BJJ 101: Escaping the Full Mount

Published on 23 May 2023 at 18:23

Full mount is one of the most dominant positions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA. It is a position where one fighter is sitting on top of their opponent, straddling their hips, with their legs on either side of their opponent’s torso. The fighter on top has full control of their opponent and can deliver powerful strikes and submissions. Escaping from full mount is a critical skill for any fighter, as being stuck in this position can lead to a quick and brutal defeat. However, escaping from full mount is not easy, and it often involves taking some punishment. In this article, we will discuss some techniques for escaping from full mount while minimizing the damage.

 

1. Create Space

 

The first step in escaping from full mount is to create space between you and your opponent. This can be done by pushing your opponent’s hips or knees away from you with your hands and bridging your hips up towards your opponent. This will create enough space for you to slide one leg in between your opponent’s legs and regain half guard.

 

However, it is important to understand that creating space will leave you vulnerable to strikes. Your opponent will likely use this opportunity to rain down punches and elbows on you, so be prepared to cover up and absorb some damage.

 

2. Trap an Arm

 

Another option for escaping full mount is to trap one of your opponent’s arms. This can be done by reaching up and grabbing your opponent’s wrist or forearm and pulling it across your body. Once you have trapped your opponent’s arm, you can push it down towards your hip and use your free hand and leg to create space and regain half guard.

 

Again, it is important to understand that trapping an arm will leave you vulnerable to strikes. Your opponent will likely use their free arm to deliver powerful punches and elbows, so cover up and be prepared to take some damage.

 

3. Roll to Your Knees

 

Rolling to your knees is another option for escaping full mount. This can be done by turning onto your side and bringing one knee up towards your chest. Next, use your other leg to push your opponent’s leg off of you, creating enough space to roll onto your knees and regain your base.

 

Rolling to your knees is a high-risk maneuver as it leaves you exposed to strikes. Your opponent can easily transition to your back and sink in a rear-naked choke or continue to strike you while you are in a vulnerable position. Therefore, it is important to be prepared to defend strikes or quickly transition to a more advantageous position.

 

4. Bridge and Roll

 

The bridge and roll is a classic escape from full mount that has been used by fighters for decades. This technique involves bridging your hips up towards your opponent and then rolling over one shoulder, bringing your opponent with you. Once you have rolled over, you can use your free hand and leg to create space and regain half guard.

 

The bridge and roll is a high-risk maneuver that leaves you exposed to strikes. Your opponent can easily transition to your back or continue to strike you while you are in a vulnerable position. Therefore, it is important to be prepared to defend strikes or quickly transition to a more advantageous position.

 

5. Use the Fence

 

If you are fighting in a cage, you can use the fence to help you escape from full mount. This can be done by extending your legs towards the fence and using it to push yourself away from your opponent. Once you have created enough space, you can slide one leg in between your opponent’s legs and regain half guard.

 

Using the fence to escape from full mount is a high-risk maneuver as it leaves you exposed to strikes. Your opponent can easily transition to your back or continue to strike you while you are in a vulnerable position. Therefore, it is important to be prepared to defend strikes or quickly transition to a more advantageous position.

 

 

Escaping from full mount is a critical skill for any fighter, as being stuck in this position can lead to a quick and brutal defeat. However, escaping from full mount is not easy, and it often involves taking some punishment. The techniques discussed in this article are just a few options for escaping from full mount while minimizing the damage. It is important to practice these techniques in a safe and controlled environment and to be prepared to defend strikes while attempting to escape from full mount. With practice and experience, you can improve your ability to escape from full mount and avoid being stuck in this dangerous position.

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