Position Cheat Sheets
Quick access to essential information you need during training. Perfect for checking between rounds or during drilling.
Position Quick Reference
Mount (Top) — Control: hips, chest, head. Attacks: americana, armbar, collar choke. Maintain: low hips, wide base, follow movement. Full details →
Mount (Bottom) — Escapes: bridge & roll, elbow escape. Key: create frames first, explode second.
Side Control (Top) — Control: crossface, hip control. Attacks: kimura, americana, transitions. Maintain: shoulder pressure, block hips. Full details →
Side Control (Bottom) — Escapes: shrimp to guard, bridge to knees. Key: get frames before moving.
Closed Guard (Top) — Priority: posture, grip break, pass. Key: control hips before passing. Guard passing →
Closed Guard (Bottom) — Control: head, posture, arm control. Attacks: armbar, triangle, sweeps. Key: break posture first. Details →
Common Submissions Quick Guide
RNC — From back mount. Seatbelt → arm under chin → squeeze elbows, cut angle. Key: position before submission.
Armbar — From mount, guard, side control. Isolate arm, control wrist (thumbs up), hips high, pinch knees. Key: wrist control is everything.
Triangle — From guard. One arm in, one arm out. Cut to 45°, pull head down, squeeze. Key: angle makes or breaks the choke.
Kimura — From side control, guard, half guard. Figure-4 grip on bent arm, lift elbow, rotate. Key: it's a position AND submission.
Americana — From mount, side control. Pin wrist to mat, arm at 90°, paint-brush toward hips. Key: opposite of kimura direction.
Guillotine — From standing, guard, turtle. Arm around neck, pull UP and drive hips FORWARD. Key: catch when they lower head.
Essential Movements
- Shrimp — Turn on side, push with foot, move hips away. Use for creating space and guard recovery.
- Bridge — Drive through heels, thrust hips up. Use for mount escapes and reversals.
- Technical Stand-Up — Base, frame, stand in stages. Use for getting up safely.
Competition Points (IBJJF)
| Action | Points | Hold Time |
|---|---|---|
| Takedown | 2 | - |
| Sweep | 2 | - |
| Guard Pass | 3 | 3 seconds |
| Knee on Belly | 2 | 3 seconds |
| Mount | 4 | 3 seconds |
| Back Control | 4 | 3 seconds |
Leg Lock Legality (IBJJF Gi)
| Technique | White | Blue | Purple | Brown/Black |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Straight Ankle Lock | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Kneebar | No | No | No | Yes |
| Toe Hold | No | No | No | Yes |
| Heel Hook | No | No | No | No |
| Calf Slicer | No | No | No | Yes |
Position Hierarchy
- Back Mount (4 pts) — Most dominant
- Mount (4 pts) — Dominant control
- Knee on Belly (2 pts) — Transitional
- Side Control (3 pts for pass) — Strong control
- Half Guard (0 pts) — Defensive recovery
- Closed Guard (0 pts) — Defensive with offense
- Standing (0 pts) — Neutral
Safety
Always tap when: Joint extended/twisted, can't breathe, sharp pain, caught and know it's over.
Tap methods: Physical (tap partner 2-3 times), verbal ("TAP!" loudly), mat tap (feet if hands trapped).
Never: Crank submissions fast, ignore a tap, train through injuries, roll without warming up.
Next Steps
- Print this page for gym reference
- Deep dive into any position via sidebar
- Review Beginner's Journey for structured learning
Related Resources
- Beginner's Journey - Month-by-month progression
- Glossary - Term definitions
- Training Methods - How to practice effectively