Pin longer, upgrade faster, and turn escapes into your offense.
The Bottom Line
You will learn how to deny frames and re-guards with simple pin mechanics. You will not get a random submission library. Expect crisp transitions to mount, crucifix, and back while staying safe.
⚡️ Quick facts
Best for: Top players and coaches
Skip if: You only train bottom
Tech focus: Lock Whizzer, Top Spin, Body Lock, Mirror Underhook, Lat Trap, Darce Transitions
Biggest takeaway: Control begets submissions.
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What You'll Learn
A top-control blueprint for holding, tiring, and upgrading position from side control. You get the lock whizzer, body lock rides, top spin, mirror underhooks, and crucifix routes.
Designed to shut down re-guard and convert pressure into back takes or mount.
Primary Techniques You'll Drill
- Lock Whizzer
- Top Spin
- Body Lock
- Mirror Underhook
- Lat Trap
- Darce Transitions
- Crucifix Entries
- Running Man Answers
Format & Level
- Instructional style: System Based, Conceptual
- Skill level: All Levels
- Format: Both
- Runtime: 1 hour and 5 minutes
- Volumes: 3
- Released: 2021
Should You Buy It?
Wait for daily deal. I started holding side control longer and stole more back takes as frames failed.
Why Firas Zahabi?
Zahabi favors universal controls that cross over to MMA and gi. His side control ideas reduce scrambles while creating attack windows. The teaching uses short lessons and clear priorities. It complements his passing and wrestling sets.
Community feedback
Here’s a summary of common feedback from platforms like Reddit’s r/bjj.
😍 Why People Love It
- Frequently recommended as a single start-here course for control.
- Users report practical, simple pressure that frustrates escapes.
- Short volumes made it easy to apply between classes.
🤔 Common Criticisms
- Some argue you should train escapes first instead of top control videos.
- Production value is utilitarian, not cinematic.
- A few wanted more submission chains beyond control upgrades.
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Smart Alternatives
- Side Control Escapes Made Easy – Balance your study with bottom-side answers. (Price: $77.00)
- Side Control Made Easy – Attack and submit from side control with Zahabi. (Price: $77.00)
- Control Freak: Controlling The Back – Extend control to back takes and finishes. (Price: $79.00)
Sources & References
Video Breakdowns
Official listing: View Control Freak: Side Control on BJJ Fanatics
Additional References
Your next step
You have the breakdown, community feedback, and my final thoughts. Now it’s your move.
