Headquarters Position Overview

Headquarters is a top position achieved when the top player steps over the bottom player's leg and drops their hips, typically from a De La Riva guard situation. The top player has multiple attacking options from this position, including the Nika (hip switch pass), smash pass, and X-pass. Understanding the bottom player's defensive priorities is essential for effective guard recovery.

Defensive Base and Blocking Attacks

The bottom player should position their knee centrally to defend against both the Nika and smash pass simultaneously. By gripping the top player's collar and controlling their leg, the bottom player can block the Nika while keeping their outside leg ready to prevent the smash. This centered positioning allows defensive options to flow naturally into counter-attacks.

Weight Management and Hand Posting

All headquarters attacks require the top player to maintain hand contact and posting on the mat. The bottom player should focus on collapsing the top player's weight forward and off-balance by pulling them down. Making the top player post their hands on the mat prevents them from controlling the bottom player's leg while they escape.

De La Riva Recovery with Wide Step

When the top player steps wide, the bottom player should kick their leg outward while pulling down on the collar to maintain weight distribution on the top player's hands. This creates space and angle for the bottom player to slide their leg lower and establish a strong De La Riva position. The bottom player's belt should sit at an optimal angle for controlling the top player's hips.

Foot Placement on Hip During Escape

If the top player doesn't step wide enough, the bottom player can kick straight back and plant their foot on the top player's hip to sit out. This requires maintaining a collar grip to prevent the top player from executing a leg drag. The bottom player should push away slightly to create distance while establishing control.

Foot Placement Through Guard and Continued Defense

Once the bottom player sits on the top player's foot and hip, they can thread their foot through the guard opening to establish a stronger position. The bottom player should push the top player away to create sufficient distance for additional escapes. If the top player moves forward, the bottom player can use this momentum to continue rotating.

Hand Position Requirements

Proper hand placement by the top player is critical to preventing the bottom player's escape. When the top player's hands are on the mat, the bottom player can effectively thread their foot under the back. Without a collar grip from the top player, the bottom player can execute a leg drag escape, highlighting the importance of collar control in maintaining headquarters position.

Recovering De La Riva from Headquarters position

Absolute MMA St Kilda - Melbourne

Headquarters Position

3 min read·7 key moments·PT9M30S video

Key Takeaways

•Headquarters Position Overview
•Defensive Base and Blocking Attacks
•Weight Management and Hand Posting
•De La Riva Recovery with Wide Step

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about headquarters position?

This video covers headquarters position overview, defensive base and blocking attacks, weight management and hand posting. It provides detailed instruction from Absolute MMA St Kilda - Melbourne.

How long does it take to learn headquarters position?

The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 7-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.