Hail Mary Escapes Overview

Hail Mary escapes are last-resort defensive techniques employed when a practitioner is already deep in a submission hold with few alternatives. These escapes are not primary defenses and should only be attempted after earlier prevention strategies have failed. The instructor emphasizes that practitioners should focus on preventing submissions before reaching such critical positions.

Hitchhiker Escape from Arm Lock

When an opponent has extended the arm in an arm lock position, the hitchhiker escape involves turning the thumb downward and twisting the arm to create space. The defender pulls down on the opponent's leg while stepping out, then kicks their legs sequentially to rotate around the opponent's side. This technique aims to escape the submission while potentially achieving a top position.

Cross-Collar Choke Defense from Guard

When caught in a cross-collar choke from the guard position, the defender punches through the opening created by the opponent's bottom arm and swims deep into the space between the arms. By applying pressure to the opponent's grip, the defender forces a re-grip attempt, at which point a blocking hand prevents the choke from being re-applied. This technique exploits the momentary weakness during grip transitions.

Back Mount Collar Choke Escape

When an opponent secures a hand inside the collar from back mount, the defender prioritizes defending against the opponent's second hand rather than the choking hand itself. By defending the non-choking hand and turning toward the choke, the defender unwinds the pressure and creates space. The defender then eliminates the bottom hook and rotates the body while pulling the top arm to fully escape the position.

Late-Stage Triangle Choke Escape

In an extremely tight triangle choke where the arm is already pulled across and the legs are locked, the escape requires the defender to create sufficient space to breathe and extract themselves. The timing and positioning of the arm become critical factors in determining whether an escape remains possible at this advanced stage of the submission. This represents the most desperate scenario in triangle escape progressions.

Jiu-Jitsu Escapes | Hail Mary Submission Escapes

Knight Jiu-Jitsu

Submission Defence

2 min read·5 key moments·PT8M58S video

Key Takeaways

•Hail Mary Escapes Overview
•Hitchhiker Escape from Arm Lock
•Cross-Collar Choke Defense from Guard
•Back Mount Collar Choke Escape

I am a big believer in backup plans at all stages. These are some very late considerations for escapes I refer to as Hail Marys. These are definitely not what you want to have as your primary or only option for escapes, and you would obviously like to never find yourself in these threats at all, but for last-second counters they are pretty solid. A lot of these exist, but for time constraints I just chose some of my favorites. Please subscribe to my channel! Check me out on Instagram @knight_jiu_jitsu Keep watching Aperture Fight Focused on YouTube and Facebook for more great content!

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 hail mary escapes overview, hitchhiker escape from arm lock, cross-collar choke defense from guard. It provides detailed instruction from Knight Jiu-Jitsu.

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 5-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.