Pillow Escape

The Pillow Escape is a technique used in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to counter Back Control, specifically when the opponent has one or both hooks in and is controlling your back. The goal of this escape is to address the opponent’s bottom hook (the hook closest to the ground) by maneuvering your hips over it, thereby neutralizing their control and allowing you to escape to a neutral or advantageous position.

Key Characteristics

Focus on Bottom Hook

  • The bottom hook is the primary anchor point for Back Control. Neutralizing it disrupts the opponent’s ability to maintain the position.

Hip Movement and Leverage

  • Effective Hip Movement is critical to sliding your hips over the bottom hook.

Escape Goal

Steps to Execute the Pillow Escape

Protect Your Neck

  • Use both hands to defend against the opponent’s choking arm (the arm over your shoulder). Control their wrist or use a Two-on-One Grip.
  • Keep your chin tucked to avoid exposing your neck to chokes like the Rear Naked Choke.

Bridge and Shift Hips

  • Perform a bridge to lift your hips slightly off the mat and shift your weight toward the bottom hook side.
  • Use Hip Movement to slide your hips over and past the bottom hook.

Clear the Hook

  • As your hips move over their bottom hook, use your leg to kick or scrape their foot off, fully disengaging the hook.
  • Alternatively, push the hook off with your hand if their grip is tight.

Turn Toward the Opponent

  • Once the bottom hook is cleared, rotate your body toward the opponent, aiming to face them.
  • Keep control of their arm or leg to prevent them from reestablishing control.

Recover Position

Key Details for Success

Focus on the Bottom Hook

  • The bottom hook is the foundation of their Back Control. Clearing it destabilizes their control.

Maintain Neck Defense

  • Protect your neck throughout the escape to avoid getting caught in a choke.

Use Your Hips

  • A strong bridge and precise Hip Movement are essential for sliding your hips over the hook.

Common Mistakes

Neglecting Neck Defense

  • Focusing solely on the hook without protecting your neck can lead to being submitted.

Insufficient Hip Movement

  • Weak or poorly directed hips may fail to clear the hook, leaving you stuck in Back Control.

Rushing the Escape

  • Moving too quickly without clearing the hook properly can allow the opponent to adjust and reestablish control.

Advantages of the Pillow Escape

Efficient Escape

  • Directly addresses the opponent’s primary control point, making it a high-percentage escape.

Prepares for Transitions

  • Often leads to favorable positions like Guard or top control.

Energy Conservation

  • Relies on timing and leverage rather than brute strength.

When to Use the Pillow Escape

  • When the opponent has Back Control but their bottom hook is not deeply engaged or their weight is slightly off-balance.
  • As a defense when they prioritize attacking your neck but neglect their leg positioning.
  • Against opponents who have a stronger top hook than bottom hook, making the bottom hook easier to disengage.
Tip

The Pillow Escape is a versatile tool for escaping Back Control. Focus on neutralizing the bottom hook with controlled Hip Movement and prioritize neck defense throughout the escape.

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