Gift Wrap

Gift Wrap is a dominant control position in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, typically achieved from Mount Top or Technical Mount. It involves trapping one of the opponent’s arms across their body, using their wrist and head as leverage to control their upper body. This position is highly effective for immobilizing the opponent, setting up submissions, and transitioning to other dominant positions.

Key Characteristics

Arm Control

  • The opponent’s arm is wrapped across their body, typically with their wrist controlled near the opposite shoulder or neck.

Head Control

  • Your arm secures their head or neck to restrict movement and maintain dominance.

Body Position

Goals of Gift Wrap

Immobilize the Opponent

  • Trapping the arm and controlling the head makes it nearly impossible for the opponent to mount an effective defense or escape.
  • Limits the use of their arms for Frames or counters.

Set Up Submissions

  • The position isolates the opponent’s arms and neck, providing easy access to chokes and joint locks.

Transition to More Dominant Positions

Advantages of Gift Wrap

Control

  • The opponent’s body is twisted and pinned, reducing their ability to escape or defend.

Submission Opportunities

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

Transition Flexibility

Common Submissions from Gift Wrap

Armbar

  • Trap the opponent’s arm, pivot to the side, and swing your leg over their head to finish the Armbar.

Americana

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

Bow and Arrow Choke

Rear Naked Choke

Triangle Choke

  • If they defend by turning, use your legs to trap their head and arm for a triangle choke.

Transitions from Gift Wrap

Technical Mount

  • Shift your body to the side while maintaining wrist and head control, creating Technical Mount.

Back Control

  • Allow the opponent to turn away, follow their movement, and insert hooks to establish Back Control.

Mount Top

  • If the opponent starts to defend or turn, re-center your weight to maintain Mount Top.

Side Control Top

  • Drop to the side and maintain upper body control for a transition to Side Control.

Common Mistakes in Gift Wrap

Loose Arm Control

  • Failing to secure the opponent’s wrist tightly allows them to break free and recover.

Leaning Too Far Forward

  • Overcommitting your weight can lead to loss of balance or a sweep.

Neglecting Frames

  • Failing to maintain a strong grip or Pressure gives the opponent room to escape or counterattack.

Advancing Gift Wrap

Tip

The Gift Wrap position combines strong Pressure and arm isolation to limit the opponent’s defenses. Use it to set up submissions, transitions, or positional advancements like Back Control and Technical Mount.

Transitions from Gift Wrap

Technical Mount

  • Shift your knee near the opponent’s head while pulling their trapped arm and head to the side, creating the angled position of Technical Mount.

Back Control

  • Allow the opponent to turn to their side, maintain the arm and head control, and insert hooks to secure Back Control.

Mount Top

  • If the opponent defends by trying to turn flat, release the Gift Wrap and re-center your weight over their torso to maintain Mount Top.

Side Control Top

  • Drop to the side with control over their arm and head to transition into Side Control while maintaining pressure.

Submissions from Gift Wrap

Armbar

  • Isolate their arm by pulling it tight across their body, pivoting to the side, and swinging your leg over their head to finish the Armbar.

Americana

  • Pin their arm to the mat and secure a Figure-Four Grip, applying shoulder pressure to twist the joint.

Bow and Arrow Choke

Rear Naked Choke

  • Transition to Back Control, sink your hooks, and finish the choke by securing their neck.

Triangle Choke

  • As they attempt to defend by turning, use your legs to trap their head and arm for a triangle choke setup.

Ezekiel Choke

  • While maintaining the Gift Wrap, slide your arm across their neck and grip your opposite sleeve, applying choking pressure.

Sweeps from Gift Wrap (If Reversed)

Momentum Sweep

  • If the opponent attempts to bridge, use their momentum to rotate back into Mount Top or take their back.

Leg Hook Sweep Hook their leg with your foot as they attempt to turn into you, rolling them over to regain control.

Passes into Gift Wrap

Guard Pass to Gift Wrap

Half Guard Pass to Gift Wrap

  • As you clear their legs during the pass, trap their arm across their body and establish the Gift Wrap while advancing into Mount Top.

Leg Drag Pass to Gift Wrap

  • Drag their leg across your body, establish chest control, and trap their arm to transition into the Gift Wrap.

Escapes from Gift Wrap

Bridge Escape

Shrimp Escape

Frame Escape

  • Create Frames against their chest or hips, pushing away to free your arm and recover a neutral position.

Underhook Escape

  • Reach under their arm or body to gain leverage, rolling into a safer position like Half Guard or Turtle Guard.

Takedowns Leading to Gift Wrap

Snapdown to Gift Wrap

  • Snap the opponent’s head down, circle around, and isolate their arm to establish the Gift Wrap position.

Body Lock Takedown to Gift Wrap

  • Use a body lock to take them down, immediately trap their arm across their body, and secure the Gift Wrap.

Trip Takedown to Gift Wrap

  • Execute a trip, land in a dominant position, and trap their arm and head to set up the Gift Wrap.

YouTube Videos