Knee on belly (neon belly)
Knee on Belly: A Dominant Position in BJJ for Control and Pressure
In Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ), controlling your opponent is just as important as submitting them. One of the most overlooked yet powerful control positions in Jiu Jitsu is knee on belly. Often seen as a transitional position, knee on belly offers incredible pressure, mobility, and submission opportunities — especially when applied correctly.
What Is Knee on Belly?
Knee on belly is exactly what it sounds like: placing one knee on your opponent’s torso (usually across the stomach or sternum) while your other foot posts on the mat. This position allows you to control your opponent with weight and pressure while staying mobile and ready to attack or transition.
In BJJ, knee on belly is often used after passing the guard. It can also be a great way to score points in competition, frustrate your opponent, and force mistakes that lead to submissions or further positional advances.
How to Control from Knee on Belly
Effective knee on belly control comes down to posture and pressure. Keep your back straight and use your hands to post on your opponent’s shoulders or hips for balance. Drive your weight through your knee, but stay mobile — think of it as a position of dynamic control. If done right, your opponent will feel like they’re being crushed under your weight, making it difficult for them to escape or breathe comfortably.
In Jiu Jitsu, many practitioners use knee on belly to transition into submissions like the armbar, baseball choke, or even loop chokes. It’s also an ideal position to create space and strike in self-defense or MMA scenarios.
Why Train Knee on Belly in BJJ?
Many newer BJJ practitioners avoid knee on belly because it feels unstable or uncomfortable to maintain. But with practice, it becomes a powerful tool for pressure passing and dominating your opponent. It’s a position that builds mental and physical toughness — for both the attacker and the defender.
In addition, knee on belly teaches critical Jiu Jitsu concepts like weight distribution, base, and timing — all essential for becoming more technical and efficient on the mats.
Final Thoughts
If you’re serious about improving your BJJ game, don’t overlook knee on belly. It’s a versatile position that provides control, pressure, and plenty of options. Add it to your training and you’ll start seeing the benefits fast — both in competition and everyday rolling.
