Elbow Escape

The Elbow Escape is a foundational Escape technique in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, used primarily to transition from inferior positions, such as Mount Bottom or Side Control Bottom, to a more neutral or advantageous position, like Guard or Half Guard. This escape leverages precise hip movement and frames to create space for recovery.

How to Perform the Elbow Escape from Mount Bottom

Establish Frames

  • Create a strong frame with your arms, positioning your elbows close to your body and against the opponent's hips or thighs.
  • Keep your elbows tight to avoid leaving space for your opponent to attack.

Bridge to Create Space

  • Perform a powerful bridge to lift your opponent’s weight, forcing them to adjust their base.
  • As they post to stabilize, use the momentary space created by the bridge.

Shrimp to Create an Angle

  • As your hips return to the mat, immediately shrimp to one side.
  • Use your near elbow to push against their knee, driving it over your thigh or creating a path for your leg.

Slide the Knee Through

  • As you continue to shrimp, guide their leg over your trapped leg with your elbow.
  • Bring your bottom leg through and establish Half Guard or Closed Guard.

Re-Establish Control

  • Once you’ve cleared your opponent’s leg, secure your desired guard position and reset your frames.

Key Details

Elbow Placement

  • The elbow drives against the opponent’s knee or thigh to disrupt their Base and create space.

Timing

  • Use the moment after the bridge when the opponent’s weight shifts to initiate the escape.

Hips and Legs

  • Effective hip movement and proper leg engagement are essential to free your trapped leg.

Applications in Other Positions

From Side Control Bottom

Under Knee on Belly

  • Employ the elbow to push against the opponent’s knee and create an angle for escape.

Why It Works

The Elbow Escape combines several core Movement Mechanics—shrimping, frames, and bridge—to exploit weaknesses in the opponent’s positioning. By disrupting their weight distribution and Fundamentals/Base, you regain distance management and transition to a more favorable position.

Common Mistakes

Failing to Bridge

  • Without a proper bridge, the opponent’s weight remains too heavy to create space.

Misplacing the Elbow

  • Poor elbow positioning can result in wasted effort and leave you vulnerable to submissions.

Neglecting Hip Movement

  • Insufficient shrimping limits your ability to create the necessary angle for escape.

Mastering the Elbow Escape is essential for improving your defensive game and advancing through the positional hierarchy. It’s a versatile and reliable escape that can be adapted to various situations.

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