Using top position as a default: Sometimes you'll have an opponent who for tactical reasons you specifically want to attack from bottom position – in this case get to bottom position and stay there. However, there will be just as many cases where it makes sense to see top position as the default – even when you begin the match in bottom position. Just because you start in bottom position doesn't mean you're condemned to stay there. In the majority of cases there will be multiple opportunities in a match to come up from bottom and get on top EVEN IF YOU CANNOT SWEEP YOUR OPPONENT BY CONVENTIONAL METHODS. The natural ebb and flow of guard position which is created by movement and the threat of submissions, will almost always create sufficiently large and sudden weight transfers by the top athlete that the bottom athlete will be able to spontaneously pop up from bottom and hustle their way to top – you just need to be mentally aware of your opponent's weight shifts and have a mindset of taking advantage of opportunity. If you're mentally LOOKING for the opportunity it's almost guaranteed you'll find it at some point. Treat advancing to top position as a default option any time there is a major transference of weight and you'll be pleasantly surprised how often you see opportunities and capitalize on them!
