Knee-In Escape

Guard Recovery from Side Control

Key Steps

• Step 1: Create space by bridging to the side

  From bottom in side control, plant a base hand, bridge the hips to shift weight toward the opponent's far hip, and turn the torso slightly to open space under their ribcage.

• Step 2: Frame with elbow and forearm near far hip

  Post your forearm across the opponent's far hip and tuck the elbow in to form a tight frame that keeps them from grinding back toward you.

• Step 3: Bring the knee in to recover guard

  Keeping the frame, slide the top knee toward your chest and thread it between their legs, then swing the leg back to establish your guard around their hips.

• Step 4: Re-establish guard and base

  Close the guard with your legs, replant your frames to resist pressure, and ready yourself to transition to sweeps or escapes.

Application

• Purpose

  Reclaims guard from top control, reducing pressure and creating a path to sweeps, submissions, or transitions in jiu jitsu moves and bjj techniques.

• How to use (step-by-step)

  1. Create space as in Step 1–2 above.
  2. Complete Step 3 to insert the knee.
  3. Seal the guard and recover to a dynamic position.

Mistakes

• Common mistakes

  • Not bridging enough or failing to frame, allowing the opponent to reclose on you.
  • Missing the knee-in timing, leaving a gap for the top knee or arm to neutralize the escape.
  • Dropping your head or chest, losing base and posture.

Tips

• Training tips

  • Practice with Gi and No-Gi; keep hips light and active; breathe throughout the sequence; drill from both sides to build consistency.