One of the most satisfying positions to me is the mount. Getting to this position on your opponent means you have pretty much defeated them. You have completely annihilated their defenses and passed through their entire game. To me, the mount position is worse than being submitted, because once someone gets to this position the submission should be simple. It is embarrassing. In a competition the mount is a very sought after position because it is worth 4 points. The mount is also one of the hardest positions to maintain because it utilizes a higher center of gravity than any other position. One equal to lower level guys it is easy to maintain north-south and side control, but since everyone and their mom knows the bridge/upa...it is easy to be reversed in mount. Here are some ways that I have picked up to maintain the mount and a few videos to help you out...
1. Always go for the high mount. The high mount is when your knees are in the armpits. The farther away you are from the hips, the less those hips will effect your base when your opponent bridges.
2. Control the head. Controlling your opponents head by "cradling" makes it impossible for them to get power behind their bridge. Just think about the mechanics of your bridge and this will make sense.
3. Position before submission. This was probably my biggest mistake starting out. Not only is it a bad habit to immediately go for a submission when you obtain mount, it is stupid (unless you know 100% you're gonna get it). You always need to stabilize the mount first because you never know the monster that's about to be released in your opponent. Let him fight a bit to get out and get your base. Plus, in a competition setting that's 4 points.
4. Get your base. This can be done with a lot of body parts. Head, hands, elbow, knees, feet, etc. Its basically balancing yourself and being rock steady.
5. Pinch your knees together and tuck your feet. When in mount your knees should never be based out. This allows not only space for your opponent to move, but gives him the option of getting to half guard. When you pinch your knees together you are stuck to your opponent, and when your feet are tucked near his butt you keep him from being able to hook them to get his half guard. (see video 3)
