Cross Knee Pin

The cross knee pin is a dominant top control position where the practitioner places a knee across the opponent’s torso, often near the chest or stomach, to limit mobility and restrict breathing. By applying pressure through the knee and maintaining upper-body control, the top player can neutralize the bottom opponent while preparing transitions to submissions or side control variations.

This position is frequently used in both gi and no-gi contexts to establish a controlling base before attempting armlocks, chokes, or leg attacks. Precision in weight distribution and hip positioning is critical, as improper alignment can allow the bottom player to escape or sweep.

The cross knee pin exemplifies the principle of using body weight and leverage to dominate an opponent, making it a staple in both self-defense and competitive grappling strategies. Its control-oriented nature also helps conserve energy while dictating the pace of the match.