Mastering the Figure Four Position: A Comprehensive Guide for Mixed Martial Artists
Hello, martial arts enthusiasts! Today, we're diving deep into the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts to discuss a game-changer of a position: the figure four position. If you're looking to solidify your ground control, submit your opponents, or just add another tool to your grappling toolbox, you've come to the right place. So, grab your gi or your rash guard, and let's get started! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and figure four position.
What is the Figure Four Position?
The figure four position, also known as the saddle position, is a dominant control position in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA. It's characterized by the practitioner sitting on their opponent's thighs, with their legs wrapped around the opponent's body in a figure-four formation. This position allows for a variety of submissions, controls, and transitions, making it a versatile and powerful tool for grapplers.
The Benefits of the Figure Four Position
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of how to get the figure four position and what to do with it, let's talk about why you should care about it in the first place.
Dominant Control
The figure four position provides dominant control over your opponent. With your legs wrapped around their body, you're essentially sitting on their hips, preventing them from moving or escaping. This control allows you to dictate the pace and flow of the fight, keeping your opponent on the defensive.
Versatility
The figure four position is incredibly versatile. From here, you can transition to a variety of submissions, such as the rear-naked choke, arm-triangle choke, or even a guillotine choke. It's also a great position for maintaining control while you wait for your opponent to make a mistake or tire out.
Easy Transitions
One of the most appealing aspects of the figure four position is its ease of transition into other positions and submissions. From here, you can seamlessly transition into guard passes, mount, or even stand up and take your opponent's back. This fluidity makes the figure four position an excellent addition to any grappler's game.
How to Get the Figure Four Position
Now that we've established why the figure four position is such a game-changer, let's talk about how to get it. Here are a few common ways to secure the figure four position:
From Side Control
One of the most common ways to get the figure four position is from side control. Here's a simple breakdown:
- 1. Start in side control, with your opponent on their back and you on your side, facing them.
- 2. Bring your bottom leg over your opponent's body, hooking it around their back.
- 3. Bring your top leg over their body as well, creating the figure-four formation with your legs.
- 4. Sit up, using your arms to maintain control and balance.
From the Turtle Position
The turtle position is another common starting point for the figure four position. Here's how to make the transition:
- 1. Start behind your opponent in the turtle position, with your hands gripping their lapels or collar.
- 2. Bring your right leg over your opponent's body, hooking it around their back.
- 3. Bring your left leg over their body, creating the figure-four formation.
- 4. Sit up, using your arms to maintain control and balance.
From the Back Take
You can also transition into the figure four position from a back take. Here's how:
- 1. Start with your opponent on their back, and you behind them, with your hooks in.
- 2. Reach around your opponent's head with your right arm, gripping their collar or lapel.
- 3. Bring your right leg over your opponent's body, hooking it around their back.
- 4. Bring your left leg over their body, creating the figure-four formation.
- 5. Sit up, using your arms to maintain control and balance.
What to Do Once You've Got the Figure Four Position
Okay, so you've got the figure four position. Now what? Here are a few options to consider:
Submissions
The figure four position sets you up for a variety of submissions. Here are a few favorites:
- Rear-Naked Choke: With the figure four position, you're in prime position to secure a rear-naked choke. Just reach around your opponent's neck with your arms, grip your own collar, and squeeze. - Arm-Triangle Choke: To set up an arm-triangle choke from the figure four position, simply bring your opponent's arm across their body, trapping it under your armpit. Then, use your other arm to control their head and neck, and squeeze. - Guillotine Choke: If your opponent tries to escape by standing up, you can transition into a guillotine choke from the figure four position. Just bring your arms up and around their head, trapping their neck in your elbows.
Control and Transitions
Of course, the figure four position isn't just about submissions. It's also an excellent position for maintaining control and setting up transitions. Here are a few options:
- Guard Pass: From the figure four position, you can easily pass your opponent's guard. Just use your arms to control their head and shoulders, and your legs to maintain control of their hips. Then, step over their legs and establish dominant position. - Mount: Similarly, you can transition into mount from the figure four position. Just use your arms to control your opponent's head and shoulders, and your legs to maintain control of their hips. Then, shift your weight forward and establish mount. - Standing Back Take: If your opponent tries to stand up while you're in the figure four position, you can transition into a standing back take. Just use your arms to control their head and neck, and your legs to maintain control of their hips. Then, stand up with them, keeping your hooks in and maintaining control.
Tips for Improving Your Figure Four Position Game
Now that you've got the basics down, let's talk about some tips for improving your figure four position game:
Focus on Control
The key to the figure four position is control. Make sure you're using your arms to control your opponent's head and shoulders, and your legs to maintain control of their hips. The tighter your control, the more submissions and transitions you'll have available to you.
Stay Relaxed
It's tempting to tense up when you're in a dominant position like the figure four, but staying relaxed is crucial. Tensing up uses energy, makes it harder to move, and makes you more susceptible to your opponent's escapes. So, stay loose and conserve your energy.
Drill, Drill, Drill
The best way to improve any position or technique is to drill it. Spend time drilling the figure four position from various starting points, and practice transitioning into submissions and other positions. The more reps you get, the more comfortable and effective you'll become.
Mix It Up
Finally, don't be afraid to mix it up. The figure four position is versatile, so use that to your advantage. Try different submissions, transitions, and control techniques to keep your opponent guessing and maintain your dominance.
Conclusion
And there you have it, folks! The figure four position is a powerful tool for any grappler's toolbox. Whether you're looking to submit your opponent, maintain dominant control, or set up transitions, the figure four position has you covered. So, get out there and start drilling, and before you know it, you'll be owning the figure four position like a boss. Happy rolling!
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