Back Control as Superior Position

Wiltse argues that back control is the most dominant position in no-gi grappling, superior to mount or side control. From the back, the attacker can continuously pursue submissions with minimal risk of losing position, as failed submission attempts rarely result in position loss. This contrasts with mount and side control, where a missed attack often means surrendering the dominant position entirely.

Initial Hip Positioning and Leg Placement

Wiltse establishes back control by taking the opponent toward the underhook side, which frees the attacking leg and prevents escape. He places his bottom foot on the opponent's hip at the hip flexor, then adjusts his body slightly upward away from the opponent's hips. This subtle positional adjustment allows him to execute leg movements and arm traps from various angles despite physical limitations in leg length.

Arm Trap Method One: Heel Hook Control

When the opponent grabs the attacker's choking arm, Wiltse treats this grip as a point of attachment. He straightens his arm downward toward the opponent's hip while simultaneously kicking over and trapping both opponent arms with his heel. Once the heel secures the arm, Wiltse can safely cross his feet and apply downward pressure to peel his arm free.

Foot Position Safety and Angle Control

Crossing the feet while positioned over the opponent's arm changes the mechanical angle, preventing effective heel hook or ankle break escapes. If the opponent attempts to kick over, the leg position causes their movement to open the attacker's legs rather than apply dangerous leverage. This foot-crossing configuration allows the attacker to control both vertical and horizontal angles while maintaining mobility.

Arm Trap Method Two: Hand Fighting to Trap

As an alternative trapping method, Wiltse uses his bottom hand to catch the opponent's arm whenever an L-shaped bend appears in their limb. Once contact is established, he kicks over and captures the arm with his heel, then peels it downward. If the opponent circles their hand back in, Wiltse maintains hand contact in the area to re-catch and secure a stronger trap on the second attempt.

Understanding The Jiu Jitsu Back Control by Andrew Wiltse

Bernardo Faria BJJ Fanatics

Mission Control

2 min read·5 key moments·PT9M23S video

Key Takeaways

•Back Control as Superior Position
•Initial Hip Positioning and Leg Placement
•Arm Trap Method One: Heel Hook Control
•Foot Position Safety and Angle Control

Understanding Back Control by Andrew Wiltse - Click Here To Check Out Andrew Wiltse's Instructional Videos - https://bjjfanatics.com/collections/all/fighter_ANDREW-WILTSE - "Bernardo Faria is a 5x World Champion. Bernardo started training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Juiz de Fora - MG, Brazil at the age of 14 in 2001. After receiving the Black Belt from his first instructor Ricardo Marques in 2008, He moved to Sao Paulo to join BJJ legend Fabio Gurgel and his Alliance team. After many years of training and winning many major titles, Bernardo moved to NYC in 2013 to train and teach at Marcelo Garcia Academy. In 2015 Bernardo achieved his dream of winning the IBJJF World Championship Open class title and his division, doing the double Gold and becoming the 1st in the IBJJF Ranking and also chosen as the best athlete of 2015. Bernardo Faria has now taken on the mission to share some of the lessons, techniques, experiences and more that he has learned along in his 16 years and counting as a BJJ student, teacher and world class competitor. Subscribe to his channel, and join him in this amazing BJJ Journey. We promise that you will also improve your BJJ with his awesome Video Lessons, Episodes of his "5 Minutes BJJ Talk" and more... www.fujisports.com - 15% OFF Coupon Code: FARIA15 www.bjjfanatics.com - 10% OFF Coupon Code: YOUTUBEFARIA www.fujimats.com - 10% OFF Coupon Code: FARIAMAT10 http://bernardofaria.com https://www.facebook.com/bernardofariabjj/ https://www.instagram.com/bernardofariabjj/ https://twitter.com/bernardofariajj

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about mission control?

This video covers back control as superior position, initial hip positioning and leg placement, arm trap method one: heel hook control. It provides detailed instruction from Bernardo Faria BJJ Fanatics.

How long does it take to learn mission control?

The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 5-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.