this link has some stuff on knee bars, but from what ive heard be carful with them coz you can seriously damage there knee. https://www.bjjfighter.com under the technique section, gi section under side control.
the only mind over matter i need is when your being pushed into the sidesplits against a wall. it might sounded strange but you can meditate on pain, and with some practise you can take it more easyly. if this doesnt make sence can you tell me and ill try again
train hard until you can do the sidesplits fully and quite easyly. then i think you should try. but im not sure until then. kickchick im sure, will be able to answer your question better then anyone else.