Shrimp Recovery Foundation

The shrimp recovery, also called the elbow escape, is a fundamental Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu movement performed on the back. The practitioner begins by lying flat with shoulders on an imaginary line, feet drawn close to the hips, elbows positioned on the ribs, and hands held in front of the face.

Hip Elevation and Leg Positioning

To initiate the movement, the practitioner pushes off the outside leg to elevate the hip on that side. The inside knee is turned outward and the toes are dug into the mat to establish grip against the floor.

Hip Drive and Reset

The practitioner pushes first with the outside leg, then the inside leg, driving the hips backward until they align with the original shoulder line. After completing one side, the position is reset and the movement is repeated on the opposite side.

Foot Mechanics and Framing

Proper foot positioning requires bringing toes close to the hips and pressing heels into the mat. During the hip escape, the practitioner transitions to the shoulder while the inside foot digs in; simultaneously, the hands create frames by pushing down against the ground.

Standard Shrimp Variation

In the standard shrimp variation, both feet push simultaneously to drive the hips backward. This version provides balanced power and is the most common application for continuous shrimping movements.

Single-Leg Shrimp Variations

Two single-leg variations exist: one where the inside leg remains flat while the outside leg performs the work, and an inverse version where the inside leg does the pushing and the outside leg stays flat. These variations develop asymmetrical strength and escape options.

Slide Shrimp Technique

The slide shrimp is a low-amplitude variation where the practitioner keeps one leg down throughout the movement without elevating onto the side. The hips slide backward while maintaining contact with the mat, creating a flatter, more compressed escape path.

Line Drill Application

Beginning practitioners commonly perform shrimping drills during line work, where the entire class shrimps across the mat width before returning to the end of the line. These repetitive drills build muscular endurance and movement pattern recognition across multiple shrimp variations.

How To Shrimp In BJJ (A.K.A. Elbow Escape)

Michael Foley's Academy of Martial Arts

Shrimp Recovery

2 min read·8 key moments·PT4M50S video

Key Takeaways

•Shrimp Recovery Foundation
•Hip Elevation and Leg Positioning
•Hip Drive and Reset
•Foot Mechanics and Framing

How To Shrimp In BJJ (A.K.A. Elbow Escape) In this video, I show how to perform the continuous elbow escape drill called "Shrimping" for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Have fun, and all the best! FOLLOW ME: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelfoleyacademy/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqC_ZJEq1nDQshHAkzLoEGA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michaelfoleyacademy Twitter: https://twitter.com/FoleyAcademy Website: http://www.michaelfoley.ca Gear I recommend (US): Shin Guards: https://amzn.to/3UGPDlz Hand Wraps: https://amzn.to/41cJ6kZ Heavy Shin Guards: https://amzn.to/3mDaSZ0 16oz Gloves: https://amzn.to/3oe0QOt Best Starter BJJ Gi: https://amzn.to/3GKITxy Gear I recommend (Canada): Shin Guards: https://amzn.to/3MLgUkT Hand Wraps: https://amzn.to/40gycJZ Heavy Shin Guards: https://amzn.to/40h4EM2 16oz Gloves: https://amzn.to/3ontywf Best Starter BJJ Gi: https://amzn.to/3KIC2FR #bjj #bjjlifestyle #teampedrosauer #jiujitsu #michaelfoleyacademy #foleysmartialarts #brazilianjiujitsu #grappling #pedrosauerteam #psbjja #grappling #stjohns #newfoundland #canada #combat #graciejiujitsu #mma #mmatraining #basics #fundamentals #shrimping #bjjbasics #howtoescape

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about shrimp recovery?

This video covers shrimp recovery foundation, hip elevation and leg positioning, hip drive and reset. It provides detailed instruction from Michael Foley's Academy of Martial Arts.

How long does it take to learn shrimp recovery?

The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 8-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.