BJJ Blueprint Series : The First 3 Mount Escapes You Need To Know in BJJ

Essential Mount Escapes for BJJ Beginners

Getting stuck in the mount is a common experience for Jiu-Jitsu beginners. However, knowing a few fundamental escapes can drastically improve your chances of regaining a more advantageous position. Here are three basic mount escapes every beginner should learn:

1. The Bridge and Roll

This is often the first escape taught to new students. Start by trapping one of your opponent's arms on the same side of their body you intend to roll toward. Secure the arm by pinning it down, collecting the elbow, or even using an overhook if they are grabbing around your head. Keep your other hand tight to your body for defense.

Next, trap their foot by shifting your hip slightly to the side and pulling your heel towards your butt. From there, look back over your shoulder in the direction you intend to roll, bridge, and roll to end up on top. Try to make the bridge and roll one fluid motion for greater success.

2. The Knee-Elbow Escape

This escape is particularly useful when your opponent has their weight high and is attacking your arm. Start by tucking your elbow inside to protect your arm and create a frame on their opposite hip.

Create space by moving your hip away from your opponent. Flatten one of your legs between their legs, position your foot under their ankle, and execute the knee-elbow escape. Pull your knee and elbow back together, dropping your opponent into half guard. Aim to secure an underhook on the half-guard side to improve your position.

3. The Kipping (Hip Bump) Escape

This escape involves creating space and momentum to recover guard. Maintain a defensive posture with a frame across the opponent's far hip and your elbow on the inside to prevent arm triangles.

Bump your opponent forward with your bottom knee while simultaneously rolling backward over your shoulder. Pull one knee inside to recover your guard. From there, you can establish butterfly hooks for a double underhook position or transition to leg lock attacks.

Mastering these three basic mount escapes will provide a solid foundation for your Jiu-Jitsu journey. Remember to practice them regularly to develop the muscle memory and timing needed to execute them effectively in live rolling.

If you’re ready to dive into the world of BJJ training, visit The Jiu-Jitsu Foundry at Damansara Utama/Uptown, Petaling Jaya, WhatsApp 011-11510501. Embrace the challenge, improve your skills, and discover how this exciting form of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can transform your martial arts journey!