Side Control Description with “Crocodile Control” Technique

Side Control, also known as Yoko Shiho Gatame in judo, is a dominant ground position in grappling arts like jujitsu, judo, and MMA. In this position, the practitioner controls their opponent by lying perpendicular across their body, usually chest to chest, while applying pressure to limit movement and set up submissions or maintain control.

How to Establish Side Control:

1. Positioning: After passing your opponent’s guard, move into a perpendicular position relative to their body. Your chest should be pressing against their chest, and your hips should be aligned near their hips.
2. Head-Side Arm Placement: The arm closest to your opponent’s head should be placed under their neck, with your hand either gripping their far-side shoulder or controlling the back of their neck. This arm helps control their upper body and limits their ability to escape or create space.
3. Hip-Side Arm Placement: The arm closest to your opponent’s hips should be placed across their waist or under their far-side arm, gripping their back or belt (in GI). This hand placement helps prevent them from bridging (rolling you off) or recovering their guard.
4. Leg Positioning: Your legs should be wide, with the leg closest to your opponent’s head positioned for stability. If your opponent bridges into you, extend this leg out to help stabilise the position and maintain your control.
5. Apply Pressure: Use your body weight to apply consistent pressure on your opponent’s chest and abdomen. This not only controls their movement but also drains their energy, making it harder for them to escape.

Crocodile Control Technique:

To help children (and beginners) better understand how to maintain and improve their control in Side Control, the concept of Crocodile Control can be introduced. This analogy simplifies the understanding of arm and leg positioning to maintain dominance.

• Arm Closest to the Hips: This arm acts like the “tail of the crocodile.” It’s used to control your opponent and prevent them from escaping by rolling away. If your opponent tries to roll away from your hips, you can extend this arm to base out, effectively stabilising yourself and preventing them from reversing or rolling you over. By doing so, you maintain your dominant position and continue to control their movement.
• Leg Closest to the Head: This leg is like the “jaw of the crocodile.” It plays a crucial role in stopping your opponent from creating space. If your opponent bridges into you, extend this leg out to stabilise your position and keep control.

The Crocodile Control concept is a visual and intuitive way to teach children the importance of positioning in Side Control. By thinking of themselves as a crocodile with a strong tail (hip-side arm) and a stabilising jaw (head-side leg), they can better understand how to maintain control over their opponent and react to escape attempts.

Key Points in Side Control with Crocodile Control:

• Keep your chest pressed against your opponent to maintain control.
• Use your “tail” (hip-side arm) to base out and prevent rolls or reversals.
• Use your “jaw” (head-side leg) to stabilise your position when your opponent bridges into you.
• Apply consistent pressure with your body weight.
• Be ready to adjust your positioning in response to your opponent’s movements.

This approach not only helps in controlling the opponent effectively but also introduces a fun and memorable way for children to grasp essential grappling concepts.