Knowing and understanding the positional hierarchy of Jiu Jitsu AND how to transition between them is an essential skill for every practitioner. Having a good flow between positions makes you unpredictable and difficult to control. It also allows for you opportunities to discover a weakness in your opponent and submit them! However, as you might suspect things are never quite so black and white. Within these ‘primary positions’ are subsets of variations. Let’s take a look at the primary and subset variations within cross side. The primary variations of the cross body pin are:
Standard Cross Side
‘Scarf Hold’ (or Kesse)
The standard cross body positions and control strategies are fully reliable in situations when you need to control a much stronger street fight opponent. Against an opponent who is more knowledgeable and technical in their escape attempts, you will need a more dynamic strategy to retain control, and that is where the modified side mount comes into play.
Modified Side Mount
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About The Author:
Jeff Reese, Gracie Jiu-jitsu black belt, has had the honor of learning from two generations of Gracie family members including Royce, Royler, Rodrigo, Rolker, Ralek, Rener, and Ryron; he teaches at Gracie NEPA in Scranton, PA.
