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Have you ever been stuck under someone in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), feeling like there’s no way out? Trust me, I’ve been there, and it’s no fun! Whether it’s your first class or you’re a regular on the mats, getting pinned in a bad spot can feel overwhelming. But here’s the good news: you can escape those tough positions with the right moves. Escaping bad positions not only saves you in a roll but also boosts your confidence and sets you up to attack. In this article, I’ll share the top five ways to escape bad positions in BJJ. These are simple, effective techniques anyone can learn, no matter your skill level. Let’s dive in and get you moving freely on the mats!

What Are Bad Positions in BJJ?

Before we jump into the escapes, let’s talk about what “bad positions” mean in BJJ. A bad position is when your opponent has control over you, making it hard to move or attack. Think of spots like full mount (when they’re sitting on your chest), side control (when they’re pinning you from the side), or back mount (when they’re on your back, ready to choke). These positions feel heavy and scary because your opponent can attack while you’re stuck defending.

Why are they tough? Your opponent has better leverage and can limit your movement. But don’t worry—every bad position has an escape! With the right technique, you can break free and turn the tables. Ready to learn how? Here are five escapes that’ll help you get out of trouble and back in the game. Have you ever been stuck in one of these spots, wondering what to do next? Let’s fix that!

Top 5 Ways to Escape Bad Positions

1. Bridge and Roll Escape (From Full Mount)

Full mount is one of the worst places to be in BJJ. Your opponent is sitting on your chest, and you feel like you can’t breathe. The bridge and roll escape is your ticket out. It’s a classic move that uses leverage, not strength, so anyone can do it. Here’s how it works.

How to Do It:

Step 1: Trap one of your opponent’s arms. Grab their wrist and pull it toward your chest. This stops them from posting (balancing) with that hand. Step 2: Trap their leg on the same side. Slide your foot outside their leg so they can’t step out. Step 3: Bridge your hips. Lift your hips high off the ground like you’re making a bridge with your body. At the same time, roll toward the trapped side. If you trapped their right arm and leg, roll to your left. You’ll end up on top!

Why It Works: This escape takes away your opponent’s balance. When you trap their arm and leg, they can’t stay steady. The bridge gives you the power to flip them over. It’s like using a seesaw—you don’t need to be strong, just smart.

Tip for Success: Stay calm. Wait for your opponent to shift their weight before you bridge. If you rush, they might adjust and stop you. Also, wearing a snug gi helps a lot here. I love my Shoyoroll gi because it fits perfectly, giving me better grip control without extra fabric getting in the way.

My Experience: The first time I pulled this off in a tournament, I felt like a superhero. I was stuck under a bigger guy, but I trapped, bridged, and rolled—boom, I was on top! It’s such a satisfying move to nail. Try it in your next class and feel the thrill.

2. Shrimp Escape (From Side Control)

Side control is another tough spot. Your opponent is lying across your chest, pinning you to the mat. It feels heavy, and your arms get tired fast. The shrimp escape is a simple way to slip out and get back to a safer position, like guard.

How to Do It:

Step 1: Turn slightly to your side, facing your opponent. This makes it harder for them to flatten you out. Step 2: Push their hips with your hands. Use your forearms to create a frame against their hips or shoulders. This gives you a tiny bit of space. Step 3: Shrimp your hips back. Bend your knees and push your hips away from them, like a shrimp scooting backward. Once you have space, bring your knees in to block them and regain guard.

Why It Works: Shrimping creates space between you and your opponent. Even a little room lets you move your hips and legs, which are your strongest tools in BJJ. It’s a small move with big results.

Tip for Success: Keep your elbows tight to your body. If your arms are loose, your opponent might attack with submissions like an armbar. Also, practice shrimping in warm-ups—it’ll feel natural in no time.

Why It’s Fun: Shrimping might look silly, but it’s like a secret weapon. The first time I shrimped out of side control, I couldn’t believe how easy it felt once I got the hang of it. It’s like wiggling out of a tight spot in a game of tag!

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3. Sit-Up Escape (From Back Mount)

Back mount is super scary. Your opponent is on your back, with their legs hooked around your waist and their arms hunting for a choke. The sit-up escape helps you loosen their control and get to a better position.

How to Do It:

Step 1: Protect your neck. Tuck your chin and grab their hands to stop any chokes. Step 2: Sit up and lean forward. This weakens their leg hooks and makes it harder for them to hold you. Step 3: Turn toward them. Slide your hips to one side and face your opponent. You might end up in their guard, which is way better than having them on your back.

