Knee on Belly

The Knee on Belly is a dominant top position in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu where the practitioner applies pressure by driving their knee into the opponent's midsection, controlling their movement, and limiting their ability to escape. It is highly effective for maintaining control, advancing position, or transitioning to submissions.

Key Elements

Positioning

  • One knee is placed firmly on the opponent’s torso, often near the solar plexus or lower ribs.
  • The opposite leg is posted out wide, creating a strong Base to maintain balance and adjust pressure.

Control Points

  • The knee and shin apply downward pressure on the opponent’s chest or abdomen.
  • The practitioner uses their hands to control grips, such as the opponent’s collar, lapel, or arms, enhancing stability.

Pressure Application

  • Leaning forward slightly increases pressure on the opponent, making it harder for them to breathe or move effectively.

Weight Distribution

  • Your weight is centered over the knee on the opponent’s torso while keeping your posted leg light and mobile for balance and transitions.

Advantages of Knee on Belly

Control

  • The position allows you to immobilize your opponent while staying mobile yourself.

Submission Setup

Transition to Other Positions

Points in Competition

  • In IBJJF rules, transitioning to Knee on Belly scores 2 points.

How to Maintain the Position

Knee Placement

  • Keep the knee firmly connected to the opponent’s torso, not sliding or losing contact.

Grip Fighting

  • Secure grips on the opponent’s collar or arms to prevent their escape or counterattacks.

Postured Base

  • Your posted leg should remain active, wide, and ready to adjust for balance.

Common Escapes

Shrimping Away

  • The opponent uses Hip Movement to slide out from under your knee and recover Guard.

Underhook Escape

  • They reach under your posted leg or body to create space and off-balance you.

Bridge and Roll

  • They try to bridge explosively and roll you off by shifting your weight.

Common Mistakes

Poor Weight Distribution

  • If your weight is too light on the knee, the opponent can escape easily.

Knee Placement Too High or Low

  • Placing the knee too close to the hips or shoulders reduces the control and pressure.

Overcommitting

  • Leaning too far forward or backward compromises your Base and allows sweeps.
Tip

To effectively "cook" your opponent using Knee on Belly, focus on applying relentless Pressure while maintaining mobility and balance. Combine it with grips to disrupt their ability to escape or counter.

Advancing Knee on Belly

Transitions from Knee on Belly

Mount Top

  • Slide your knee across the opponent’s torso and place it on the mat, securing the Mount position while maintaining control of grips or posture.

Side Control Top

  • Drop your knee off the opponent’s torso to one side, transitioning back to a stable Side Control.

Back Take

  • As the opponent turns to their side to escape, step over their back and establish Back Control.

Submissions from Knee on Belly

Armbar

  • Secure the opponent’s arm by isolating it with a grip, then swing your leg over their head while maintaining control to execute the Armbar.

Baseball Choke

  • Use the gi collar grips (one palm up, one palm down) and slide your arms into a scissor motion while transitioning for pressure.

Americana

  • Control the opponent’s arm and use your free hand to lock in the Figure-Four Grip, cranking the shoulder for the submission.

Kimura

  • Trap one of the opponent’s arms, lock a Figure-Four Grip, and apply rotational pressure on the shoulder.

Cross Collar Choke

  • Secure deep grips in the opponent’s gi collar with both hands and apply a choking motion by tightening the fabric across their neck.

Sweeps from Knee on Belly (If Reversed)

Scissor Sweep (From Bottom Position)

  • If your opponent attempts to reverse the Knee on Belly, use their momentum to elevate their torso and sweep them by blocking their base.

Bridge and Roll

  • As they attempt to pass, bridge explosively to create off-balance, then roll them to reverse the position.

Guard Passes into Knee on Belly

Toreando Pass

  • After controlling the opponent’s legs during a Guard pass, step around and immediately drop into Knee on Belly.

Over-Under Pass

  • Drive their hips down, circle their legs to one side, and establish Knee on Belly after clearing their legs.

Leg Drag Pass

  • Drag their leg across your body, flattening their hips and transitioning directly into Knee on Belly.

Escapes from Knee on Belly

Shrimp Escape

  • Use explosive Hip Movement to create space between your hips and the opponent’s knee, recovering to Guard.

Bridge Escape

  • Bridge up to off-balance the opponent and create room to slide your hips out or roll them off.

Underhook Escape

  • Reach under the opponent’s leg to gain leverage and disrupt their Base, allowing you to create space.

Takedowns Leading to Knee on Belly

Double Leg Takedown

  • Finish the takedown by landing in a dominant position and transitioning into Knee on Belly immediately for control.

Body Lock Takedown

  • Secure a tight grip around the opponent’s waist, take them down, and establish Knee on Belly for pressure.

Snapdown to Front Headlock

  • After snapping your opponent down and circling, step over their side to secure Knee on Belly.

YouTube Videos