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Side ControlBottom
BeginnerSide Control Escape
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Taught by:Adam FarnslerAndre GalvaoBernardo FariaKeenan CorneliusNathan MerkleRob BiernackiRob ShifflerRoger Gracie
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About This Technique
Side Control Escape
The Side Control Escape, also known as the "Shrimp Escape" or "Elbow Knee Escape," is a fundamental technique employed when an opponent holds you in side control. The aim is to regain guard or attain a more neutral position.
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Side Control Escape
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Protect Your Neck:
- Right from when the opponent establishes side control, ensure you're defending your neck against potential submissions.
- Keep your far-side hand under your chin to shield against chokes, and use your near-side hand to brace against the opponent’s hip.
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Bridge and Create Space:
- Press your feet firmly into the mat and bridge your hips upward and away from the opponent.
- This movement creates space and moves the opponent's weight slightly off you.
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Establish a Frame:
- Slide your near-side elbow in between you and your opponent's hip.
- Your forearm should be flat, creating a frame against your opponent.
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Turn onto Your Side:
- Drop your hips back onto the mat and "shrimp" onto your side facing your opponent.
- Use the frame you created to maintain the space you've made.
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Insert Your Knee:
- With the space you've garnered, bring your near-side knee in front of your opponent’s hips.
- Make sure your shin is against their torso. Your other leg should remain bent with the sole of your foot on the mat.
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Complete the Escape:
- "Shrimp" further to slide your bottom leg out and establish your guard or half-guard position fully.
- Use your far leg to create distance and get your opponent into a less dominant position for them.
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Secure Strong Guard Position:
- Once you've regained guard, immediately secure it by bringing your legs around your opponent's waist.
- You can transition into an open guard, closed guard, or get an underhook to initiate attacking options.
Tips
- Maintain constant pressure with your frame.
- Use a string of rapid shrimps if the space isn't initially enough.
- Don’t rush. Focus on effective use of leverage to make the escape smooth and effective.
With practice, the Side Control Escape aids in reducing time spent in problematic positions and can neutralize an opponent's advantage.
How to Execute
Side Control Escape from Side Control Position
Objective
Escape your opponent's side control to regain a more favorable position or achieve guard.
Steps
1. Establish Frames
- •Position Your Arms:
- •Place your near-side arm (the one closest to your opponent) against their neck or shoulder. Use your forearm to create a frame. Your elbow should be close to your body, and your palm should be open, facing away.
- •Use your far-side arm to frame against their hip. Your forearm should be across their waist, with your hand near their hip bone. This will help control their movement.
2. Bridge to Create Space
- •Perform a Bridge:
- •Plant your feet firmly on the mat, shoulder-width apart.
- •Drive through your heels and perform an explosive bridge by lifting your hips off the ground.
- •Simultaneously, use your frames to push against your opponent, creating space between their chest and your torso.
3. Shrimp (Hip Escape)
- •Execute the Shrimp:
- •As you come down from the bridge, immediately turn onto your side facing your opponent.
- •Use your frames to keep the space you created with the bridge.
- •Push off with your feet and move your hips away from your opponent to create more space.
- •Slide your near-side knee between you and your opponent.
4. Recover Guard or Come to Knees
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Option A: Recover Guard
- •Once your knee is in, use it to create a barrier.
- •Continue to shrimp as needed until you can bring your far-side leg around and establish a guard position (closed, half, or open guard).
- •
Option B: Come to Knees
- •Instead of inserting your knee to recover guard, use the space created to turn to your knees.
- •Pivot on your shoulder and base up on your hands and knees.
- •From here, you can transition to a turtle position or work to regain a better position like a single-leg takedown.
5. Secure Your Position
- •Establish Control:
- •If you recovered guard, immediately work to establish grips and control your opponent’s posture.
- •If you came to your knees, focus on securing a strong base and looking for opportunities to improve your position or stand up.
Tips
- •Timing and Precision: Execute the bridge and shrimp movements with precision and speed to maximize the space created.
- •Maintain Frames: Keep your frames strong throughout the escape to prevent your opponent from reestablishing control.
- •Stay Calm: Maintain composure and breathe steadily, as this will help in executing the escape efficiently.
By following these steps, you'll be able to effectively escape from side control and work towards regaining a more dominant position.
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