​From this position, the practitioner has superior control and numerous options for submissions (like the Americana, Kimura, or arm triangle), transitions, or positional advancement. Side control emphasizes pressure, control, and timing, making it a cornerstone of both sport and self-defense Jiu Jitsu.

Want to feel what real control on the mat is like? Sign up for a free trial class at AP Jiu Jitsu and experience Side Control and much more, firsthand! Already familiar with this position? Drop a comment below and share your favorite transition or submission from side mount.

​A foundational position in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, half guard occurs when the bottom player controls one of the top player’s legs using their own legs, while the other leg remains free. It serves as both a transitional and offensive position, offering opportunities for sweeps, submissions, and positional advancements—especially when refined with modern variations like knee shield, deep half, and lockdown.

​At AP Jiu Jitsu, we teach how to turn this seemingly defensive position into a powerful tool for controlling and outsmarting opponents of all sizes. Whether you're just starting your journey or looking to sharpen your competitive edge, mastering half guard is a must.

Want to learn how to use half guard to dominate from the bottom? Drop a comment below or check out one of our programs to train with us in person—we’d love to roll with you.

  ​The Kimura is a powerful shoulder lock submission in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu that targets the shoulder joint through rotational pressure. It is typically applied by isolating an opponent's arm and controlling their wrist with one hand, while threading the other arm under theirs to grip your own wrist—creating a figure-four grip.

At AP Jiu Jitsu, we emphasize the importance of achieving and maintaining dominant positions to control your opponent and create opportunities for submissions. One of the most powerful and advantageous positions in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is the Mount.

The Mount is a top-control position where the practitioner on top is straddling their opponent's torso, typically with their knees on or near the opponent's hips or ribs. This position offers significant advantages:   

• Superior Control: The wide base and weight distribution of the Mount make it extremely difficult for the bottom person to escape or generate significant power for sweeps.
• Offensive Opportunities: From the Mount, the top practitioner has a wide array of submission attacks available, including armbars, chokes, and kimuras. They also have the ability to deliver strikes in a self-defense context (where applicable within the ruleset).   
• Psychological Advantage: Being mounted can be a demoralizing position for the bottom person, further hindering their ability to defend and escape.

Key Characteristics of a Strong Mount:

• High Mount: Knees are positioned higher on the opponent's chest, offering maximum control over their upper body and head.
• Low Mount: Knees are positioned lower, closer to the hips, often used to control hip movement and prevent bridging.   
• Active Base: Maintaining a stable and wide base is crucial to prevent being swept or rolled.   
• Controlling Limbs: Effective use of your arms and hands to control the opponent's arms and prevent them from framing or creating space.
• Weight Distribution: Properly distributing your weight to make it difficult for the opponent to move or buck you off.   

Learning and Mastering the Mount at AP Jiu Jitsu:
Our experienced instructors at AP Jiu Jitsu will guide you through the fundamental techniques for achieving and maintaining the Mount. You will learn:

• Effective entries into the Mount from various guard passes and transitions.
• Proper body positioning and weight distribution for optimal control.
• A comprehensive range of submission attacks from the Mount.
• Defensive strategies and escapes for when you find yourself on the bottom.

Mastering the Mount is a crucial step in your Jiu Jitsu journey. It embodies the principles of leverage, control, and effective offense that are central to the art. Join us at AP Jiu Jitsu to learn how to effectively utilize this dominant position and elevate your grappling game.

​No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu" refers to a variation of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) where practitioners do not wear the traditional "gi" uniform. Instead, they typically wear athletic apparel such as rash guards and shorts. Here's a breakdown of what that means:

Absence of the Gi:

• The most significant difference is the lack of the traditional gi. This changes the dynamics of grappling, as there are no lapels or sleeves to grip.   

Focus on Body Mechanics:

• Without gi grips, practitioners rely more on body control, positioning, and leverage to control their opponents.   
• This often leads to a faster-paced and more dynamic style of grappling.   

Technique Variations:

• While the fundamental principles of BJJ remain, some techniques are modified or emphasized differently in No-Gi.   
• For example, submissions like collar chokes are exclusive to gi training, while other submissions like leg locks and guillotines become more prominent in No-Gi.

Relevance to MMA:

• No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu is particularly relevant to mixed martial arts (MMA), where fighters do not wear a gi.   

In essence, No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu is a streamlined and adaptable form of grappling that emphasizes fundamental BJJ principles in the absence of traditional uniform grips.

Our regular No-Gi classes offer a fast-paced, technique-driven approach to grappling, perfect for enhancing your skills and fitness. Without the traditional gi, you'll focus on body control, leverage, and dynamic submissions. Join our welcoming family and discover the excitement of No-Gi. Check out our program schedule and contact us to get started!

Judo is a modern martial art and Olympic sport that originated in Japan. It focuses on using an opponent’s force and balance against them through throws, grappling techniques, and submissions. Unlike striking-based martial arts, Judo emphasizes efficiency of movement, leverage, and control, making it a highly effective discipline for self-defense and competition. Practitioners, known as judokas, train to execute precise techniques that allow them to off-balance and subdue opponents with minimal effort. At AP Jiu Jitsu, we recognize the value of Judo in enhancing grappling skills, improving overall athleticism, and complementing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training.

​  Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) is a grappling-based martial art that emphasizes technique, leverage, and control to overcome opponents, regardless of size or strength. Rooted in traditional Japanese Jiu Jitsu and Judo, BJJ focuses on ground fighting, submissions, and positional dominance, making it an effective form of self-defense and sport. Practitioners learn to use strategy and skill to neutralize threats, making BJJ both a physical and mental discipline.  AP Jiu Jitsu teaches Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.