Positional Hierarchy
The Positional Hierarchy is a subjective ranking system of positional dominance that determines the effectiveness of control and attacking potential in various positions.
Positions higher on the hierarchy provide greater control, submission opportunities, and safety from counterattacks, while lower positions require defense and escaping. Understanding the Positional Hierarchy helps practitioners focus on advancing their position strategically, transitioning from less advantageous spots to more dominant ones before attempting submissions.
The Positional Hierarchy
Back Control (Highest)
Description
- You are behind the opponent with hooks or a body triangle, controlling their back and limiting their ability to defend.
Why it’s dominant
- The opponent can’t see your attacks.
- Allows access to submissions like the Rear Naked Choke or Bow and Arrow.
- The opponent’s escapes are limited and energy-intensive.
Mount Top
Description
- You are on top of the opponent with your knees pinning their torso, and your weight distributed to control their hips and shoulders.
Why it’s dominant
- Limits the opponent’s mobility and frames.
- Offers submissions like Armbar, Americana, or Cross Collar Choke.
- Scored highly in competitions (4 points under IBJJF rules).
Description
- You are on top, chest-to-chest with the opponent, controlling their torso and hips.
Why it’s dominant
- Prevents the opponent from recovering Guard or attacking effectively.
- A platform to transition to Mount Top, North South, or submissions like Kimura or Arm Triangle.
Description
- One knee is placed on the opponent’s torso, with your other leg posted for balance and mobility.
Why it’s dominant
Guard (Neutral Position)
Description
- You are on your back with your legs wrapped around (e.g., Closed Guard) or controlling the opponent’s body (e.g., Butterfly Guard).
Why it’s neutral
- Can be used offensively with sweeps and submissions (Triangle Choke, Omoplata).
- Defensively protects against the opponent’s top control.
Half Guard (Neutral/Defensive)
Description
- You are on your back with one of the opponent’s legs trapped while controlling their upper body or hips.
Why it’s defensive
- Requires effort to recover Guard or execute sweeps.
- Can be used offensively with sweeps like the underhook sweep or knee shield transitions.
Description
- You are pinned on your back with the opponent controlling your chest and hips.
Why it’s lower
- Limited mobility and submission opportunities.
- The goal is to escape, recover Guard, or sweep.
Description
- The opponent is on top, pinning your torso and applying Pressure.
Why it’s critical
- High vulnerability to submissions.
- The focus is on escaping or reversing the position.
Back Control Bottom (Lowest)
Description
- The opponent is behind you, controlling your back with hooks or a body triangle.
Why it’s the worst
- The opponent has access to high-percentage submissions.
- Extremely limited ability to escape or defend.
Principles of Positional Hierarchy
Always Seek Positional Advancement
- Focus on progressing through the hierarchy (e.g., from Side Control Top to Mount Top or Back Control) before attempting submissions.
- Avoid rushing submissions from unstable positions.
Control Before Submission
- Secure a dominant position to maintain control and limit the opponent’s ability to counter before attacking.
Escape First, Then Attack
- If in a low position (e.g., Side Control Bottom or Mount Bottom), prioritize escaping and recovering Guard before focusing on submissions or sweeps.
Balance Defense and Offense
- In neutral positions like Guard, combine defensive strategies with offensive sweeps and submissions to climb the hierarchy.
Training and Using Positional Hierarchy
Positional Sparring
- Focus on specific positions, practicing escapes, submissions, and transitions to build familiarity with the hierarchy.
Drilling Transitions
- Practice moving fluidly between positions (e.g., Side Control Top to Mount Top).
Strategic Rolling
- During live training, aim to advance through the hierarchy while minimizing mistakes or overcommitments.
Tip
Mastering the Positional Hierarchy is essential for strategic efficiency in BJJ. Focus on advancing to dominant positions while maintaining Pressure and Problem Solving, ensuring control before committing to submissions.