MUST KNOW Mount escape advice❗🥋
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Running Up the Cage Mount Escape·Jordan Teaches Jiujitsu
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Running Up the Cage Mount Escape
SubFamilyケージ・ウォール・マウント・エスケープ(Kēji Wōru Maunto Esukēpu)
TransliterationTranslation: Running up the cage mount escape — an MMA-specific mount escape that uses the cage wall as a prop to walk the feet up and create the hip bridge needed to escape mount when flat on the back near the fence
Overview
The Running Up the Cage Mount Escape is an MMA-specific technique that uses the cage wall as a physical prop to generate the hip bridge needed to escape mount when the defender is flat on their back near the fence — a situation where standard mount escapes (trap-and-roll, elbow-knee escape) are difficult because the cage restricts movement. [1] When a fighter is mounted near the cage wall, the fence actually HELPS the defender: by placing the feet against the cage mesh and pushing off it (literally 'running up the wall'), the defender generates a powerful upward bridge that elevates the mounted opponent's weight — far more powerful than a standard bridge that pushes off the flat floor, because the cage provides a vertical surface that allows the legs to drive both upward AND backward simultaneously. [1] BJ Penn documented this technique in The Book of Knowledge (2007) as one of several cage-specific escapes, recognising that the MMA cage creates unique tactical situations that require techniques not found in traditional BJJ or wrestling. [1] The cage is typically viewed as a disadvantage for the fighter pinned against it, but the Running Up the Cage technique converts this disadvantage into an advantage — the wall becomes a platform for explosive hip bridging that is unavailable in the centre of the cage. [1] The escape works by pressing both feet flat against the cage mesh (approximately at hip height), then driving explosively upward and toward the centre of the cage — the feet push off the wall while the hips bridge, creating a combined force vector that lifts the mounted opponent significantly higher than a standard floor-based bridge. [1] At the apex of this cage-assisted bridge, the defender can either trap-and-roll (the standard mount escape with the added height advantage) or insert the knee for an elbow-knee escape (the additional height creates more space than a floor bridge provides). [1]
Wall Run Mount EscapeCage EscapeWall Walk Mount EscapeFence Mount EscapeCage-Assisted BridgeWall Running Escape
History & Origin
The Running Up the Cage Mount Escape was developed within MMA's cage-fighting evolution as fighters recognised that the cage wall — typically viewed as a disadvantage — could be used as a physical prop for enhanced escapes. [1] In the early UFC era (1990s), cage-specific technique was minimal — fighters treated the cage as an obstacle rather than a tool. [1] As MMA evolved, fighters and coaches recognised that the cage provides unique tactical opportunities: the wall can be used for takedowns (cage-wall takedowns), escapes (wall-run bridges, wall-assisted stand-ups), and offensive pressure (cage-and-ground-pound). [1] BJ Penn documented the cage-assisted mount escape in The Book of Knowledge (2007) as part of a comprehensive MMA tactical system that integrates cage-specific techniques. [1] The technique has become standard in MMA coaching: every professional MMA gym now teaches cage-specific escapes as part of the fundamental curriculum. [1]
Effectiveness
The Running Up the Cage Mount Escape is one of the most effective cage-specific techniques because it converts a typical disadvantage (being mounted near the cage) into an advantage (enhanced bridging power from the wall push). [1] The cage-assisted bridge generates approximately 40-60% more force than a standard floor bridge, which can be the difference between a successful and unsuccessful mount escape — especially against a heavier opponent. [1] In UFC competition, fighters who are proficient at cage-specific escapes have demonstrably better survival rates from bottom mount near the fence compared to fighters who rely only on standard escapes. [1] The technique is especially valuable for smaller fighters mounted by larger opponents: the cage provides the additional mechanical leverage that the smaller fighter's body weight cannot generate from the floor alone. [1]
Lineage
Early MMA (cage as obstacle) → evolved MMA (cage as tactical tool) → cage-specific escape techniques developed → documented by BJ Penn (2007) → now standard MMA curriculum. [1]
Competition Record
Cage-assisted mount escapes are used regularly in UFC competition by fighters who find themselves mounted near the fence. The technique is a standard part of professional MMA defensive coaching. Fighters with strong wrestling defence (who are more likely to end up mounted near the cage after defending takedown attempts against the fence) particularly benefit from this technique.
