Head and Arm Control Position

The instructor establishes a head and arm control position where an opponent has secured the defender's head and arm after a takedown. The opponent may interlock their hands to secure the position and prevent the defender from creating space to extract their trapped arm.

Avoiding Direct Resistance

The natural reaction to turn into the opponent while trapped creates a direct confrontation with the submission. This approach allows the opponent to apply pressure effectively, bridge their hips, and secure the position more easily by locking their hands and pulling upward.

Counter-Intuitive Leg Positioning

Rather than turning toward the opponent, the defender should turn their legs away from the opponent's body. This leg repositioning is essential to execute the escape before the opponent can lock their hands and apply full submission pressure.

High Bridge and Weight Distribution

The defender executes a high bridge, elevating their chest and placing maximum weight on the opponent's locked position. This elevation forces the opponent to post with their arm to prevent falling forward, momentarily breaking their structural integrity.

Head Elevation and Control Transition

As the defender bridges and rotates toward their knees, they achieve head elevation and begin transitioning toward the opponent's leg. This positional shift neutralizes the submission threat while allowing the defender to advance their own position.

Driving Out of Position

The defender continues walking and bridging to drive out of the submission hold, maintaining head elevation to prevent re-engagement of the choke. If executed properly, this creates space for the defender to stand or transition to a wrestling position like a double-leg takedown attempt.

Arm Position and Hitchhiker Grip

A critical detail involves straightening and elevating the trapped arm similar to a hitchhiker's thumb position, preventing the opponent from bending the arm and securing a tighter lock. This arm positioning works in conjunction with the bridge and leg drive to create the necessary space for escape.

Timing and Early Execution

Recognizing the opponent's setup allows the defender to initiate the escape early rather than waiting until the submission is fully secured. Early execution provides better mechanical advantage, and in some cases the head may pop out naturally during the bridge and rotation sequence.

Know THIS Submission Escape!!

TeachMeGrappling Coach Brian

Submission Defence

2 min read·8 key moments·PT7M13S video

Key Takeaways

•Head and Arm Control Position
•Avoiding Direct Resistance
•Counter-Intuitive Leg Positioning
•High Bridge and Weight Distribution

This video I breakdown a counter to the shoulder lock from a side headlock or kesa gatame/scarf hold. Check out the details and you are sure to find something useful! Enjoy! If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, please comment below. More videos to come! Please like, share, and subscribe!! PLEASE Click this link to SUPPORT the TeachMeGrappling Channel!!! https://www.patreon.com/TeachMeGrappling or https://www.paypal.me/CoachBrianPeterson Your contribution is much appreciated and will help me continue to bring you content! 🙏 www.NextLevelGuy.com The NextLevelGuy Podcast with Coach Brian Peterson has been released!! Check it out!

Related Techniques

Block Counter Strike Footwork Defence Evasion-Distance Management Guard Retention

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about submission defence?

This video covers head and arm control position, avoiding direct resistance, counter-intuitive leg positioning. It provides detailed instruction from TeachMeGrappling Coach Brian.

How long does it take to learn submission defence?

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.