Become Fighter
Mount: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu guide
Climbing to a high mount and staying there against bridges and elbow escapes.
Mount is the top-scoring pin in jiu-jitsu because it gives access to the whole upper body. From there you can strike, choke or lock the arm. In a sport context, the aim is control first.
You already know how to escape the mount. Use that to understand what the person on top does wrong: high hips, loose knees and reaching arms all let the escape happen.
Key points
- Sit low at first. Knees tight to their ribs and toes tucked under their hips.
- Hips heavy, back straight, hands wide on the mat as a base. Do not lean far forward.
- Stop the bridge by sending your weight over the side they bridge towards.
- Walk up to a high mount only when you have settled. Your knees go into their armpits.
- Keep your elbows tight when you attack. Reaching arms get trapped.
Common mistakes and how to fix them
- Climbing too high too soon. Settle first. A high mount without control just lets them push you off.
- Standing on your feet. Keep knees on the mat for the first seconds. Feet in the air make the bridge easy.
- Leaning on their face. Keep a straight spine and use the mat as a base. Do not strike or press the face in training.
The rest is in the app
The step-by-step breakdown, the timed drill with the coach calling the shots and the quiz are part of Become Fighter Pro, where this lesson sits in the Top control module of Jiu-jitsu foundations.
Get it on Google Play. Coming soon to the App Store.
More from Top control
- Side control: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu guide
- Knee on belly and transitions: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu guide
- Back control: hooks and seatbelt: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu guide
← All Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu lessons
Combat sports training is hard on the body. Warm up, stay within your limits and check with a doctor first if you have a health condition. Practise in a clear space and stop if you feel pain or dizziness. Learn partner work only under a qualified coach.