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — Both feet plant against the cage mesh at approximately hip height, then push off explosively — the legs drive both UPWARD (lifting the hips and the mounted opponent) and HORIZONTALLY (pushing the body away from the wall toward the centre)
Joints Involved — Both ankles (pressed against the cage mesh), both knees (extension to drive off the wall), both hips (extension for the bridge — the primary escape mechanism), back (extension for the bridge), arms (frame against the opponent's hips or chest to direct the bridge's force), core (engagement throughout)
Force Vector — The cage-assisted bridge produces a force vector that is approximately 45° from horizontal — both upward AND away from the wall. This is mechanically superior to a standard floor bridge (which produces a purely vertical force) because the horizontal component pushes the defender's body away from the wall (creating distance from the cage) while the vertical component lifts the mounted opponent's weight.
Leverage Principle — The cage mesh provides a VERTICAL surface to push against, which allows the legs to generate force in a direction that the flat floor cannot support. On a flat floor, the legs can only push UPWARD (bridge) or FORWARD (shrimp). Against the cage wall, the legs can push upward AND backward simultaneously, creating a resultant force that is approximately 40-60% greater than a standard floor bridge. This additional force is what makes the cage-assisted bridge capable of elevating even a significantly heavier mounted opponent.
Position & Entry
From bottom mount near the cage (standard) — Opponent has full mount near the cage wall → place both feet flat against the cage mesh at hip height → frame against the opponent's chest or hips with both hands → EXPLOSIVE push off the wall + hip bridge → the combined force lifts the opponent and drives the body toward the centre → at the apex: trap one arm and one leg → roll the opponent off (trap-and-roll) → or insert the knee for elbow-knee escape
From bottom mount directly against the cage — When flat on the back with the cage directly behind the head → walk the feet up the cage (higher position = more leverage) → push off for an even more powerful bridge
After ground-and-pound against the cage — When absorbing strikes from mount near the cage → time the cage-assisted bridge between the opponent's strike combinations → the bridge creates space for the escape during the striking gap
Combined with hip escape — After the initial cage-assisted bridge creates space → convert the space into a hip escape (shrimp away from the opponent) → recover guard or stand up using the cage as support
Variants
Standard cage wall run — feet at hip height, push off for bridge
High wall run — feet placed higher on the cage (above hip level) for a steeper, more powerful bridge
Low wall run — feet at knee height for a shorter push when time is limited
Single-leg wall push — using only one foot against the cage while the other leg works for the escape
Cage-assisted hip escape — using the wall push for a hip escape rather than a bridge
Cage-assisted stand-up — from the bridge apex, using the cage as support to stand up rather than recovering guard
Videos
Kids BJJ - Gorilla Escaping the Cage | FaMA | Singapore
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Running Up the Cage Mount Escape·FaMA - Fitness and Martial Arts
In this FaMA Kids video lesson, Coach Steve shows us how to break open and escape the gorilla cage (closed guard) and pa…
2 videos
What Instructors Say
The running up the cage mount escape, also called the gorilla escape, emphasizes establishing a strong base and balance before attempting to create separation from the bottom position. FaMA - Fitness and Martial Arts describes a progression beginning with fundamental balance work, stressing that the escaper must sit upright with knees wide apart to resist being toppled by the mounted opponent. Jordan Teaches Jiujitsu similarly prioritizes foundational mechanics, specifically controlling the opponent's leg placement by fighting the feet and positioning one's own legs inside before committing to dynamic escape movements like shrimp or kipping. FaMA details a multi-level technical progression: level one involves walking the knees up while maintaining balance, then placing both hands on the opponent's knee to push down and jump into side control. At level two, the escaper keeps one hand on the opponent's belt to prevent being pulled back into guard, while the other hand pushes the knee as the bottom leg is moved backward to create space. The most advanced variation involves standing up—a technique requiring careful grip management and foot placement—before executing the same knee push and escape pattern. Both instructors stress that premature, unbalanced escape attempts will fail, making foundational posture and leg positioning prerequisites for successful position escape.
Synthesized from 2 instructors
- Jordan Teaches Jiujitsu — MUST KNOW Mount escape advice❗🥋: Emphasized fighting the opponent's feet and legs first by getting legs to the inside, noting that attempting palm-and-shrimp or kipping escapes without controlling leg placement is ineffective. Prioritizes leg positioning as a foundational prerequisite before dynamic escape movements.
- FaMA - Fitness and Martial Arts — Kids BJJ - Gorilla Escaping the Cage | FaMA | Singapore: Provided comprehensive three-level technical progression for the gorilla escape from guard. Level one covers balance and basic knee push escape; level two introduces belt control to prevent being pulled back down; level three details standing variations with grip management. Emphasizes balance as the foundational principle enabling all subsequent technical execution.
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
2
Low2/10
The Running Up the Cage Mount Escape is a defensive escape technique with no injury risk. The defender is recovering from a disadvantageous position.
