The Knee-ride

The Knee-ride

Back when I first started training in BJJ, this was referred to in Brazil as the knee on the stomach. No good, I couldn’t say it fast enough, so I named it kneeride. It seems to have stuck.

The kneeride is a unique position. Do not expect to get the quick results with this position that you would get by working side control or north south for example. It does require more balance and a willingness to move, that mot other positions do not require. But the benefits of having some skill with this position, far outweigh the costs of developing it.

Hints and tips:

Make sure to obtain control over opponents arm before jumping up into the kneeride position; don’t try to get the arm afterward, it is far more difficult.

Keep as much weight off the trailing/outrigger foot as you can, the key to kneeride is the riding bit. You need to follow your opponent, not try to pin him.
The kneeride I an aggressive/attacking position, so make sure you have a couple of good attack set-ups/combo’s from there

Know your fallback position; ie: where you are going to bail to if your opponent starts to escape

Learn to transition into the knee-ride position from the Mount; it is also a great way to transition from the mount to your feet

If you are interested in street apps, learn to hold your knee-ride whilst putting up a verbal fence against attacks from third parties – I like to practice this in my school, as this is one of the biggest advantages of the knee-ride - it is a powerful, visually dynamic intermediate stage between full blown ground grappling and stand-up work.

When first developing knee-ride – get your shin across the soft part of your opponents stomach and not the ribcage; this gives you a shock absorber effect, and you will not be bounced off so easily. Have your opponent move around the floor a bit while you keep the kneeride going, without the use of your hands. This will develop your willingness to move – a key to the development of a good kneeride.
Afterward, add the hand/arm controls in to give more control. Persevere with it; it does not give immediate gratification but is well worth the effort to bring it into your arsenal.

Train smart - train safe!
JBW