Total Back Control

Securing back control from the "weak side" offers a variety of submission opportunities, including the Rear Naked Choke, arm locks, and reverse triangles. The "weak side" is not inherently inferior; it simply presents different challenges and advantages. The opponent has a basic escape by getting their shoulders to the mat, but there are numerous tools to maintain control and launch attacks.

1. Maintain a high and tight seatbelt grip to prevent the opponent from escaping. Keep your head positioned under theirs and your elbows high to cap their shoulder.
2. Use your foot on their hip or hook their leg to prevent them from bridging and escaping by getting their shoulders to the mat.
3. Control the opponent's hands to set up the choke. If unable to catch with the top arm, use the bottom arm as it extends further.
4. Switch grips to trap the opponent's arm, using wrist control or forcing them to defend against a choke attempt to occupy their arm.
5. Position your heel from the opponent's elbow line to their wrist to scrape their arm out and secure the choke.
6. Apply the choke by bringing the blade of your forearm against their chin, building pressure straight on before turning under their chin.
7. Follow the opponent's chin with your arm to maintain neck connection, using a bridging motion with your wrist to sneak under their chin.
8. Defend both of the opponent's arms to enable a one-arm choke or set up for the Rear Naked Choke.
9. Adjust your position by bouncing the opponent off the mat to create space for the Rear Naked Choke, keeping your head under theirs throughout the process.
10. Finish the choke by squeezing and pulling the elbow back while pressing forward with the chest.

Mastering control and submissions from both sides of back control is crucial, as elite competitors are dangerous from either side. Transitions between sides often present opportunities to break through an opponent's defenses.