Bottom Side Control Escape Techniques
4 TECHNIQUESSide control escapes use frames and hip movement to create space and recover guard or come up to your knees.
Browse 4 escape techniques from bottom side control below. Each technique includes video demonstrations from world-class instructors.
Side control escapes
Side control escape against tight top pressure
Ghost escape
Elbow escape from side control
Side control escapes OPEN | JT Jon Thomas |
Side control escape against tight top pressure OPEN | NA Nick Albin |
Ghost escape OPEN | BP Brian Peterson |
Elbow escape from side control OPEN | JD John Danaher |
About bottom side control escape techniques
Escaping side control is one of the most important defensive skills in BJJ. Your opponent uses chest pressure and crossface to pin you flat. Your job is to frame, create space, and get to a better position.
The guard recovery escape is your primary option. Frame on their neck and hip, shrimp your hips away, and insert your knee to recover half guard or full guard. The key is timing your shrimp when your opponent shifts their weight.
When guard recovery is blocked, go to your knees. Frame and bridge into your opponent, then turn to your knees and fight for a single leg or stand up. This works especially well when your opponent is heavy and flattening you. Having multiple escape paths means you always have a backup plan.
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