Transition to Mount

From back mount to mount

Key Steps

Establish control

• Maintain a tight seatbelt grip (one arm over the shoulder, the other under the armpit) to keep the opponent from escaping and to control the upper body.

Align hips and angle

• As they turn into you on their side, rotate your hips to face them while keeping chest-to-back contact and steady head position.

Ingress: knee cross and pin

• Slide the knee closest to their head across their torso toward the opposite shoulder; use your other leg to pin the hip and prevent a quick re-guard.

Settle into mount

• Bring your hips over their chest, plant the bottom foot, and settle into full mount with knees tight and weight centered.

Application

• This transition is a practical, step-by-step option in both Gi and No-Gi to capitalize on a collapsed posture. It’s a fundamental concept in jiu jitsu moves and bjj techniques for converting back control into mounted pressure. How to: maintain grips, angle hips, and drive weight through the chest as you switch to top control. Suitable for intermediate practitioners; with drilling, beginners can build the timing.

Mistakes

• Losing control of the upper body during the switch.
• Telegraphed hip movement or slow transition, inviting a re-guard or escape.
• Failing to pin the opponent’s hips, creating space for frames.

Tips

• Keep weight on the chest to steady pressure and deter escapes; practice this sequence with a partner in Gi or No-Gi to develop timing.
• Focus on hip mobility and tight head position to maintain control throughout the switch.
• Use this transition as part of a broader progression in jiu jitsu moves; it complements other bjj techniques and submissions.