Elbow Push Escape

Escaping Side Control: Arm-Driven Space Creation

Key Steps

Step 1: Establish frames and protect

• Use your far arm to block the opponent's head and face, creating a strong vertical frame.
• Keep your other hand posted on their near hip to control their upper body.

Step 2: Create space by pressing the elbow and shrimp

• Apply gentle pressure with your frame on their near elbow to break their grip.
• Shim your hips away in a controlled shrimp to gain an angle.

Step 3: Turn to your side and re-guard

• Continue to shrimp until you can rotate onto your side, sliding your near knee inside their torso.
• Bring your legs between you and the top partner to re-establish a guard.

Step 4: Re-guard or recover full guard

• If possible, close your guard or move to half-guard, then reconnect grips for a stable bottom position.

Application

• How to: this technique is a foundational escape in jiu jitsu moves and bjj techniques, usable in Gi or No-Gi. Follow a step-by-step progression to learn how to escape side control. Begin from slow drills focusing on frame, elbow pressure, and shrimp.

Mistakes

• Common errors: not controlling the head, pushing with the palm instead of the forearm, failing to shrimp, losing base, telegraphing your movement.

Tips

• Keep your hips high, maintain solid frames, and breathe. For Gi, use grips on the jacket; for No-Gi, rely on forearm frames. Focus on timing and smooth transitions.