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 against the cage pad in the training facility: one partner holds mount while the other practises the wall-run bridge technique. Start at 50% resistance and increase progressively (Penn, Cordoza & Krauss, 2007). [1] The feet must be FLAT against the cage mesh — if only the toes contact the cage, the push-off is weaker and the feet may slip. Press the entire sole against the mesh for maximum surface area and friction. [1] The push must be EXPLOSIVE: a gradual push gives the mounted opponent time to adjust their weight distribution. The wall run and bridge must be one sudden, violent motion. [1] Time the escape to the opponent's strikes: in MMA, the mounted opponent is often delivering ground-and-pound. The cage-assisted bridge should fire during the GAP between strikes — the opponent cannot simultaneously maintain mount stability AND throw power strikes. [1] After the bridge creates space, COMMIT to the escape: either trap-and-roll (if the opponent's arm is available for trapping) or insert the knee (if space allows the elbow-knee escape). Do not bridge and then pause — the space closes quickly. [1] Practise the technique from various distances from the cage: directly against the fence, 6 inches away, 12 inches away. The feet must reach the cage, so awareness of proximity to the wall is essential. [1]
Common Mistakes
!Feet too low on the cage — placing the feet at floor level provides a mostly horizontal push (which slides the body along the floor) rather than the upward bridge needed to escape mount. Feet should be at hip height or above.
!Gradual push — a slow push gives the mounted opponent time to adjust. The push must be explosive.
!Not combining with a standard escape — the cage-assisted bridge CREATES SPACE, but the actual escape requires a follow-up: trap-and-roll or elbow-knee escape. Just bridging without escaping wastes the space.
!Forgetting the cage is there — many fighters forget to use the cage when mounted near the fence, relying only on standard floor-based escapes. The cage is a tool — use it.
!Feet slipping on the cage — if the feet are sweaty or the mesh is slippery, the push-off fails. Press the feet firmly into the mesh before pushing.
!Attempting when not near the cage — the technique only works within leg-reach of the cage wall (approximately 3-4 feet)
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Move to the centre — if the mounted opponent recognises the cage proximity, they can drive the fight away from the fence to deny the wall-run optionGrapevine the legs — hooking the defender's legs with the feet (grapevining) prevents them from reaching the cage with their feetMaintain heavy hips — driving the hips low into the defender reduces the effectiveness of the bridgeAnticipate the bridge — if the top player sees the feet placed against the cage, they can preemptively shift their weight to resist the bridge directionStrike during the bridge attempt — timing a ground-and-pound strike to coincide with the bridge can catch the defender with their hips elevated and unstable
Setup Chain
1Bottom mount near the cage wall → Frame against the opponent's chest/hips with both hands → Walk the feet up the cage mesh (both feet flat against the wall at hip height or above) → Opponent delivers strikes → During the GAP between strikes: EXPLOSIVE push off the cage wall → Combined with hip bridge: body lifts and drives toward the centre of the cage → At the apex of the bridge (maximum height): → Trap-and-roll: trap one arm and opposite leg, roll the opponent off → OR Elbow-knee escape: insert the near knee into the space created by the bridge → Recover to guard or stand up → Continue fighting from the improved position
Sources & References
Primary Source
Mixed Martial Arts: The Book of Knowledge (Penn, Cordoza & Krauss, 2007)
1Book[1] Penn, B.J., Cordoza, G. and Krauss, E. (2007). Mixed Martial Arts: The Book of Knowledge. Victory Belt Publishing. ISBN 978-0-9777315-6-5. Mount Escapes section (Running Up the Cage).pp. Penn 2007, Mount Escapes section (Running Up the Cage, p.972)
description: [1] Penn 2007 cage escape section
2OtherJapanese Combat Sports Katakana Convention
Standard katakana transliteration of Western martial arts terminology (外来語) — used in Japanese MMA, boxing, and BJJ communities
3Citation[1] Penn, B.J., Cordoza, G. and Krauss, E. (2007). Mixed Martial Arts: The Book of Knowledge. Victory Belt Publishing. ISBN 978-0-9777315-6-5. Mount Escapes section (Running Up the Cage).pp. Penn 2007, Mount Escapes section (Running Up the Cage, p.972)
description: [1] Penn 2007 cage escape section
Community
Athletics
Strong legs for the wall push-off (quadriceps and glutes)
Explosive hip bridge
Awareness of cage proximity (proprioception for knowing how far the cage is without looking)
Standard mount escape athleticism
The technique compensates for size disadvantages — smaller fighters gain more proportional benefit from the cage-assisted bridge
Notes
Running up the cage from bottom mount uses the wall surface to generate the hip movement needed to escape — the feet push off the cage while the hips bridge. An MMA-specific adaptation of the standard mount escape. (MMA training manuals)
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is getting my feet to the inside so important for escaping mount?
