When starting out in Bjj, the mount and closed guard are two key positions to learn and understand. For many white belts, side control is seen as a transitional position.
Jiu Jitsu is a sport that is based around controlling and submitting your opponent. Although there are points in many Bjj competitions, submissions remain the ultimate decider for all grapplers.
While the sporting aspects of martial arts are fun, it is essential to note that Brazilian Jiu Jutsu is a technique of protecting yourself in case of a self-defense situation.