{"id":20244,"date":"2023-09-11T12:44:04","date_gmt":"2023-09-11T17:44:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rollingaroundbjj.com\/?p=20244"},"modified":"2023-09-11T12:44:06","modified_gmt":"2023-09-11T17:44:06","slug":"side-control-escape","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rollingaroundbjj.com\/side-control-escape\/","title":{"rendered":"Side Control Escape (Stop Getting Pinned BJJ Gi & No-Gi)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Side control is one of the most dominant positions in jiu-jitsu<\/a>, and despite being considered inferior to full mount, many people prefer side control. Especially if the person on top is heavier and knows how to exert pressure, it\u2019s easier for them to sit and rest, while it also allows more submission options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Knowing how to escape side control is among the top priorities of white and blue belts, and for good reason. While there are numerous ways to improve your position and even threaten with a submission, you should first get a good grasp of the classic side control escapes and principles, and this is precisely what we will cover in this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>Concepts Of How To Escape Side Control in BJJ<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

First, it’s important to know that side control is not a single position like closed guard is. There are many variations, depending on the opponent’s body position and the grips both of you have.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You have the classic side control or the wrestler’s side control, in which the top person has a cross face and is belly down, with the knees controlling the bottom player’s body. Then there is the heavy pressure side control, also known as the 100 kg side control, with the top person having his legs sprawled back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The third option is the Kesa Gatame and reverse Kesa Gatame variations, where you are on your side and facing the opponent’s head or legs, respectively. These two are used more as transitions in BJJ than as constant positions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, there are north-south and knee-on-belly, but for me, these are positions on their own and not exactly side control, so I won\u2019t deal with escapes from them in this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before we get to the specific escapes, understand what problem points you must answer to get out of the dreaded side control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Head Control<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Side<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The key mechanic for the person on top to control you is the cross face. To recover your guard, you need to turn towards them, but turning is impossible with their shoulder smashing your face in the opposite direction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The best solution is to not allow tight head control in the first place and place frames with your hands as they are passing your guard. But more often than not, they will get the cross face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do not panic when they control your head in side control; it’s undoubtedly uncomfortable, but you will not get choked out. Just alleviate some of the pressure and give yourself room to breathe. Do not panic; start moving aimlessly and expend precious energy in futile movements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then, it’s time for the next step.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Frames<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As with all bottom-position escapes, you need strong frames. The best frame in side control is to use the forearm and place it underneath the neck or on the chin of the opponent. This will allow you to push their head up and release the pressure on your head. The other arm should ideally go to their hips. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember to push with the sides of your palms or forearms, or you risk a wrist break.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Getting your arms in a position to frame is the most critical element of side control escapes because if the player on top has strong pressure, this can be a very tough task.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition to the hands, you should always aim to get your legs between you and the opponent. Sometimes, the upper body control can be super strong, but this leaves some gaps in the lower part where you can insert your knee and shin, giving you much more power to control space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Open Space<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Once placed, the structurally solid frames create space and recover a better position. There are two general options when escaping side control: establishing a guard or reversing the positions and getting the back of the opponent. The third and much more advanced option is to counterattack with a submission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, with these principles in mind, let’s look at some common BJJ side control escapes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Classic Side Control Escapes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The first escape everyone is taught involves the steps already covered. You get one arm underneath the opponent’s neck and the other on their hip. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

From there, you use the power of your hips to bridge up and shrimp out as soon as there is enough space. Immediately insert your shin between you and the opponent; he no longer has side control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With another side hip escape movement, you free your other leg and enter into closed guard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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