Despite being an inferior position to full mount, side control can be a troublesome position to be stuck in.

It becomes all the more difficult when you are positioned underneath a heavier and stronger opponent who has likely already secured head and arm control. Occasionally, you might roll with someone with a strong side control game that enables them to rest in the position while they apply heavy pressure. Or you might be up against someone with excellent knowledge of submissions from side control.

Once you are passed someone’s guard, side control can serve as an oasis where you can catch your breath and plan your next attack in relative safety. With way less energy than you would think, if you properly keep tabs on the opponents hips and where they are looking, you should have some time in this position and not be in too much danger.

BJJ OG Kurt Osiander is a firm believer in the use of side control to dominate and control your opponent. In the video below, he introduces the viewers of his highly popular “Move of the Week” series on YouTube, to a particularly nasty side choke from side control known as the Demoraliser. Take a look and get ready to start losing friends at the gym when you land this on them.

The outspoken Kurt Osiander is one of the most well-known instructors in the world and certainly has a tough old school BJJ game. Kurt recently released his first instructional series for BJJ Fanatics entitled Fundamentals of a Jiu Jitsu Renegade where he teaches his no BS and hard nosed approach to BJJ. Now grab yourself a copy of Fundamentals of a Jiu Jitsu Renegade and be sure to add code ‘BJJEE’ to get 10% off!