BJJ Mount Escape: Upa, Elbow-Knee & Trap-and-Roll Techniques
BJJBJJ App TeamΒ·β±οΈ 2 min readΒ·π Mar 31, 2026
β°Contents
Master BJJ mount escapes. Step-by-step upa bridge-and-roll, elbow-knee shrimp, and trap-and-roll. Escape full mount, high mount, and technical mount reliably.
Defense
White Belt
Being mounted is one of the worst positions in BJJ β you are giving up 4 points and are vulnerable to every submission in the book. But with correct technique, mount is escapable even against much larger opponents. There are two primary escapes every grappler must own: the Upa (bridge and roll) and the Elbow-Knee (shrimp) escape.
Contents
Why Mount Is Dangerous
1
Score β In competition, full mount scores 4 points β the highest of any positional score.
2
Submission threat β From mount, the opponent can attack armbar, americana, kimura, rear naked choke (after back take), ezekiel choke, and collar chokes.
3
Priority β Escaping mount is a higher priority than hunting submissions from mount. Survive first, score second.
Escape 1: Upa (Bridge and Roll)
1
Setup β Wait for your opponent to reach for a submission or post their hands. Trap one of their arms against your body with both hands.
2
Bridge β Plant both feet close to your body. Simultaneously bridge your hips hard and turn β the torque lifts them off.
3
Roll to guard β Use the momentum to roll them over and land in their guard. From here you can work guard passes.
4
Best against β High mount (they are sitting up). Works well when they reach for collar grips.
Escape 2: Elbow-Knee (Shrimp)
1
Frame first β Create a frame β forearm on their hip/chest, other hand blocking their collar grip. Never cross your arms.
2
Shrimp out β Drive one elbow and the same-side knee together while shrimping your hips away from them. Repeat 2-3 times.
3
Recover half guard β Get your shin in across their hips to capture half guard. From half guard, work your guard recovery.
4
Best against β Low mount (they sit low on your hips). Also effective against high-level opponents who resist the upa.
Common Mistakes
1
Crossing your arms β Crossing arms under mount is the fastest route to an armbar. Keep elbows tight to your sides.
2
Hipping too small β A timid bridge does nothing. The upa requires an explosive, full-body bridge with your feet close and hips driving high.
3
Stalling flat β Lying flat under mount is passive and gives your opponent time to improve position. Always be framing and shrimping.
4
Wrong timing on upa β Bridging when your opponent is perfectly balanced just creates a rocking motion. Wait for them to post or reach.
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