Mount Position Fundamentals

When trapped in bottom mount, the defender must maintain tight elbows to prevent high-mount submissions like armbars and gi chokes. The defender should keep legs active and engaged, using hip leverage rather than remaining flat. The top player, conversely, seeks to control the space beneath the defender's armpits and maintain a low, heavy mount position to prevent the defender from creating space and bucking.

Defensive Framing and Positioning

The bottom player creates defensive frames by positioning forearms against the opponent's chest with hands cupped on their own wrist, elbows tight inside. Active leg positioning and constant engagement of the hips are essential to prevent submission attacks. The top player works to establish either a mounted armbar setup via S-mount or a low mount with hooks under the legs for stability.

Escape to Half Guard

From mount with tight elbows, the defender performs a hip escape by planting one leg and rotating onto their hip to create space. Once space is established, the defender pushes the top player's knee away and inserts their shin on the opponent's thigh. The defender then transitions to half guard with an underhook, positioning themselves to either sweep or advance positionally rather than simply escaping.

Escape to Butterfly Guard

The defender keeps elbows inside the top player's legs while cupping their hips, then executes a fast, explosive bridge to thrust the hips upward. As the top player moves backward from the bridge, the defender locks their arms and inserts both knees inside the opponent's legs, establishing butterfly guard with shins controlling the thighs. The defender then sits up immediately, securing either double underhooks or an alternative guard position from which to continue.

Escape via Bridge and Reversal

The defender traps one of the top player's arms to prevent them from posting and defending the reversal. The defender executes a high bridge—more explosive than standard escapes—and steps over the top player's body to complete the reversal. The stepping motion, combined with hip elevation, throws the top player forward and over, landing the defender in closed guard on top.

Reversal Mechanics and Timing

Rather than simply pushing upward, the defender combines an explosive bridge with a stepping motion, similar to a horse bucking a rider forward. The trapped arm prevents the top player from posting and stabilizing, while the defender's hip movement ensures the opponent falls forward and cannot prevent the reversal. This technique transitions the defender from bottom to top in a single fluid motion.

3 Ways to Escape Full Mount

fightTIPS

Hand Fighting Escape

2 min read·6 key moments·PT8M4S video

Key Takeaways

•Mount Position Fundamentals
•Defensive Framing and Positioning
•Escape to Half Guard
•Escape to Butterfly Guard

BJJ blackbelt Erin Herle is back with a tutorial showing 3 ways to escape full mount -- a dominant position when someone is sitting on your torso while you are on your back. But don't panic! Coach Erin shows how to transition to half guard, full guard, and even sweep your opponent onto their back. Questions? Drop them below! Erin Herle's IG►https://www.instagram.com/erinherle Subscribe to FIGHTTIPS►http://bit.ly/1APnzvw FOLLOW: Facebook | http://bit.ly/fightTIPSFacebook Twitter | http://bit.ly/fightTIPSTwitter Instagram | http://bit.ly/fightTIPSInstagram

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about hand fighting escape?

This video covers mount position fundamentals, defensive framing and positioning, escape to half guard. It provides detailed instruction from fightTIPS.

How long does it take to learn hand fighting escape?

The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 6-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.