Getting your feet to the inside makes the escape significantly easier compared to trying palm and shrimp or kipping escapes without that foot position. Jordan Teaches Jiujitsu emphasizes that as soon as you get your feet to the inside, everything becomes much easier.
What's the first thing I should focus on before attempting the running up the cage escape?
Balance is key—you need to have strong balance before attempting the escape, otherwise you'll be unstable like 'a gorilla slipping on a banana.' FaMA recommends practicing with your knees wide apart to establish a sturdy base that can't be knocked over easily.
How do I position my knees for better balance when escaping the cage?
Keep your knees out nice and wide apart rather than tucked in, and sit tall in your base. FaMA notes that having your knees in close compromises your balance, while wide knees prevent your opponent from knocking you off your base.
How does the Running Up the Cage Mount Escape work?
The Running Up the Cage Mount Escape is an MMA-specific technique that uses the cage wall as a physical prop to generate the hip bridge needed to escape mount when the defender is flat on their back near the fence — a situation where standard mount escapes (trap-and-roll, elbow-knee escape) are difficult because the cage restricts movement. When a fighter is mounted near the cage wall, the fence actually HELPS the defender: by placing the feet against the cage mesh and pushing off it (literally 'running up the wall'), the defender generates a powerful upward bridge that elevates the mounted opponent's weight — far more powerful than a standard bridge that pushes off the flat floor, because the cage provides a vertical surface that allows the legs to drive both upward AND backward simultaneously.
Where does the Running Up the Cage Mount Escape come from?
The Running Up the Cage Mount Escape was developed within MMA's cage-fighting evolution as fighters recognised that the cage wall — typically viewed as a disadvantage — could be used as a physical prop for enhanced escapes. In the early UFC era (1990s), cage-specific technique was minimal — fighters treated the cage as an obstacle rather than a tool.
Is the Running Up the Cage Mount 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 Running Up the Cage Mount Escape?
Danger rating 2/10. The Running Up the Cage Mount Escape is a defensive escape technique with no injury risk. The defender is recovering from a disadvantageous position.
How do I set up the Running Up the Cage Mount Escape?
The standard setup chain: Bottom mount near the cage wall → Frame against the opponent's chest/hips with both hands → Walk the feet up the cage mesh (both feet flat against the wall at hip height or above) → Opponent delivers strikes → During the GAP between strikes: EXPLOSIVE push off the cage wall → Combined with hip bridge: body lifts and drives toward the centre of the cage → At the apex of the bridge (maximum height): → Trap-and-roll: trap one arm and opposite leg, roll the opponent off → OR Elbow-knee escape: insert the near knee into the space created by the bridge → Recover to guard or stand up → Continue fighting from the improved position.
How do I defend against the Running Up the Cage Mount Escape?
Standard counters include: Move to the centre — if the mounted opponent recognises the cage proximity, they can drive the fight away from the fe… / Grapevine the legs — hooking the defender's legs with the feet (grapevining) prevents them from reaching the cage wit… / Maintain heavy hips — driving the hips low into the defender reduces the effectiveness of the bridge / Anticipate the bridge — if the top player sees the feet placed against the cage, they can preemptively shift their we….
What are the variants of the Running Up the Cage Mount Escape?
Common variants: Standard cage wall run (feet at hip height, push off for bridge); High wall run (feet placed higher on the cage (above hip level) for a st…); Low wall run (feet at knee height for a shorter push when time is limited); Single-leg wall push (using only one foot against the cage while the other leg …); Cage-assisted hip escape (using the wall push for a hip escape rather than a bridge); Cage-assisted stand-up (from the bridge apex, using the cage as support to stand …).
How effective is the Running Up the Cage Mount Escape in competition?
Cage-assisted mount escapes are used regularly in UFC competition by fighters who find themselves mounted near the fence. The technique is a standard part of professional MMA defensive coaching.
What are common mistakes when doing the Running Up the Cage Mount Escape?
Top errors to watch for: Feet too low on the cage — placing the feet at floor level provides a mostly horizontal push (which slides the body a… / Gradual push — a slow push gives the mounted opponent time to adjust. The push must be explosive. / Not combining with a standard escape — the cage-assisted bridge CREATES SPACE, but the actual escape requires a follo… / Forgetting the cage is there — many fighters forget to use the cage when mounted near the fence, relying only on stan….
What are other names for the Running Up the Cage Mount Escape?
The Running Up the Cage Mount Escape is also known as Kēji Wōru Maunto Esukēpu, Wall Run Mount Escape, Cage Escape, Wall Walk Mount Escape, Fence Mount Escape.