucifix.

Common mistakes

  • × Sitting too upright in mount when applying the gift wrap, which allows the opponent to bridge and escape or reverse position.
  • × Failing to thread the controlling hand deep enough behind the head, letting the opponent pull their arm free by straightening it.
  • × Neglecting to control the opponent's far-side hip or leg, allowing them to shrimp away and recover guard instead of giving up the back.

Attacks & transitions

Offense available from Gift Wrap.

Rear Naked Choke submission
10 less common
Armbar From Back submission Armbar From Crucifix submission Bow And Arrow submission Choke From Crucifix submission Clock Choke submission Triangle Choke From Back submission Triangle Choke From Mount submission Bicep Slicer submission Loop Choke From Mount submission Paper Cutter Choke submission

Escapes & defense

Getting out of Gift Wrap, or shutting it down.

Crucifix