A lesson in side control

I picked up quite a bit today from Jordan, a brown belt at my school.

No matter what I did, I couldn't prevent from getting reversed once I had side control.

A few things from side control-

-when opponent has legs more or less parallel, they will go over if you sit up into them at the right angle (directly into them almost- they have no base). i got flipped like it was nothing (over and over).

-crossface arm- if you control it, weave it around your head, and stuff it across their body, it will be easier to take them over.

-from a sort of reverse-kesa-gatame (opponent facing legs with high elbow in armpit)- if you control the other arm and wrap it around their back (like kimura style), it will be much easier to take them over.

-posture- top arm either across neck (forearm) or underhooking. if you let them get the underhook and put you flat, game over.

-securing the underhook- ideally, this is what you are aiming for. escape right away, don't hesitate.

from this, i was awakened to the possibility of reversing from a different angle. seems to expel a lot less energy than the bridge escapes (although those must also be used in combination). if it's there, gotta take it. one thing- arm control from the bottom gives you a lot more options to escape. if you disrupt them from achieving posture with crossface and underhook, your escape route will be a whole lot more accessible. this should be the first line of defense- not waiting until they are already established in position.

area of focus- control the arms as they try to establish side control.