Philosophy of Simplified Escapes
The instructor advocates for mastering a single rear mount escape rather than maintaining multiple variations. By committing to one fundamental technique and grinding it thoroughly, practitioners can develop superior escapes without needing to switch methods. This approach prioritizes staying in the optimal defensive position rather than abandoning technique when facing resistance.
Basic Rear Mount Setup and Grip Control
From a basic rear mount with hooks but no leg lock, the escape begins by controlling the choking arm. The defender controls the arm and drives their head to the mat while walking sideways and turning their hip. This arm control is maintained as long as possible rather than immediately addressing the opponent's leg hooks.
Walking and Turning Mechanics
The primary escape action consists of continuous walking and turning movements that pin the opponent's thigh and prevent deep hook placement. By maintaining pressure through hip turning, the defender naturally loosens the opponent's leg position without requiring hand-based leg defense. Consistent repetition of this walking-and-turning pattern is emphasized as crucial.
High Step Finish and Position Reversal
When the hook becomes stuck, the defender executes a high step similar to American football footwork to dislodge the leg completely. After stepping through, the defender controls the sleeve and pants while stiff-arming to create separation. The ideal outcome is reversing position to top control, though landing in half guard is still a substantial improvement over rear mount.
Collar Choke Variation
When the opponent grips the collar instead of using a seat belt, the defender controls both arms initially, then works one hand up toward the opponent's shoulder. The defender pulls this arm around their body and keeps their chin down, creating sufficient space that collar tightening cannot result in a choke. The subsequent walking-and-turning escape proceeds identically to the basic variation.
Countering Positional Drops
When a skilled opponent drops the defender to one side to prevent the standard escape direction, the defender's first response is to push themselves back to the opposite side rather than attempt a slide-out escape. This repositioning requires pressure on the opponent's wrist and uses leg drive combined with hand pressure. Once repositioned, the defender returns to the walking-and-turning sequence.
Maintaining Position Despite Resistance
Many opponents, even skilled ones, allow the defender to push back to the optimal side because their focus on executing the choke temporarily compromises their positional awareness. The defender exploits this by continuously repositioning into the favorable walking-and-turning stance. Even against larger or higher-level opponents, this positional maintenance proves effective.
Highest Percentage Rear Mount Escape for Gi and No-Gi
Key Takeaways
- •Philosophy of Simplified Escapes
- •Basic Rear Mount Setup and Grip Control
- •Walking and Turning Mechanics
- •High Step Finish and Position Reversal
The first rear mount escape you should learn. From the Defense and Escape Gameplan on iOS: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/bjj-master-app-by-grapplearts/id1308072068?mt=8 and Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.grappleartcontainer More info about this instructional in app form is here: http://www.grapplearts.com/defense-escape-gameplan-app/ Also available online and in DVD form at http://www.grapplearts.com/biggerstronger2 as the 5 volume set "How to Defeat the Bigger, Stronger Opponent, Series 2"
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does this video teach about rear mount escape?
This video covers philosophy of simplified escapes, basic rear mount setup and grip control, walking and turning mechanics. It provides detailed instruction from Stephan Kesting.
How long does it take to learn rear mount escape?
The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 7-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.
What are the key details for finishing rear mount escape?
When a skilled opponent drops the defender to one side to prevent the standard escape direction, the defender's first response is to push themselves back to the opposite side rather than attempt a slide-out escape. This repositioning requires pressure on the opponent's wrist and uses leg drive combined with hand pressure. Once repositioned, the defender returns to the walking-and-turning sequence.
