Control
Control - Blue Belt Stripe 2 and Blue Belt Stripe 3
“Position before submission” - Common Jiu Jitsu Phrase
In my eight years of teaching Jiu-Jitsu, I've observed a subtle yet significant gap in the way many students approach their training: the art of simply controlling an opponent. It’s an aspect of Jiu Jitsu that often gets overshadowed by the more glamorous allure of submissions. Our minds, naturally, want to jump to the next step, the grand finale. In the world of Jiu-Jitsu, that finale is often the tap-out, the definitive "win."
But what if we reframed what it means to win?
It's easy to see why submissions get the spotlight. They are the exclamation points of a roll, the clear-cut victories. Holding a position, in contrast, can feel passive, like waiting for your opponent to make a move. It can seem, dare I say, boring. However, true growth in Jiu-Jitsu, and arguably in life, lies in embracing the process and reframing the definition of winning.
This is where the power of control comes in. Let's establish a new baseline for success. Can you control your opponent for a mere three seconds? That's your starting point. The moment you can hold them for five seconds, then ten, then twenty—that is tangible progress. This is an example of a goal that will fundamentally elevate your entire game.
To embark on this path, it's crucial to understand that control isn't a monolithic concept. It's a dynamic and multifaceted skill that can be broken down into three distinct types:
Open Control: This form of control requires less direct connection and focuses more on pressure and prevention. Think of it as creating a framework that limits your opponent's options before they can even act on them.
Closed Control: Here, we are primarily using our arms, legs, and body to maintain a direct connection and keep our opponent exactly where we want them. This is the tight, connected control you experience in positions like Mount, Side Mount, Guard, Half-Guard, and Back Mount.
Dynamic Control: This is the seamless integration of Open and Closed controls. It's the ability to transition fluidly between positions, adapting your control strategy on the fly. Most lessons are taught from a static position, but true mastery comes from the creative thought that connects positions into a continuous flow.
Beyond the techniques, a crucial layer of control is awareness—awareness of your training partner, or in a self-defense scenario, your opponent. As you gain experience, you'll start to recognize certain patterns and stereotypes. Pay close attention to how your opponent's body type interacts with yours.
Opponents with shorter limbs can often find and exploit small gaps in your control.
Larger, stronger opponents tend to rely on their weight and strength, pushing and grabbing to muscle their way out of positions.
Recognizing these tendencies allows you to anticipate and neutralize them. This is a far more sustainable path to improvement than constantly chasing the latest "trick" or technique. Instead of just collecting moves, I encourage you to build a library of models and concepts. This deeper understanding of how different bodies move and react will serve you far better in the long run.
So, the next time you step onto the mats, I challenge you to shift your focus. Celebrate the small victories of sustained control. Recognize the growth in those extra few seconds of dominance. For in the quiet art of control, you will find the foundation for a more profound and effective Jiu-Jitsu.