One of the most frustrating positions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is being stuck in side control. Not only are you immobilized, but your opponent has a myriad of attacks they can use to submit you. However, with the proper technique, you can escape this position and regain control. In this article, we’ll be discussing the elbow escape, a fundamental technique for escaping side control.
What is the Elbow Escape?
The elbow escape is a basic technique that involves using your elbow as a pivot point to create space and move your hips out from under your opponent’s control. This move allows you to regain your guard or create enough space to get back to your feet.
Step-by-Step Guide to the Elbow Escape
-
First, create space by pushing your opponent’s hip away from you with your nearest hand. This will create the room you need to move your hips.
-
Shrimp away from your opponent, using your elbow as a pivot point. Bring your outside leg up and plant your foot on the ground, creating a 90-degree angle between your thigh and shin.
-
Use your other leg to push off your opponent’s hip, allowing you to move your hips out from under their control.
-
Once you’ve created enough space, slide your knee through and turn towards your opponent. Regain your guard or stand up, depending on the situation.
Common Mistakes:
One of the most common mistakes when performing the elbow escape is not creating enough space. If you don’t push your opponent’s hip away from you, they will be able to control your movements and prevent you from escaping. Additionally, it’s important to maintain control of your opponent’s upper body. If they’re able to control your head and shoulders, they can easily shut down your escape attempts.
Another common mistake is not using your legs effectively. Your legs are essential for creating the space needed to escape, so make sure you’re using them to push off your opponent’s hip and create room for your hips to move.
The elbow escape is a fundamental technique for escaping side control, and every BJJ practitioner should have this move in their arsenal. By using your elbow as a pivot point and creating space with your legs, you can escape the tight control of side control and regain control of the match. With practice, you’ll be able to perform this move effortlessly and move on to more advanced techniques.
Hey there! Just a heads up that some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means that if you click on them and make a purchase, I may earn a commission. But don’t worry, it won’t cost you anything extra – in fact, you might even get a sweet deal! Plus, every purchase made through one of these links helps support my blog and keep the content coming. So, if you do decide to make a purchase, thank you so much for your support – it means the world to me!
Pingback: Escaping Side Control: Mastering the Shrimp, Bridge and Roll, and Elbow Escapes – Jiu Jitsu Hub