About Lesson
Extended Summary:
Side control is a powerful top position where you pin your opponent to the mat across their body, often chest-to-chest. This position neutralizes their hips, making it hard to escape or counter. There are several variations: standard side control, scarf hold (kesa gatame), and reverse kesa. Proper side control involves applying shoulder pressure, controlling the far arm, and using hip-to-hip contact. From here, you can transition to mount, north-south, or set up submissions like the Americana, kimura, or arm triangle.