How to Use Side Control in Jiu Jitsu

By pinning an attacker from the side, the Brazilian technique allows the defender to control the movement of their opponent's body by removing their ability to roll out of a pinned position into another attack position. It is a good idea to practice this technique on a mat or other soft floor covering.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Begin with your partner lying flat on their back on the floor and you lying on top of them in a chest-to-chest position, with his legs face straight in front and your legs off to the side. Your partner's arms should be down by their sides.

2. Slide your right hand down your partner's right hip with your palm down and fingers splayed until they rest beneath the hip on the mat. Your partner can now place their hands on your waist in a hugging position. This hand position prevents your partner from turning over and attacking from a new position. Replace with your right knee if the right hand is used to strike or block.

3. Roll your body slightly forward across your partner's sternum at the same time as you perform Step 2. This helps really pin your partner to the floor, the main purpose of the technique.

4. Place the left arm across the chest of your partner so that your left hand is in touch with their left shoulder. Your hips should be close to the mat and your feet are off the ground except for the toes, which are carrying the weight of the legs.

5. Use this position to pin down an opponent during combat and prevent them from moving around. From here you can defend or attack your opponent's arms.

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