Knee-On-Belly Position for BJJ

What Is the Knee-on-Belly Position?

Knee-on-belly (also known as 'knee-on-stomach' or 'knee ride') is a position in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu where the top offensive player has one of their knees (and shin) across the stomach and torso area of the bottom defensive player. In contrast, the other leg of the top offensive player extends to the side for stability. 

Despite being called 'knee-on-belly,' the top player is not just placing their knee but also the shin of their leg on their opponent. And the top player's knee does not have to be strictly across the 'belly'; they can also place their knee into the solar plexus of their opponent; however, this is a more painful variation and should be used with care.

Escaping the Bottom Knee-On-Belly Position

Bottom knee-on-belly escape is painful, and getting out of it should be a top priority. It is helpful to know the following: 

1. Deep half guard escape. As taught by Bernardo Faria, this escape to deep half guard will allow you to get to a better position without giving up the armbar.

2. Renzo Gracie escape. This escape allows you to get into an advantageous position while preventing the armbar and not giving up your back.

Offense for Knee-On-Belly (Control + Submit)

The offensive position of knee-on-belly is the top player placing their knee and shin across the stomach and torso of their opponent. The top player should look to transition to mount or submit their opponent.

Controlling the Top Knee-On-Belly Position

Knee-on-belly is an unstable position; it is relatively easy for the defensive player to bridge their hips and get the top player off. That's why the offensive player needs to learn how to:

1. Maintain knee-on-belly. Proper weight distribution will make this an advantageous position as long as you know how to move with your opponent.

2. Force movement. As your opponent goes for escapes, use the windshield wiper movement and the spin behind movement to expose their back and open up submissions.

Submissions from Top Knee-On-Belly Position

When in the knee on belly position, your opponent may make a mistake such as extending their arms which will give up the armbar; you can also force movement to open up submissions. Possible submissions from knee-on-belly include:

1. Armbar from knee push. Your opponent may try to escape by pushing at your knee; this will open up an opportunity for an armbar.

2. Armbar from leg step over. When moving to knee-on-belly, you may be able to directly step over your opponent's arm, giving you the armbar.

3. Darce Choke. If your opponent attempts to escape by pushing at the belly, this will open up a darce choke.

Transitions from Top Knee-on-Belly

Knee-on-belly in an unstable position. If you can't get a submission, transitioning to a more dominant and stable position is good. Learn how to:

1. Transition to mount. By threatening the collar choke, your opponent will be forced to defend. This will open the opportunity to transition to the mount.

2. Transition to modified mount. If your opponent gets to their side, it is better to transition to the modified mount.