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
- You use Pressure and Weight Distribution to pin their torso, keeping them flat or turned on their side.
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
- Move to Technical Mount, Back Control, or directly into submissions while maintaining control.
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
- Provides a gateway to Technical Mount, Back Control, or submission setups like the Armbar.
Common Submissions from Gift Wrap
- Trap the opponent’s arm, pivot to the side, and swing your leg over their head to finish the Armbar.
- Pin the opponent’s arm to the mat and apply shoulder pressure with a Figure-Four Grip.
- Transition from Gift Wrap to Technical Mount or Back Control and secure the choke using their gi collar.
- Move to Back Control, sink your hooks, and secure the choke.
- If they defend by turning, use your legs to trap their head and arm for a triangle choke.
Transitions from Gift Wrap
- Shift your body to the side while maintaining wrist and head control, creating Technical Mount.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Pin their arm to the mat and secure a Figure-Four Grip, applying shoulder pressure to twist the joint.
- Use their gi collar while transitioning to Technical Mount or Back Control, then extend for the choke.
- Transition to Back Control, sink your hooks, and finish the choke by securing their neck.
- As they attempt to defend by turning, use your legs to trap their head and arm for a triangle choke setup.
- 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
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
- Use a Toreando Pass or Over-Under Pass to flatten the opponent, then isolate their arm and head to establish the 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
- Explosively bridge to disrupt the opponent’s Base, creating space to recover Guard or transition to Side Control Bottom.
- Use Hip Movement to create space, slide your hips out, and recover Guard.
Frame Escape
- Create Frames against their chest or hips, pushing away to free your arm and recover a neutral position.
- 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.
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