What Is The S Mount In BJJ?
In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), the S-mount is a dominant position where the top player sits on their opponent’s chest with their legs forming the shape of the letter “S”. The S-mount provides the top player with a high level of control and leverage over their opponent, making it difficult for the bottom player to escape or defend themselves.
From the S-mount position, the top player can apply a variety of submission holds, such as armlocks, chokes, and shoulder locks, or transition to other dominant positions, such as the mount or back mount.
How to Establish S Mount?
Before you can learn techniques from the S mount, you have to first learn how to get to this mount variation. Here is a method to getting to this mount and tips for controlling your opponent and laying down heavy pressure.
Getting to the S Mount
There are a few different ways that you can get to the S mount. But for newbies to the position, we’ll detail how you can get there when you already have the standard mount position.
First thing, when you have mount, remember to keep your knees tight against your opponent’s sides and weight centered. This way, your opponent can’t knock you off balance.
Now, to get to S mount, start by hooking under your opponent’s elbow and lifting it up. Once you’ve made the space, slide your leg under their arm and lay it flat on the flat.
Next, take your other knee and slide it under your opponent’s other shoulder. You are now in S mount and have numerous attack options to choose from.
Pressure and Control
When holding an S mount, there are two things that you need to remember to have control and give heavy pressure. The first thing that you need to know is that you can’t have any free space between you and your opponent.
This is true for any type of mount you hold. If you give up any space, it makes it easier for your opponent to escape.
Then the second thing you have to remember is to keep your weight centered like in a traditional mount. Being centered on your opponent limits their movement and makes it harder to escape.
Remember those two things when going into this mount variation, and you’ll be a problem to deal with.
5 Efficient S Mount Attacks
Armbar
The near-side armbar is probably the first choice that you’ll see once you get into this mount. First, get into S mount by folding your leg under one of your opponent’s arm.
Then place your knee under the shoulder of the opposite arm. This is going to be the arm that you’re going to attack.
Cross grab your opponent’s arm like a traditional arm bar and bring your leg over your opponent’s head. From there, to finish the submission, hold the arm tight with both of your arms and fall back at an angle.
Watch this video from the Grappling Academy to get a visual on how to properly lock on this mounted armlock.
Triangle Choke
A triangle choke from S mount is probably the easiest way to get a mounted triangle choke. To get a triangle from this position, you’re going to go through the same motion of getting to S mount.(But with a quick twist.)
From classic mount, you’re going to hold onto your opponent’s arms and pin them to their chest. Then you’re going to turn your body into an S shape like you’re going into the mount variation.
But as you fold your leg, you’re going to lift it over your opponent’s arm and slide right into the triangle choke. Hook your leg behind your opponent’s head, pull their arm across their body, and lock your ankle behind your knee.
The choke comes on quickly and your opponent will have to act quick or tap out.
Monoplata & Omoplata
Omoplata and monoplata are other easy attacks from this mount. We’re going to explain the omoplate variation, because you’ll see the monoplata option from just about the same movement.
When you’re in a high S mount, you’re going to be attacking the arm on the side of your folded leg. All you do is grab your shin, fall back into a sitting position, and you’re in position for the omoplata.
You can also finish the technique from mount if you’re more flexible.
Bow and Arrow Choke
A lot of times when you get an S mount, your opponent automatically thinks that you’re going for an armlock. So much so that they forget to protect their neck from a collar check.
Take your outside arm and slide it behind your opponent’s neck. Then take your other hand, grab your opponent’s collar and pass it to your other hand.
Once you have your opponent’s collar, grab their leg for control, shift your weight, and put on the choke.
Modified Arm Lock
Along with the traditional near-side arm bar, the S mount also gives you a slick far side armbar. You’re going to begin this setup just like you are going for the near-side armbar.
But if your opponent/partner is savvy to this technique, they will immediately start defending. Or let’s say, you wanted them to defend to open up the path to hit a far-side armbar.
When they start defending, you’re going to take your outside arm and hook your opponent’s far arm. Pulling their arm tightly against your chest.
Now, if you know the S mount switching drill, you’ll know exactly what to do. Switch your base, slide across your opponent’s chest and attack their far arm. This is a great technique and one you should really learn.
How to Escape S Mount?
If you want to know how to escape S mount, you need to remember the wise words of Kurt Osiander. “You F***** up a long time ago.” But here are some methods you can use to escape this mount variation.
Frame On Opponent’s Hips
To prevent your opponent from even getting to S mount, you should be framing on your opponent’s hips. Keeping one arm framed across your opponent’s hip will prevent them from being able to switch their base.
Just be sure not to raise your arm up vertically, or you’re giving your opponent an armbar.
Framing Option #2
This is another framing option that you can use when your opponent already has the S mount. First thing that you must do is keep your arms in tight, so your opponent can’t easily grab your arms.
Next, you’re going to turn your head and leg towards your opponent’s knee that’s next to your shoulder. When you turn, you’re going to try and get your elbow under your opponent’s hips.
Now, you’re going to start framing and make space. You have your choice of transitioning to guard, half guard, or a form of leg control.
S Mount Escape Against Larger Opponent
If you’ve ever been stuck in S mount under a larger opponent, you know it can be a nightmare. That’s why we want to show you this escape.
Now, before your opponent starts their transition, you need to take 2 on 1 control on their arm. One hand on your opponent’s wrist and the other on their tricep.
After establishing control of the arm, pull it across your body, and push your elbow into their leg to make space. From there, start turning your body to this side, and underhook your opponent’s leg.
Going the Extra Mile to Perfect Your S Mount
There are a wide variety of S mount drills for you to choose from. Here are some single and partner drills that you can try.
Solo Drills
You don’t need a partner to do most S mount drills. But if you have a bag or a bag with arms, that’s even better.
On your own, you can do everything from drill your transitions from side to side or your submissions.
Partner Drills
If you have a partner handy, you can do the exact same movements as you would alone. Although, drilling with a partner is better due to having the feel for how to do the move live.
Check out Stephan Kesting breaking down how to do S mount armbar drills with a partner.
Wrapping Up
The S mount is part of the curriculum of every BJJ school in the world. It’s a must learn position that you must learn in order to advance your grappling abilities. Once you learn this mount, your teammates will dread being stuck under you.
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