Ghost Escape

Side Control Escape from Overhead Arm

Key Steps

Step-by-step

• Establish a frame by placing your far-side forearm across their neck/shoulder to create space and prevent their weight from driving your head down.
• Move your framing arm to the opposite side of your head, opening a clear line to shift your hips and angle away.
• Initiate a scissor motion with your legs: the outside leg swings across their body while the inside leg pins their hips, creating the space to slide underneath.
• Re-guard: as space opens, bring your legs around to re-establish guard on the opposite side (open guard or half guard) and regain control.

Application

• This escape is a reactive solution to an opponent placing an arm over your head in side control; it works in both gi and no-gi.
• It follows a step-by-step flow common in jiu jitsu moves and is a practical addition to your repertoire of bjj techniques.
• Begin with slow drilling, progress to controlled sparring; the technique is advanced but with consistent practice it becomes beginner-accessible in context.

Mistakes

• Losing the frame or letting the arm slide over your head.
• Telegraphed hip turn or poor base causing a re-pressure.
• Failing to re-guard after escaping.

Tips

• Keep the neck protected and avoid exposing your chin.
• Drill the sequence to build muscle memory for executing side control escapes.
• Synchronize breath, frame, hip-shift, and leg scissor for smoother execution.