Transition to High Mount

From Full Mount to High Control

Key Steps

Step 1: Stabilize

• Establish a solid base in the mount: weight centered, elbows tight, head over the chest to resist escapes.

Step 2: Move knees up

• Walk both knees along the opponent’s torso toward the armpits while maintaining forward pressure and chest contact.

Step 3: Set the high mount

• Lower hips slightly so the knees sit high on the chest near the armpits; press thighs into the upper torso; keep active frames to block escapes.

Application

• Works in Gi and No-Gi; this step-by-step transition improves control and creates better submission angles (arm isolation, chokes) and setups to advance in jiu jitsu moves and bjj techniques.

• Drill with a partner at controlled pace, then add resistance as comfort grows.

Mistakes

• Hips too low or knees not near armpits.
• Loss of forward pressure or poor head positioning.
• Hands abandoning frames in defense.
• Over-rotating or tensing, losing base.

Tips

• Keep head up, weight forward.
• Use forearm frames to control hips.
• Start slow, increase resistance gradually.
• From here, you have clearer attack options and can progress toward back control.