Reverse Knee on Belly Options
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Standard Reverse Knee On Belly·The Grapple Lab·Added by Admin
Reverse Knee on Belly Options. In this video we look at some of the options available from reverse knee on belly. Submis…
Standard Reverse Knee On Belly
Genusスタンダードリバースニーオンベリー(Sutandādo Ribāsu Nī On Berī)
TransliterationTranslation: standard reverse knee on belly
Overview
The Standard Reverse Knee On Belly positions the top fighter facing the opponent's legs with one knee on the abdomen and the posted foot toward the head, providing access to straight ankle locks, toe holds, and transitions to leg entanglements. [1] The reversed orientation changes the available submissions and transitions compared to standard knee-on-belly, making it a valuable position for fighters with strong leg attack games. [1],[2] The position can be reached from standard knee-on-belly by spinning or from north-south transitions. [2],[3]
History & Origin
Effectiveness
The standard reverse knee on belly is the baseline version of this position. [1]
Lineage
An advanced BJJ position. [1]
Competition Record
Used in BJJ competition. [1]
Images
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — Establishing and maintaining a controlling position relative to the opponent
Joints Involved — Body positioning determines which joints and limbs are available for control and attack
Force Vector — Varies by position — gravity, frames, hooks, and pressure dictate control dynamics
Positional Mechanic — Hierarchy of positions — each position offers different offensive and defensive capabilities
Position & Entry
From side control — Rise up from side control, place the near knee across the opponent's belly or chest, post the far leg out for base
From guard pass (float pass) — After passing guard, float the knee directly to the belly instead of settling to side control
Variants
Standard knee on belly — knee across the midsection, far foot posted for base
Knee on chest — knee higher toward the chest for more pressure
Reverse knee on belly — facing the opponent's legs instead of their head
Floating knee — light, mobile knee ride allowing quick transitions
Videos
1 video
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
3
Moderate3/10
Top positions enable pressure and striking; rib compression risk under heavy pressure
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Intermediate
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
— IBJJF — Legal, knee on belly scores 2 points
IBJJF Rules Book v6.0, June 2024PDF— ADCC — Legal, knee on belly scores 2 points
ADCC Rules Update, April 2025PDF— Unified MMA — Legal dominant position
Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025PDF— UWW — Legal, back exposure scores points, pin ends match ...
UWW International Wrestling Rules, January 2026PDF— FIAS Sport Sambo — Legal, pin scores points
FIAS International Sambo Competition RulesPDFTraining Notes
✓Standard reverse knee on belly execution: from knee on belly, pivot 180 degrees to face the opponent's legs while keeping the knee on their abdomen, post the far foot wide, and control the near leg or hip (Danaher, Leglocks: Enter the System, 2017)
✓Step 1: from standard knee on belly, begin the 180-degree pivot by turning toward the opponent's legs
✓Step 2: keep the knee on the abdomen throughout the spin — do not lift the knee during the transition
✓Step 3: as you complete the pivot, post the far foot wide for balance
✓Step 4: control the opponent's near leg or hip with both hands
✓Step 5: from reverse knee on belly, attack: ankle lock (grab the near foot), kneebar (step over the far leg), or spinning armbar (spin back toward the head)
✓The spin must be smooth and continuous: any pause allows the opponent to escape
✓Drill: from knee on belly, spin to reverse and attack the ankle lock — 5 reps per side
Common Mistakes
!Lifting the knee during the spin — the knee must maintain pressure throughout the 180-degree pivot
!Spinning too slowly — the transition must be quick to prevent the opponent from escaping
!Not controlling a leg after completing the spin — immediately grab the near ankle or hook the far leg
!Posting the foot too narrow — the wide base is essential for stability in the reverse position
!Not attacking immediately after establishing reverse — the position is for attacking, not holding
!Spinning without purpose — know which submission you're targeting before the spin
!Not practising the spin in both directions — develop the ability to spin left and right
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Setup Chain
1Achieve Position — transition into this position through passing, sweeping, or scrambling
2Stabilize — establish controlling grips and weight distribution
3Maintain — adjust to the opponent's escape attempts to hold position
4Attack — launch offensive techniques from the stabilized position
Sources & References
Primary Source
Jiu-Jitsu University (Saulo Ribeiro, 2008)
1BookJiu-Jitsu University (Ribeiro, 2008)
Alias sources — [1] Jiu-Jitsu University (Ribeiro, 2008) [2] Mastering Jujitsu (Gracie & Danaher, 2003)
2BookBrazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Theory and Technique (Gracie & Gracie, 2001)
Effectiveness sources — [1] Jiu-Jitsu University (Ribeiro, 2008)
3OtherJapanese Combat Sports Katakana Convention
Standard katakana transliteration of Western martial arts terminology (外来語) — used in Japanese MMA, boxing, and BJJ communities
4CitationJiu-Jitsu University (Ribeiro, 2008)
Alias sources — [1] Jiu-Jitsu University (Ribeiro, 2008) [2] Mastering Jujitsu (Gracie & Danaher, 2003)
5CitationBrazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Theory and Technique (Gracie & Gracie, 2001)
Effectiveness sources — [1] Jiu-Jitsu University (Ribeiro, 2008)
Community
Athletics
Requires
body awareness, stability, control of weight distribution
Favours
athletic build with good proprioception
Key muscles
core, hips, legs for base stability
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I position my weight when applying reverse knee on belly?