Why It Works: Sitting up breaks their posture. When you lean forward, their hooks lose grip, and you can start to turn. It’s like shaking someone off your back in a playful wrestle.

Tip for Success: Move fast once you sit up. If you’re too slow, they might tighten their choke. Also, keep fighting their hands to stay safe.

My Take: Escaping back mount feels amazing. I remember panicking the first time someone took my back, but once I learned this escape, I felt in control. It’s such a confidence booster to know you can get out of a dangerous spot.

4. Elbow Escape (From Mount to Half Guard)

If you’re stuck in full mount again, the elbow escape is another great option. It helps you move from being pinned to a safer spot, like half guard, where you can start attacking.

How to Do It:

Why It Works: The elbow frame stops your opponent from crushing you. Shrimping creates space, and half guard gives you control over their leg. It’s a step-by-step way to climb out of trouble.

Tip for Success: Keep your frames strong. If your elbows collapse, you’ll get flattened again. Also, drill this move slowly to get the timing right.

Why I Love It: This escape is perfect against bigger opponents. I’ve used it to slip into half guard and start sweeping my training partners. It’s like finding a hidden door out of a locked room.

5. Posture Break Escape (From Triangle Choke)

The triangle choke is a tight submission where your opponent traps your arm and neck with their legs. It feels like you’re caught in a vice! The posture break escape helps you slip out before they lock it in.

How to Do It:

Step 1: Stay calm and posture up. Sit tall to keep your head high and avoid getting pulled down. Step 2: Push your trapped arm’s elbow against their leg. This breaks the tight triangle and creates space. Step 3: Pull your head out. Once you have room, slide your head free and pass to side control or another safe spot.

Why It Works: Posturing up stops the choke from getting tight. Pushing with your elbow opens their legs, giving you a chance to escape. It’s all about staying cool under pressure.

Tip for Success: Don’t panic. If you flail, you’ll waste energy and make it easier for them to finish the choke. Also, a slick rash guard can help you slide out smoother. I wear a Shoyoroll no-gi rash guard, and its tight fit makes escapes like this feel effortless.

Why It’s Awesome: Escaping a triangle is like breaking free from a trap. The first time I got out of one, I was so pumped I couldn’t stop smiling. It’s a move that makes you feel unstoppable.

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Bonus Tips: How to Get Better at Escapes

Want to make these escapes even better? Here are some quick tips to level up:

• Practice Regularly: Drill these moves in every class. The more you do them, the easier they’ll feel.
• Stay Relaxed: Don’t tense up in bad positions. Breathe deeply and focus on your next step.
• Learn from Others: Watch YouTube videos, ask your coach, or roll with better teammates to see how they escape.
• Wear Good Gear: Quality gear makes a difference. Shoyoroll’s pre-shrunk gis and no-gi shorts are comfy and let you move freely, so you can focus on your technique.

Which escape are you excited to try first? Grab a partner and start drilling!

Conclusion: Take Control of Your BJJ Game

Escaping bad positions is a game-changer in BJJ. With the bridge and roll, shrimp, sit-up, elbow, and posture break escapes, you’ve got five powerful tools to get out of trouble. These moves are simple, work for beginners, and grow with you as you improve. Practice them, stay calm, and you’ll start slipping out of tough spots like a pro.

Now it’s your turn to hit the mats and try these escapes. You’ve got the know-how—go take control of your BJJ game! Which move will you drill first? Share your progress in the comments or grab some Shoyoroll gear to feel extra confident while you roll. With these escapes, no position will hold you down for long!

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FAQs About Escaping Bad Positions in BJJ

What is the easiest BJJ escape for beginners?

The shrimp escape is often the easiest for beginners. It’s a simple movement that creates space and helps you get back to guard. Practice it during warm-ups to make it feel natural.

2. Can I escape bad positions if my opponent is much bigger?

Yes! All five escapes in this article use leverage, not strength. Moves like the bridge and roll or elbow escape work well against bigger opponents if you focus on timing and technique.

3. How do I stay calm when I’m stuck in a bad position?

Take slow, deep breaths and focus on one step at a time. Panicking wastes energy. Remind yourself that you have escapes like the ones in this article to rely on.

4. Do I need special gear to practice these escapes?

No, but good gear helps. A well-fitted gi or no-gi rash guard, like those from Shoyoroll, gives you better mobility and comfort, making it easier to focus on your moves.

5. What if my opponent keeps stopping my escapes?

Don’t give up! Ask your coach or a higher belt to watch your technique. Sometimes small tweaks, like adjusting your hips or timing, make a big difference. Keep practicing!