S-Mount

S-Mount is a highly dominant variation of the Mount Top position in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. It involves positioning one knee near the opponent's head while tucking the other foot close to their torso, creating a stable "S" shape with your legs. This position enhances control and isolation, making it easier to attack with submissions while minimizing escape options for the opponent.

Key Characteristics

Leg Positioning

  • One knee is placed high near the opponent's head or shoulder, and the opposite leg is folded, with the foot tucked near their torso or hip.

Weight Distribution

  • Your weight is centered low, primarily on their chest or upper body, creating Pressure and pinning them to the mat.

Arm Isolation

  • The position naturally traps the opponent's arms, making it difficult for them to defend effectively.

Goals of S-Mount

Control the Opponent

  • Maintain stability by keeping your weight low and balanced.
  • Prevent the opponent from bridging or using Frames effectively.

Set Up Submissions

  • Isolate arms and attack with joint locks or chokes, such as the Armbar or Triangle Choke.
  • Use the position to force defensive reactions that expose submission opportunities.

Transition to Even More Dominant Positions

  • Move to Back Control if the opponent turns.
  • Return to standard Mount Top if the opponent disrupts your S-Mount.

Advantages of S-Mount

Superior Control

  • The high knee and tucked foot prevent the opponent from escaping or regaining Guard.

Submission Opportunities

  • The position naturally isolates arms and exposes the opponent’s neck for attacks.

Versatility

Common Submissions from S-Mount

Armbar

  • Isolate the opponent’s arm, swing your leg over their head, and finish by hyperextending their elbow.

Mounted Triangle Choke

  • Use your legs to trap the opponent’s head and one arm, locking in a triangle choke while maintaining mount.

Americana

  • Trap the opponent’s arm and apply pressure with a Figure-Four Grip to twist the shoulder.

Ezekiel Choke

  • Slide your arm around their neck and use your sleeve grip to finish the choke.

Straight Armlock

  • Pin the opponent’s arm and apply downward pressure to extend the joint.

Transitions from S-Mount

Back Control

  • If the opponent turns to their side to defend, shift your weight and insert hooks to secure Back Control.

Return to Standard Mount

  • Slide your knees back into a more central Mount Top position if the opponent disrupts your control.

Technical Mount

  • Shift to a side angle, allowing for greater attack options or transitioning into other submissions.

Common Mistakes in S-Mount

Poor Balance

  • Leaning too far forward or backward can compromise your stability, making you vulnerable to sweeps or escapes.

Insufficient Weight Distribution

  • Keeping your weight too light allows the opponent to bridge or shrimp out.

Not Isolating Arms

  • Failing to trap or control the opponent’s arms reduces the effectiveness of submissions from the position.

Advancing S-Mount

Tip

S-Mount is an ideal position for heavy Pressure and submission setups. Use it as a platform for both offensive and transitional strategies while maintaining Positional Hierarchy.

Transitions from S-Mount

Back Control

  • When the opponent turns to their side to defend, shift your weight and insert hooks to establish Back Control while maintaining grip on their upper body.

Return to Standard Mount

  • Slide your knees back to the opponent’s torso, returning to a lower Mount Top position for stability or to reset control.

Technical Mount

  • Adjust your angle by sliding one leg around their torso while keeping control of their upper body, creating more options for attacks.

Arm Triangle Transition

  • Drop your weight across their neck and use their trapped arm to transition into an Arm Triangle setup.

Submissions from S-Mount

Armbar

  • Isolate their arm by trapping it with your hands and chest, then swing your leg over their head to finish the Armbar.

Mounted Triangle Choke

  • Use your legs to trap their head and one arm, securing a tight triangle choke while maintaining control of the position.

Ezekiel Choke

  • Slide your arm across their neck, grip your opposite sleeve, and apply pressure to execute the choke.

Americana

  • Trap their arm, lock the Figure-Four Grip, and twist their shoulder while pinning them with your weight.

Straight Armlock

  • Pin their arm flat to the mat with both hands and apply downward pressure to hyperextend their elbow.

Kimura

  • Lock a Figure-Four Grip on their arm and apply rotational pressure to the shoulder.

Sweeps from S-Mount (If Opponent Reverses)

Momentum Sweep

  • If the opponent tries to bridge or roll, use their momentum to rotate and regain Mount Top or take their back.

Arm Trap Sweep

  • If they attempt to push your knee or escape, trap their arm and roll them into a more dominant position.

Passes into S-Mount

Knee Slide Pass to S-Mount

  • After passing their Guard, slide your knee high near their shoulder and tuck your foot to enter S-Mount.

Over-Under Pass to S-Mount

  • Use Pressure to pass their hips, then position your knee high to establish S-Mount.

Leg Drag to S-Mount

  • Control their leg during the pass and immediately move into S-Mount to trap their arms and torso.

Escapes from S-Mount

Shrimp Escape

Bridge and Roll Escape

  • Trap the leg on the side where their weight is focused, bridge explosively, and roll them into a neutral or advantageous position.

Underhook Escape

Knee Push Escape

Takedowns Leading to S-Mount

Body Lock Takedown to S-Mount

  • Secure a body lock, take them down, and slide your knee high near their shoulder to enter S-Mount immediately.

Snapdown to S-Mount

  • Snap the opponent’s head down, move around their torso, and position yourself into S-Mount as they fall.

Trip Takedown to S-Mount

  • Execute a trip and immediately position your knee high near their head to establish S-Mount upon landing.

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