If you’ve ever trained in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, you know that being stuck in bottom mount can feel like you’re in a pretty tight spot. Your opponent has all the control, and you’re left working from what seems like a disadvantage. But one of the most beautiful aspects of BJJ is turning what looks like a bad situation into an opportunity. So, let’s dive into one of the key escapes from bottom mount and break down how you can regain control.

Why the Bottom Mount Is a Challenge

When you’re on the bottom in mount, your opponent is either sitting on your hips or chest, giving them excellent leverage to attack with submissions or control you through pressure. It’s easy to panic, but staying calm is the first step to escaping. The great thing about BJJ is that it’s not about brute strength; it’s about using technique and positioning to your advantage.

The Bridge and Roll Escape

One of the classic escapes from bottom mount is the Bridge and Roll (also called upa). This move works by using leverage to disrupt your opponent’s balance and sweep them off of you. Here’s how it’s done:

  1. Protect Yourself First: Keep your elbows tight to your body, framing on your opponent’s hips or upper body to block them from advancing. Tuck your chin and stay calm.
  2. Isolate an Arm: Choose the side you’re going to escape toward. Trap your opponent’s arm on that side by grabbing their wrist with your same-side hand and securing it tightly to your chest. This will prevent them from posting that arm and stop them from regaining balance when you make your move.
  3. Bridge with Your Hips: Once the arm is trapped, use your legs to drive your hips up explosively in a bridge motion. Imagine you’re trying to push your opponent up over your head, using your whole body to lift them. This will cause them to become unbalanced.
  4. Roll to the Side: As you bridge, immediately roll towards the side where you’ve trapped the arm and foot. This will flip your opponent off of you, allowing you to escape from the bottom and land in a more advantageous position—like guard or even top mount if you’re quick!
  5. Secure the Position: After escaping, don’t stop moving. Secure your position by stabilizing your base, and if you can, look to start working on advancing or attacking.

Why It Works

The key to the Bridge and Roll escape is timing and leverage. By trapping an arm and isolating one side of your opponent’s body, they lose their ability to post and stop your movement. The powerful hip bridge creates enough force to break their control, allowing you to reverse the situation.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Like everything in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, it’s all about reps and timing. Practicing this escape will give you the confidence to stay composed in bottom mount and understand that no position is permanent. It’s just another part of the game, and with the right technique, you can turn the tables and get back on the attack.

At Southern Soul Academy, we focus on building the skills and confidence to escape bad positions like bottom mount, giving our students the tools to thrive on and off the mats. With discipline and perseverance, you can turn defense into opportunity every time!

 

Ready to get started on your journey? Come try a free class today!