Mount of Death

The Mount of Death is a powerful and dominant position in jujitsu and grappling, often used to apply intense pressure on an opponent, forcing them into a highly uncomfortable and vulnerable state. This position allows the practitioner to maintain control while setting up submissions or strikes. The name “Mount of Death” refers to the extreme pressure and control exerted on the opponent, making escape difficult and creating an opportunity to finish the match or fight decisively. Here’s a description of the Mount of Death position:

Step-by-Step Description:

1. Establish the Mount Position:
• Secure the Mount: Begin by achieving a full mount position, where you are seated on top of your opponent’s torso, with your knees on either side of their body and your feet hooked around their hips or tucked close to their legs. Ensure that your weight is evenly distributed and your posture is stable.
• Maintain Balance: Keep your hands on the mat or on your opponent’s chest to maintain balance, preventing them from easily bridging or rolling you off.
2. Apply Intense Pressure:
• Chest-to-Chest Pressure: Lean forward slightly, bringing your chest close to your opponent’s chest. Apply downward pressure by pressing your weight through your torso onto your opponent’s upper body. This pressure restricts their breathing and movement, making it difficult for them to defend or escape.
• Use Your Hips: Drive your hips downwards into your opponent’s abdomen or lower chest. This hip pressure not only keeps them pinned to the mat but also makes the position more uncomfortable, increasing their desire to escape, which you can exploit.
3. Control the Arms:
• Trap the Arms: Use your knees and hands to control and trap your opponent’s arms. You can either slide your knees up towards their armpits, pinning their arms with your legs, or use your hands to press their wrists or forearms against the mat. This limits their ability to defend against your attacks.
• Neutralise Their Defences: By trapping their arms, you effectively neutralise their ability to mount any significant defence, leaving them vulnerable to submissions or strikes.
4. Transition to Submissions or Strikes:
• Submission Opportunities: From the Mount of Death, you have multiple submission options available, such as arm bars, Americana, or chokes. The intense pressure and control make it difficult for your opponent to resist or defend against these techniques.
• Striking Opportunities: If permitted, you can also use this position to deliver powerful strikes, such as punches or elbows, to your opponent’s head or body. The control you have from the Mount of Death allows you to strike with precision and power.
5. Maintain Dominance:
• Prevent Escapes: As your opponent struggles to escape, adjust your weight and pressure accordingly. Shift your hips, move your knees, or reposition your hands to counter any attempts they make to bridge or roll.
• Stay Focused: Keep your focus on maintaining the pressure and control, ensuring that your opponent remains trapped in the Mount of Death until you are ready to finish the fight or match.

Key Points for Mount of Death:

• Secure the mount position with stable balance and even weight distribution.
• Apply intense chest-to-chest pressure to restrict your opponent’s movement and breathing.
• Use your hips to drive downwards, increasing discomfort and control.
• Trap your opponent’s arms to neutralise their defences and prevent escapes.
• Transition smoothly into submissions or strikes to finish the fight.
• Adjust your position as needed to maintain dominance and control over your opponent.

The Mount of Death is a highly effective position that combines pressure, control, and the potential for decisive submissions or strikes. It is a formidable tool in any grappler’s arsenal, especially when looking to dominate and finish a match or fight.