BJJ Side Control Escapes

Contents

Why Side Control Is Dangerous

Side control (side mount) gives the top player full weight distribution, arm access, and time to set up submissions while the bottom player has no direct offense. Escaping quickly before they settle is critical — every second adds more control.

The Elbow-Knee Escape

The #1 escape: shrimp your hips away while simultaneously bringing your inside knee to your inside elbow, creating a frame. Continue shrimping until you can hook their leg with your bottom knee and recover guard or half guard.

Bridge and Roll Escape

Wait for them to reach across your body (kimura grip, collar reach). Bridge explosively toward their head while turning into them. The bridge height and rotation combine to create a sweep. If they base out, shoot for guard from the scramble.

Side Control Escape Options

Escape	Best When	Key Movement
Elbow-Knee	They're heavy but stationary	Shrimp + knee to elbow frame
Bridge and Roll	They reach across	Explosive bridge toward head side
Ghost Escape	Very heavy pressure	Invert under them, slide out
Underhook Recovery	They have overhook	Fight for underhook, frame to knees

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best side control escape?

The elbow-knee escape is the most reliable because it works progressively — you can pause, adjust, and continue. It doesn't require perfect timing like the bridge and roll.

How do I avoid getting stuck in side control?

Move immediately when they're passing — don't wait for them to settle. Active guard retention (framing during the pass) is much easier than escaping established side control.

How long should it take to escape side control?

Immediately in an ideal world. In practice, 3-10 seconds of active escaping is normal. If you're still in side control after 15+ seconds, your opponent is likely too heavy or you've missed early escape windows.