Side control is a simple method of controlling a downed opponent. Use a combination of wedges on both sides of the body, and weight on the chest to keep your opponent pinned. The wedges are more important than the body weight for this pin. Therefore, with the correct body position, it’s possible to hold down a larger, stronger opponent.
The two basic versions of side control are;
Long base side control, legs fully extended, knees off the ground, toes driving your weight forward onto the chest of the bottom player. Your bottom hand should be on the ground forcing your wrist against their hip on the close side. And your other arm should be on the far side, elbow on the ground pulling back into the side of their neck.
And;
Short base side control, knees on the ground one hard against the hip, the other against the ribs. Your bottom arm under hooking their far side arm. And your other arm under the head, bicep against the neck. Hands gable gripped together above their shoulder. In short base side control, the pressure of your wedges is more important than the weight on the chest.
Once you’ve mastered the these two basic versions there are many, many, variations. High or low on the body (High being towards the head, low being on the hips). Hips turned to the head, (scarf hold) or hips turned to the lower body. These variations are used to set up submissions and chokes. There’s a huge variety of both available from side control. It’s a strong attacking position.
UFC Legend Demian Maia shows an excellent tweek to the standard armbar from side control. Driving his weight forward & pinning his opponents arm and hip as he comes around from side control to take the armbar. This prevents even the most explosive athletes from pulling their arm free in the transition. Also note how deep he gets his foot under Bernardo’s shoulder to increase the leverage on the armbar.
A simple but incredibly effective technique to make your side control almost impossible to escape from. Reaching underneath your opponent with your south hand, grabbing the tail of their Gi and pulling it back under their body towards you. This is incredibly frustrating for the person on the bottom and a very effective way to maintain top position even against a larger stronger opponent.
Kimura from side control can be difficult to finish; even for an advanced Jiu Jitsu player. John Danaher explains the fine points that will help perfect the technique and help you get the submission, even against a larger skilled opponent.The key here is what you do after you get the Kimura. Don’t try and finish from side control. Instead move half way between side control and north south. Stepping one foot over the head of your opponent. This traps their arm in a vulnerable position and put you in a powerful position to finish with your pulling hand.