Layers Of Mount Control

Understanding the mount position involves recognizing its complexity and the importance of mastering both maintaining and escaping it. The mount is a position that can be easy to escape from an unskilled opponent but extremely challenging against someone skilled. Mastery of the mount requires daily practice and a deep understanding of timing, weight distribution, and connection to the mat.

The key to controlling the mount is not just about the number of techniques but the depth of understanding. A critical concept is to avoid being directly over the opponent's hips, as this makes one vulnerable to being swept. Instead, one should aim to hide from the opponent's hips, using hooks or keeping the hips low and anchored.

When in the mount, the knees should be wide, feet tight, and hips higher than the opponent's hip line. By scooping the pelvis in and anchoring with grips on the lapel or arms, one can prevent being bumped off when the opponent bridges. It's essential to avoid posting hands on the mat, as this can lead to losing position.

Advancing the attack from the mount can involve shifting weight off-line, creating a complex problem for the opponent. This off-line position makes it difficult for the opponent to effectively use their bridge or hip escape without exposing themselves to chokes or giving up their arm or back.

When attacking, one hand should be deep enough for the thumb to be behind the opponent's ear, but not so deep as to remove slack needed for the attack. Shifting weight until the opposite knee comes off the floor prepares for any movement from the opponent. Keeping the hip above the opponent's hip line and using the forehead on the floor for balance can help maintain control.

If the opponent bridges towards the side of the attacker's forehead, the attacker can adjust their position to maintain control and continue the attack. The attacker should prevent the opponent from inserting frames between their thighs and stay tight with their legs.

The big idea of the mount is to hide from the opponent's hips while simultaneously dominating the position and tiring the opponent. By maintaining a collar grip and staying inside the elbow, the attacker can shift weight and wait for the opponent's reaction to initiate a choke or transition to another attack.

This approach to the mount emphasizes the importance of hiding the hips and controlling the opponent's movements to set up submissions.