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BeginnerUpa Escape
N/A (commonly referred to by its Brazilian Portuguese and English names)
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About This Technique
Upa Escape
The Upa Escape, also known as the "Bridge and Roll," is a fundamental Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu technique used to escape the Mount position. The following are step-by-step instructions for executing the Upa Escape successfully:
Position of the Technique
- Position: Mount
- Top or Bottom: Bottom
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Stay Calm and Protect:?️
- As your opponent establishes the Mount position, protect your neck by keeping your arms close to your body.
- Tuck your elbows in to prevent your opponent from attacking with submissions.
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Identify Threats: ?
- Recognize the opponent's position: Are their hands on the ground or attacking your neck?
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Trap an Arm: ?
- Choose the side you want to roll to. Trap the opponent's arm on that side by securing their wrist with one hand and wrapping your same-side arm over their elbow, locking it in place against your body.
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Foot Setup: ?
- On the same side as the trapped arm, bridge your foot closer to your hip, creating a strong base to push off.
- Trap the foot of the opponent on the same side using your other foot, preventing them from widening their base.
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Explosive Bridge: ?
- With simultaneous movements, perform a strong explosive bridge (hip lift) into the air by pushing off the grounded foot. Your body should resemble a bridge arch.
- Drive your opponent's weight forward using the strength of your legs and hips.
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Roll to Escape: ?
- Roll in the direction of the trapped arm and leg, aiming over your shoulder.
- Use the explosive movement to elevate the opponent, venturing them over your body.
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Establish Guard or Top Position: ?️
- As the roll completes and you find yourself on top, quickly seek control by establishing an effective grappling position such as Closed Guard or Side Control.
- Maintain posture to stabilize.
Conclusion
The Upa Escape is one of the first and most important escapes taught in BJJ. It is vital to drill this technique repetitively, as it serves as the foundational means to transition out of the Mount position and gain a more dominant or neutral position.
Note: Timing, balance anticipation, and coordinated movement are key in enhancing the effectiveness of the Upa Escape. Regular practice with a partner will improve efficiency and execution.
How to Execute
# Upa Escape from Mount
## Setup
- **Initial Position Details**: You are in the bottom mount position, with your opponent sitting on top of your torso. Your opponent's knees are on the mat, usually around your hips.
- **Grips and Controls Needed**: Identify one side to escape towards. On that side, control your opponent’s arm by trapping their wrist and securing it against their chest. Simultaneously, trap their foot on the same side by capturing it with your leg.
## Steps
1. **Secure the Arm and Wrist**: With your opposite-side hand, grab your opponent's wrist on the side you intend to roll. Pull it towards your chest and cup it tightly with your other hand to ensure it’s trapped.
2. **Trap the Foot**: On the same side as the arm you have trapped, use your foot to capture your opponent’s ankle. This prevents them from posting that foot to base out during the escape.
3. **Bridge Upwards**: Press your feet firmly into the mat. Drive your hips upwards towards the ceiling with a powerful bridging motion. This will cause your opponent to lose balance, especially with their arm and foot trapped.
4. **Roll Over Your Shoulder**: As you bridge, simultaneously roll towards the trapped side over your shoulder. Use the momentum from your bridge to help you turn your opponent over.
5. **Establish Position**: Continue the roll until you end up in your opponent’s guard or a more neutral position on top. Make sure to quickly posture up and prepare to pass the guard or establish control.
## Key Points
- **Important Details to Remember**:
- Ensure the arm and foot are securely trapped before bridging.
- Use a strong and explosive bridge to off-balance your opponent.
- Roll towards the shoulder on the side of the trapped arm and leg.
- **Common Mistakes to Avoid**:
- Failing to trap the arm or foot properly can allow your opponent to post and stop your escape.
- Bridging directly to the side rather than upwards and then over may not generate enough power.
- Not following through with the roll can result in your opponent regaining control.
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