In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, there are few positions as demoralizing as being stuck in bottom side control. That feeling of being pinned down, with your opponent’s weight pressing into you, can feel like you’re fighting an uphill battle. But with the right technique, you can turn the tables and escape even the most dominant positions!

So, let’s dive into the heart-pounding, sweat-inducing, and (if we’re honest) sometimes frustrating world of escaping from bottom side control.

The Situation: Feeling Stuck?

Imagine you’re rolling in class. Your partner passes your guard and secures side control. You can feel their pressure—heavy, almost suffocating. Their shoulder grinds into your face, and they’ve got your hips locked down. Most people would accept defeat at this point. But not you. You’ve been working on your side control escapes, and today’s the day you pull off something slick.

Here’s how you pull off a crazy, but effective escape.

The Setup: Stay Calm and Frame Up

First things first—don’t panic! Getting frustrated will only burn more energy and make it easier for your opponent to keep you pinned. Instead, focus on creating some breathing room by using proper frames.

  • Frame One: Use your near-side arm to frame against your opponent’s neck. Keep your elbow tight and use your forearm to create space.
  • Frame Two: Your far-side arm should be used to block their hip. Again, keep your elbow close to your body and create a barrier to prevent them from dropping more weight onto you.

This might not feel like much right now, but trust the process. Framing gives you the space to set up your escape.

The Magic: A Quick Bridge and Hip Escape Combo

Here’s where things get wild. It’s time to combine your bridge and hip escape in one fluid motion.

  1. The Bridge: You’ll want to explode into a big bridge, driving your heels into the mat and thrusting your hips upward. The goal here is to shift your opponent’s weight just enough to create a gap.
  2. The Shrimp: As soon as your hips are off the mat, you’re going to shrimp (hip escape) out to the side. Drop your hips back to the ground, moving them away from your opponent. You’re now creating the angle you need to either regain guard or set up an attack.

Here’s the crazy part:

As your opponent adjusts to your movement, you’re going to switch directions mid-shrimp! They’re expecting you to keep moving away, but instead, you’re going to roll back under them. Use your momentum and leverage to either sweep them over or slide into a safer half-guard position. This sudden reversal catches many opponents off guard, and before they know it, they’re the ones scrambling to regain control!

Pro Tip: Timing is Everything

This isn’t one of those escapes where brute strength gets you through. It’s all about timing. You’ve got to feel when your opponent shifts their weight and take advantage of that split second where they’re off balance. Your frames, combined with a well-timed bridge and shrimp, are what make this crazy escape possible.

The Finish: Regain Control or Attack

Once you’ve escaped the initial pressure of side control, your options open up. From here, you can recover full guard, work for a sweep, or even go on the offensive with submissions like the triangle or kimura. The key is to keep moving, stay calm, and trust your technique.

Moral of the Story: Never Settle

Being stuck in bottom side control can feel like a hopeless situation, but with the right mindset and technique, it’s just another opportunity to showcase your growth. And remember—BJJ is all about staying one step ahead. Even when you’re down, you’re never truly out.

So next time you’re stuck in bottom side control, channel that calm, confident energy. Your escape is just around the corner.