Match Setup and Initial Takedown

Jordan Mills from Cedar Valley Jiu-Jitsu faces Logan Strahr from No Illusions Martial Arts in a submission grappling match. Jordan executes a foot sweep for a takedown, demonstrating wrestling fundamentals despite having less wrestling experience than some competitors in the tournament.

Guard Retention and Positional Exchange

After giving up side control and mount position, Jordan successfully escapes and regains guard. The match demonstrates the importance of relentless pressure from the top position, with Logan working to establish and maintain control through chest-to-chest pinning.

Guard Passing and Pin Scoring

In this ruleset, points are awarded for achieving pinning positions with opponent shoulders to the mat, rather than for guard passage itself. Logan transitions through multiple positions—side control, north-south, and back toward mount—each contributing points through positional dominance rather than pass completion.

Top Position Dominance and Ride Time

Logan accumulates significant points through top position control, earning 11 points within two minutes of ride time by maintaining chest-to-chest pins and preventing hip escape. The ruleset rewards sustained top control through ride time accumulation, which serves both as scoring and tiebreaker mechanism.

Second Period Top Position Strategy

Logan chooses to start in top position for the second period, immediately beginning to accumulate ride time once the timer starts. This strategic choice demonstrates the value of top position in this ruleset, as sustained control generates points automatically while also preventing opponent scoring.

Submission Attacks from Disadvantage

Despite trailing significantly on points (13-0), Jordan pursues submission opportunities including arm bar, inverted triangle, and leg lock sequences. The ruleset awards no points for submission attempts, making submissions the only way to overcome point deficits, forcing bottom players to shift focus toward finishing techniques.

Leg Lock Rules and Positional Danger

The intermediate ruleset prohibits heel hooks but allows calf slicers and other leg locks. Jordan maintains control from 50/50 and attempts ankle locks, while Logan continues accumulating ride time despite being attacked, as top position points persist regardless of submission attempts from the bottom player.

Ride Time Accumulation and Period Conclusion

Logan has accumulated over five minutes of ride time by period's end, essentially maximizing the point benefit available from sustained top position. Despite the significant point advantage, Jordan demonstrates continued submission threat potential, showing that positional scoring and submission finishing remain distinct paths to victory in this format.

Does Top Position Matter In Jiu Jitsu / Submission Grappling?

Sub Spectrum BJJ

Top Position

2 min read·8 key moments·PT12M54S video

Key Takeaways

•Match Setup and Initial Takedown
•Guard Retention and Positional Exchange
•Guard Passing and Pin Scoring
•Top Position Dominance and Ride Time

Logan Straub of No Illusions Martial Arts takes on Jordan Mills of Cedar Valley Jiu Jitsu in the group stage of the inaugural Choke Point Invitational at Precision Submission Grappling in Clive, Iowa! Presented by Sub Spectrum, Jiu Jitsu Photos, and Precision Submission Grappling. www.subspectrumbjj.com www.precisionsubmissiongrappling.com www.instagram.com/subspectrumbjj www.instagram.com/jiujitsuphotos www.instagram.com/precisionsubgrappling

Related Techniques

Guard Pass Guard Top Guard Mount Side Control

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about top position?

This video covers match setup and initial takedown, guard retention and positional exchange, guard passing and pin scoring. It provides detailed instruction from Sub Spectrum BJJ.

How long does it take to learn top position?

The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 8-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.