High Mount

High Mount is a variation of the Mount Top position in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu where the practitioner advances their knees closer to the opponent’s shoulders or armpits, significantly increasing control and isolating the opponent's arms. This position provides better angles for attacks while limiting the bottom player's ability to escape or defend effectively.

Key Characteristics

Knee Placement

  • Knees are positioned high, near the opponent’s shoulders or armpits, pinning their arms and limiting their mobility.

Pressure

  • The practitioner shifts their weight forward, applying Pressure through the chest or hips to make breathing and movement difficult for the opponent.

Isolation

  • The opponent’s arms are trapped above their shoulders, making them vulnerable to submissions like the Armbar or Mounted Triangle.

Goals of High Mount

Enhanced Control

  • By pinning the opponent's arms and upper body, you neutralize their ability to bridge or use frames effectively.
  • Maintain balance and Weight Distribution to avoid being swept.

Submission Opportunities

  • The advanced position makes attacking the arms and neck more accessible, increasing the likelihood of finishing the fight.

Advance the Positional Hierarchy

  • Transition to S-Mount or Technical Mount for even greater control or to set up submissions.
  • Force the opponent to turn, exposing their back for a transition to Back Control.

Common Submissions from High Mount

Armbar

  • With the arms pinned high, isolate one arm, swing your leg over their head, and finish the Armbar.

Mounted Triangle

  • Trap their head and one arm with your legs, locking the triangle choke while maintaining the mount position.

Cross Collar Choke

  • Secure deep grips in their gi collar and apply a scissor motion to choke them.

Americana

Ezekiel Choke

  • Slide one arm across their neck and use your sleeve grip to apply pressure for the choke.

Advantages of High Mount

Increased Control

  • Opponent’s arms and torso are effectively pinned, preventing effective defenses or escapes.

Submission Access

  • Submissions are easier to set up due to the isolation of arms and exposure of the neck.

Opponent Exhaustion

  • The forward Pressure of High Mount restricts breathing, draining their energy.

Transitions from High Mount

S-Mount

  • Slide one knee higher toward their head and tuck the other leg, creating a strong angle for arm and neck attacks.

Back Control

  • When the opponent turns to escape, transition to their back by inserting hooks and securing control.

Return to Low Mount

  • If the opponent starts to bridge aggressively, slide back to a lower mount position for stability.

Common Mistakes in High Mount

Leaning Too Far Forward

  • Overcommitting your weight makes you vulnerable to being swept or bridged off.

Poor Balance

  • Keeping your knees too close together reduces stability, increasing the risk of losing position.

Neglecting Grips

  • Without securing grips on the opponent’s arms or collar, they may create space and escape.

Advancing High Mount

Tip

High Mount maximizes control and submission opportunities. Stay heavy on their chest while isolating their arms or neck, and be ready to transition to S-Mount, Technical Mount, or Back Control for stronger attack angles.

Transitions from High Mount

S-Mount

  • Slide one knee higher near the opponent’s head while tucking the other foot under their shoulder. This isolates their arms and sets up submission opportunities.

Technical Mount

  • When the opponent turns to their side to escape, shift your weight and adjust your knees to establish control and open up attack angles.

Back Take

  • As the opponent turns to escape, maintain chest-to-back contact and insert hooks to transition to Back Control.

Return to Low Mount

  • Slide your knees back toward their hips if you feel unstable or the opponent attempts to bridge aggressively.

Submissions from High Mount

Armbar

  • Isolate an arm by pinning it to the mat or using your chest. Swing your leg over their head and finish the Armbar with control.

Mounted Triangle

  • Trap the opponent’s head and arm with your legs by transitioning to a triangle choke while maintaining the mount position.

Americana

  • Use a Figure-Four Grip to trap the opponent’s arm and twist their shoulder while their arm is pinned to the mat.

Cross Collar Choke

  • Secure deep grips in the opponent’s gi collar with both hands and apply a scissor motion to tighten the choke.

Ezekiel Choke

  • Slide your forearm across their neck, using your other arm inside your sleeve to choke them.

Paper Cutter Choke

  • Use one hand to grip their collar and the other to apply downward pressure across their neck.

Sweeps from High Mount (If Reversed)

Momentum Reversal Sweep

  • As the opponent tries to escape by bridging, use their momentum to roll them back into Mount Top.

Knee Pin Sweep

  • If they push your knee to escape, allow the motion and use their momentum to roll them into Closed Guard or top control.

Passes into High Mount

Knee Slide to High Mount

  • After passing the opponent’s Guard, slide your knee up higher near their shoulders, adjusting into High Mount.

Toreando Pass to Mount

  • Clear the opponent’s legs and immediately move into High Mount by positioning your knees near their armpits.

Half Guard Smash to High Mount

  • Flatten the opponent’s hips and gradually walk your knees up into High Mount after passing their legs.

Escapes from High Mount

Bridge and Roll Escape

  • Trap one arm and leg on the same side, bridge explosively, and roll them over into Side Control or Guard.

Shrimp to Guard Escape

  • Frame against their hips or chest, create space with a shrimp motion, and recover Closed Guard or Half Guard.

Elbow Push Escape

  • Use your elbows to push their knees down while shrimping your hips out, sliding one leg through to recover Half Guard.

Butterfly Escape

  • Create space under their hips, insert your legs, and elevate them to transition into Butterfly Guard.

Takedowns Leading to High Mount

Body Lock Takedown to High Mount

  • Secure a body lock, take the opponent down, and slide your knees up into High Mount immediately after landing.

Snapdown to High Mount

  • Snap the opponent’s head down, circle around, and step into High Mount as they collapse.

Trip Takedown to High Mount

  • Use a trip to take them down and advance your knees higher up their torso to secure High Mount.

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