The Craig Jones Story (2:45)
What is Control? (5:48)
Lower Body Controls (9:30)
Upper Body Controls (13:33)
The Dagestani Connection (16:40)
Troubleshooting Turtle (19:23)
Outro (21:44)
Embedded Files
Lower Body Control – Removing Opponent's Power
SPLIT THE LEGS: The more, the better; creates discomfort and restricts movement.
RIDE THE LEGS (Very Key): Applying weight on the opponents' knees to keep them on their side. (Click - Seminar - See Gordon)
TURK THE LEGS: A wrestling technique forcing internal hip rotation to create back exposure, and manipulation of opponents' hips direction. (Click - Leg Turks - more)
SHELF THE LEGS: Using a wedge (like a knee or chair sit) to elevate and trap the opponent’s legs; clamping can be used to achieve this. (Click)
Upper Body Control – Forcing Opponent Belly Down
Crossface + Underhook: Controls head and shoulders, preventing movement and turning head.
Claw Grip: Disrupts an opponent’s ability to move linearly. (Click - Hand Position - Claw to 2on1 - Counter)
Open Elbows: Forces separation of knees and elbows, limiting defensive framing.
Dagestani Handcuff: Traps the opponent’s wrist behind their back. (Click)
Half Nelson: Controls rotation and prevents belly-down escapes.
Arm-in Crossface: Adds pressure and restricts breathing.
Control Principles from Turtle
Front Headlock Scenarios:
If the opponent tries to post the leg
Kosoto Hooks
Cradles to control them and prevent them from building height or escaping. (Neil Melanson)
If Alongside the Opponent:
Craig suggests using a Diagonal Ride to maintain control.
From this position, additional techniques can be incorporated, including:
Diagonal Rides
Crab Hooks
Spiral Rides
Under Claw
Rear Naked Control:
Instead of attempting a conventional Rear Naked Choke, a rear naked-style grip can be used across the opponent's forehead.
This doesn't submit them but makes it very draining for the opponent and helps maintain control.
Summarizing
1. The Core Philosophy: Control Over Points
Points ≠ Control: Many traditional back control positions sacrifice true control for the sake of scoring. The Power Ride focuses on actual dominance rather than fleeting positional advantages.
Breaking Opponent's Base: Instead of merely establishing a position, the goal is to destroy the opponent’s ability to generate movement or escapes.
Continuous Pressure: Every position in the Power Ride aims to limit an opponent’s defensive options while creating submission or striking opportunities.
2. Key Concepts of the Power Ride
A. The Priority of Pins
Craig emphasizes wrestling-style pins rather than traditional BJJ control.
A strong pin should restrict movement while allowing attacks (submissions or strikes).
The opponent should feel stuck rather than simply held.
B. The Turk and Dagestani Handcuff
The Turk: Using the legs to control an opponent’s leg, reducing their mobility.
Dagestani Handcuff: A grip variation where one wrist is trapped behind the opponent’s back, severely limiting their defensive ability.
Combination Control: Using both in tandem creates a dominant top position that is incredibly hard to escape.
C. Adaptation of Wrestling Pressure
Borrowing from Dagestani and folkstyle wrestling, Craig emphasizes constant forward pressure to force reactions.
The floating ride concept allows for adaptability, shifting weight dynamically to prevent an opponent from bridging or exploding out.
D. The True Back Control (vs. Traditional Hooks)
Traditional seatbelt and hooks often result in slippery positions, allowing an opponent to escape.
Instead, Craig focuses on hip dominance and riding pressure, using leg rides and wrist control rather than just hooks.
Example: Using a half-nelson with leg control instead of a standard seatbelt grip.
3. Application & Practical Takeaways
A. For Grapplers Who Struggle With Control
Replace traditional BJJ hooks with riding pressure (Turk and leg rides).
Focus on sticking an opponent to the mat rather than achieving an idealized position.
Use wrist rides instead of underhooks to limit defensive movement.
B. For Competitors Looking to Improve Finishing Ability
Control must lead to submission opportunities or damage in MMA.
Ride the opponent until they make a mistake rather than forcing a submission.
Key principle: Make them carry your weight at all times.
C. Integrating Power Ride Into Training
Drill floating ride pressure with constant weight shifts.
Train pin escapes against Power Ride principles to understand its strength.
Study wrestling rides and breakdowns rather than just BJJ positional control.
Final Thoughts
Craig Jones' Power Ride philosophy reshapes traditional grappling by emphasizing true control rather than just positional hierarchy. Whether for sport BJJ, MMA, or self-defense, mastering these principles can make top control far more effective and frustrating for opponents. By prioritizing riding pressure, adaptability, and dominance, this system creates a style that is not only hard to escape but also exhausting for the person on bottom.
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