Head control in BJJ

Head control in BJJ

Head control in BJJ is so important to the eventual finish. It starts w the head and shoulders. People talk a lot about head control in Jiu-Jitsu, and for a good reason. Because head control is probably the single best means of controlling the overall movement and posture of an opponents body. You control the head, you control the body. Understand however, that in the majority of cases in BJJ, it won’t just be control of the head that gives you the control you need for victory, but rather control of the head AND shoulders. When you control both the head and shoulder, then you truly control an opponent. In most cases this is done via an underhook or double underhooks in combination with a cross face, and this is locked in place through the position of your own head. This creates a tri-fold of pressure – crossface, underhook and head position. This position truly enables you to shut down resistance and movement as you play your game. This picture shows out student Anthony getting all three elements working in unison here to create the daunting pressure that makes him such a threat in top and top half guard passing situations. When you go to control the head, think about controlling the HEAD AND SHOULDERS, and soon you will be locking down opponents and getting to your winning positions en route to finishing your opponent. Check back tomorrow at www.njbjj.com