Escaping from Common Positions in BJJ

Whether you find yourself trapped in mount, back control, side control, turtle position, or entangled in submission attempts such as armbars or triangles, knowing how to escape effectively is essential for survival and progression on the mats. In this guide, we'll explore strategies and techniques to help you escape from these common positions in BJJ, empowering you to defend against opponents' attacks and regain control of the match.

Understanding the importance of escapes

Defense and Survival: Escapes serve as your first line of defense in BJJ, allowing you to neutralize your opponent's attacks and prevent them from advancing to dominant positions or securing submissions.

Transitioning to Offense: By escaping from disadvantageous positions, you create opportunities to transition to offensive positions or launch counterattacks, turning the tide of the match in your favor.

Building Confidence and Resilience: Mastering escape techniques instills confidence in your ability to navigate difficult situations and overcome adversity, both on and off the mats.

Common positional escapes

Escape from Mount

To escape from mount, bridge your hips off the mat and shrimp to one side, creating space to trap your opponent's leg and roll them over, regaining top position or transitioning to guard.

Escape from Back Control

When your opponent has your back, tuck your chin, defend against chokes and armlocks, and work to break their hooks and establish hand fighting grips. From there, use explosive hip movement and technical escapes to escape and regain a neutral position.

Escape from Side Control

From bottom side control, frame against your opponent's hips and shoulder, create space, and shrimp to create distance. Use elbow escapes or knee slides to regain guard or establish top position.

Escape from Turtle Position

While the turtle can be a safe position, it limits your options and leaves you vulnerable to attacks. To escape, focus on creating space and preventing your opponent from securing front headlocks or back attacks. Use technical stand-ups, hip movement, and hand fighting to regain a more advantageous position.

Escape from Armbar

When caught in an armbar submission, stack your opponent, grip their leg, and turn your thumb towards the ceiling to relieve pressure on your arm. Maintain a strong base and posture, and work to clear your arm from the lock and escape.

Escape from Triangle Choke

When trapped in a triangle choke, posture up and create space by driving your trapped arm across your opponent's body. Secure grips on your opponent's leg and apply pressure to alleviate the choke, then work to pass their guard or escape the position entirely.

Drilling and repetition

Technical Precision: Focus on executing escape techniques with proper technique and precision, paying attention to details such as framing, hip movement, and timing.

Repetition and Muscle Memory: Drill escapes regularly during training sessions to develop muscle memory and proficiency, ensuring that they become instinctual responses in live rolling situations.

Variety and Adaptability: Experiment with different escape techniques and variations to find what works best for your body type, skill level, and preferred grappling style.

Application in live rolling

Positional Sparring: Incorporate positional sparring drills into your training routine, focusing on specific scenarios such as escaping from mount, back control, or submissions.

Flow Rolling: Engage in flow rolling sessions with training partners, where the emphasis is on technique, timing, and fluidity rather than intensity or competitiveness.

Feedback and Adaptation: Seek feedback from instructors and training partners on your escape techniques, and use their input to refine and improve your skills over time.

Wrapping it up

Escaping from common positions in BJJ is a fundamental aspect of your development as a practitioner. By understanding the importance of escapes, mastering fundamental techniques, drilling with consistency, and applying your skills in live rolling scenarios, you'll build the resilience and confidence necessary to navigate challenging situations and thrive on the mats. Embrace the learning process, stay patient and persistent, and celebrate each small victory as you progress on your journey in Brazilian Jiujitsu.