Keep a lot of weight through your partner by maintaining good butt pressure on the shoulder. The Grapple Lab emphasizes that this weight distribution is critical for controlling the position.
Where should I control the arm from reverse knee on belly?
Keep the arm on the near side, holding it towards the ribs with a nice tight grip. This positioning allows you to apply pressure through the shoulder and set up your next moves effectively.
What are some good submission options from reverse knee on belly?
One effective option is a rolling over pass—reach down with the arm closest to your opponent's body to initiate the transition.
How does the Standard Reverse Knee On Belly work?
The Standard Reverse Knee On Belly positions the top fighter facing the opponent's legs with one knee on the abdomen and the posted foot toward the head, providing access to straight ankle locks, toe holds, and transitions to leg entanglements. The reversed orientation changes the available submissions and transitions compared to standard knee-on-belly, making it a valuable position for fighters with strong leg attack games.
Where does the Standard Reverse Knee On Belly come from?
The standard reverse knee-on-belly is an increasingly used position in modern BJJ, valued for its leg attack accessibility and unique tactical options. Its importance has grown alongside the expansion of leg attack systems in no-gi competition.
Is the Standard Reverse Knee On Belly legal in competition?
IBJJF: legal — Legal, knee on belly scores 2 points; IJF: legal — Legal, osaekomi (pin) — 10-19 seconds scores waza-ari, 20 seconds scores ippon; ADCC: legal — Legal, knee on belly scores 2 points; Unified MMA: legal — Legal dominant position; UWW: legal — Legal, back exposure scores points, pin ends match by fall; FIAS Sport Sambo: legal — Legal, pin scores points
How dangerous is the Standard Reverse Knee On Belly?
Danger rating 3/10. Moderate — top positions enable pressure and striking; rib compression risk under heavy pressure
How do I set up the Standard Reverse Knee On Belly?
The standard setup chain: Achieve Position → Stabilize → Maintain → Attack.
How do I defend against the Standard Reverse Knee On Belly?
Standard counters include: Bridge (Upa) — explosive hip elevation to off-balance the top player / Elbow-Knee Escape (Shrimp) — create space by driving elbow to knee and hip-escaping / Frame — establish forearm frames to prevent the top player from settling weight.
What are the variants of the Standard Reverse Knee On Belly?
Common variants: Standard knee on belly (knee across the midsection, far foot posted for base); Knee on chest (knee higher toward the chest for more pressure); Reverse knee on belly (facing the opponent's legs instead of their head); Floating knee (light, mobile knee ride allowing quick transitions).
How effective is the Standard Reverse Knee On Belly in competition?
Used in BJJ competition.
What are common mistakes when doing the Standard Reverse Knee On Belly?
Top errors to watch for: Lifting the knee during the spin — the knee must maintain pressure throughout the 180-degree pivot / Spinning too slowly — the transition must be quick to prevent the opponent from escaping / Not controlling a leg after completing the spin — immediately grab the near ankle or hook the far leg / Posting the foot too narrow — the wide base is essential for stability in the reverse position.
What are other names for the Standard Reverse Knee On Belly?
The Standard Reverse Knee On Belly is also known as Sutandādo Ribāsu Nī On Berī, Basic Reverse Knee Ride, Classic Reverse KOB.