Escaping Side Control: Mastering the Shrimp, Bridge and Roll, and Elbow Escapes

Side control is one of the most dominant positions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Once your opponent establishes side control on you, it can be tough to escape. However, there are a few fundamental techniques that you can use to escape and regain your guard. In this article, we’ll be covering the shrimp escape, the bridge and roll escape, and the elbow escape from side control.

Shrimp Escape

The shrimp escape is a fundamental movement in BJJ and is used to create space and regain guard from the bottom position. Here’s how to execute the shrimp escape from side control:

1. Create space – The first step is to create space between you and your opponent. To do this, you’ll need to shrimp away from your opponent. Start by turning onto your side and pushing off with your outside foot.

2. Move your hips – Once you’ve created some space, move your hips away from your opponent’s body. This will create even more space and allow you to bring your knee up to start regaining guard.

3. Recover guard – From here, you can bring your knee up and use it to push your opponent’s arm out of the way, allowing you to recover guard.

Bridge and Roll Escape

The bridge and roll escape is another fundamental movement in BJJ and is a great way to escape side control. Here’s how to execute the bridge and roll escape from side control:

1. Bridge – The first step is to bridge your hips up towards your opponent. This will create some space and shift your opponent’s weight forward.

2. Turn onto your knees – Once you’ve created space, turn onto your knees and reach for your opponent’s back. Make sure to keep your elbows tight to your body to prevent your opponent from taking your back.

3. Roll – From here, roll over your shoulder towards your opponent’s back. Make sure to keep your head tucked in to protect your neck.

4. Take the back – Once you’ve rolled over, you should end up in a dominant position behind your opponent. From here, you can look to take your opponent’s back and work for a submission.

Elbow Escape

The elbow escape is a more technical escape and requires precise movements to execute. Here’s how to execute the elbow escape from side control:

1. Frame – The first step is to create a frame with your arms. Bring one arm up to your opponent’s neck and the other arm down to their hip. This will create space and allow you to move your hips out.

2. Create space – Use your frame to push your opponent’s body away from you. This will create space and allow you to move your hips out.

3. Bring your knee in – Once you’ve created some space, bring your knee in and create a shield with your shin. This will prevent your opponent from re-establishing side control.

4. Regain guard – From here, you can bring your other knee in and start to work on regaining guard.

Escaping side control is an essential skill for any BJJ practitioner. Whether you use the shrimp escape, bridge and roll escape, or elbow escape, it’s important to have a few fundamental techniques in your arsenal. Remember to focus on creating space, moving your hips, and maintaining good frames to make your escapes more effective. With practice and persistence, you’ll be able to escape side control and regain your guard in no time.