A Mount Escape That Actually Works
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Alcatraz Escape·Paulo Guillobel
Detailed explanation on how to properly escape the mount control by Paulo Guillobel.
Alcatraz Escape
SubFamilyアルカトラズエスケープ
TransliterationTranslation
Not yet documented
Overview
History & Origin
Effectiveness
Lineage
Developed within the parent martial arts tradition. [1]
Competition Record
Used in relevant competition formats. [1]
Images
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — Executing this specific technique through its characteristic mechanical pattern
Joints Involved — Technique-specific joints depending on whether this is an escape (hips for bridging/shrimping), sweep (hips and legs for leverage), submission (target joint plus controlling joints), throw (hips, legs, shoulders for projection), or position (control-specific body parts)
Force Vector — Directed along the technique's primary action line
Technique Mechanic — Each technique has a specific mechanical sequence that must be followed for effective execution
Position & Entry
From the parent position — Enter this technique from the primary position described in the parent family
From a transition — Access this technique during a positional transition or scramble
From defence — Enter this technique as a defensive response or counter
Videos
ESCAPE the MOUNT - 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu
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Alcatraz Escape·Brandon Mccaghren
Bmac talks key details 🔑 to escape MOUNT & create sweeping / submission opportunities using the LOCKDOWN. READ BELOW fo…
2 videos
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
4
Moderate4/10
Standard technique-level risk appropriate to the category
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Intermediate
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
— Unified MMA — Legal defensive/transitional technique
Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025PDF— IBJJF — Legal
IBJJF Rules Book v6.0, June 2024PDF— IJF — Legal
IJF Sport and Organisation Rules 2025, Article 27PDF— ADCC — Legal
ADCC Rules Update, April 2025PDF— UWW — Legal
UWW International Wrestling Rules, January 2026PDF— FIAS Sport Sambo — Legal
FIAS International Sambo Competition RulesPDFTraining Notes
✓Drill the technique with progressive resistance
✓Understand the entry position before drilling the finish
✓Chain with related techniques for a complete system
✓Practice both sides where applicable
Common Mistakes
!Poor entry positioning
!Incomplete execution
!Not chaining with follow-up techniques
!Attempting without proper setup
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Setup Chain
1Establish Entry Position
2Set Up the Technique
3Execute
4Follow Through
5Consolidate or Transition
Sources & References
Primary Source
Jiu-Jitsu University (Saulo Ribeiro, 2008)
1BookJiu-Jitsu University (Ribeiro, 2008)
Description sources — [1] Martial arts curriculum [2] Competition analysis
2BookRelevant martial arts instructional resources
3OtherJapanese Combat Sports Katakana Convention
Standard katakana transliteration of Western martial arts terminology (外来語) — used in Japanese MMA, boxing, and BJJ communities
4CitationJiu-Jitsu University (Ribeiro, 2008)
Description sources — [1] Martial arts curriculum [2] Competition analysis
5CitationRelevant martial arts instructional resources
Community
Athletics
Requires
technique-specific physical attributes
Key muscles
technique-dependent
Sub-techniques
Notes
The Alcatraz is Eddie Bravo's back escape system in 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu — it uses a specific sequence to clear the hooks and escape back mount. Named in Bravo's distinctive technique naming convention. (Bravo, Mastering the Rubber Guard, 2006)
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the key to preventing my opponent from controlling my hips during the Alcatraz Escape?
Brandon McCaghren emphasizes creating 'a stick in the way' with your leg so your opponent can't bring their leg close or go underneath—this prevents them from locking you down tight and gives you the space you need to escape.
When should I bridge during this escape?
According to Paulo Guillobel, timing is critical: bridge when your opponent is moving toward the side you're escaping to, but don't bridge if they're moving away from that side, as improper bridging timing will compromise the technique.
Why do I need to flatten my inside leg during the escape?
Brandon McCaghren notes that you must flatten your leg to the inside to create the initial positioning—you can't execute this movement effectively from flat on your back without this setup.
What defensive head and arm position should I use?
Paulo Guillobel stresses that you should keep your head position correct and not look into your opponent's arm—instead look away—while blocking with one arm to control their movement and prevent them from advancing.
How does the Alcatraz Escape work?
The Alcatraz Escape is a 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu mount escape technique — a specific escape method developed within Eddie Bravo's system for escaping mount using the 10th Planet positional framework.
Where does the Alcatraz Escape come from?
This technique developed within its parent martial arts tradition and has been refined through competition.
Is the Alcatraz Escape legal in competition?
Unified MMA: legal — Legal defensive/transitional technique; IBJJF: legal — Legal; IJF: legal — Legal; ADCC: legal — Legal; UWW: legal — Legal; FIAS Sport Sambo: legal — Legal
How dangerous is the Alcatraz Escape?
Danger rating 4/10. Moderate — standard technique-level risk appropriate to the category
How do I set up the Alcatraz Escape?
The standard setup chain: Establish Entry Position → Set Up the Technique → Execute → Follow Through → Consolidate or Transition.
How do I defend against the Alcatraz Escape?
Standard counters include: Defensive techniques against this specific technique / Prevention of the entry position.
What are the variants of the Alcatraz Escape?
Common variants: Standard execution (the fundamental version); Modified variation (adapted for specific scenarios).
How effective is the Alcatraz Escape in competition?
Used in relevant competition formats.
What are common mistakes when doing the Alcatraz Escape?
Top errors to watch for: Poor entry positioning / Incomplete execution / Not chaining with follow-up techniques / Attempting without proper setup.
What are other names for the Alcatraz Escape?
The Alcatraz Escape is also known as Alcatraz, Mount Escape from Back, Eddie Bravo Alcatraz.