Today, we’re diving into another position in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu: escaping the back before you find yourself in a choke and the importance of keeping your arms tight to prevent arm bars.

Picture this: you’re rolling on the mats, engaging in some intense grappling, when suddenly your opponent manages to secure your back. Panic might set in, but don’t fear! Escaping the back position is not only doable but also an essential skill in your BJJ arsenal.

Why is it so crucial, you ask? Well, simply put, having someone on your back in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is like being in deep waters without knowing how to swim. It’s a vulnerable position where the threat of being choked out is huge, and your opponent has a buffet of submission options at their disposal.

So, what’s the first order of business when you find yourself with someone on your back? Keeping calm and maintaining control of your arms. Your arms are not only your primary tools for defense but also prime targets for your opponent’s attacks, especially the dreaded arm bar.

Now, let’s break down the escape process:

  1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation: Panicking will only make matters worse. Take a deep breath, assess your opponent’s grips, and formulate a plan of action.
  2. Protect Your Neck: Your opponent will likely be hunting for the rear-naked choke, so tuck your chin and defend your neck at all costs. Utilize proper hand positioning to create barriers and prevent their arms from sinking in for the choke.
  3. Hand Fighting and Grip Breaking: Engage in strategic hand fighting to break your opponent’s grips and create openings for escape. Remember, control of the hands equals control of the situation.
  4. Establish Hand Control: Once you’ve broken your opponent’s grips, focus on establishing hand control to create space and initiate your escape.
  5. Hip Movement and Shrimping: Engage your hips and initiate subtle movements to create angles and disrupt your opponent’s base. Utilize shrimping techniques to create space and begin to work your way out from underneath your opponent.
  6. Tighten Your Arms: Here’s where the importance of keeping your arms tight comes into play. By keeping your elbows close to your body, you deny your opponent the leverage they need to secure an arm bar submission. Tightening your arms also makes it more difficult for your opponent to isolate and attack your limbs.
  7. Escape and Regain Guard: As you create space and disrupt your opponent’s control, work to regain guard or establish a more advantageous position. Use a combination of hip movement, hand fighting, and strategic positioning to maneuver your way out of danger.

Remember, escaping the back position requires patience, technique, and a clear understanding of your opponent’s intentions. By keeping your wits about you and implementing sound defensive strategies, you can turn the tables on your opponent and emerge victorious.

So, the next time you find yourself with an unwanted guest on your back, remember to keep your arms tight, stay composed, and execute your escape plan with precision. With practice and determination, you’ll become a master of back escapes in no time.

Until next time, keep rolling, keep learning, and always embrace the journey of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu!

Happy training!