Introduction to Mount Escapes
The bridge and roll, knee elbow escape, and hip bump escape represent the three fundamental mount escapes every beginner must master. While these techniques require significant skill to execute against experienced opponents, they provide reliable solutions when rolling with fellow beginners.
Bridge and Roll: Hand Trapping
The bridge and roll begins by trapping both of the opponent's limbs on one side of their body. Hand trapping options include pinning the wrist with the elbow collected on the back, using both hands to control the hand, or executing an overhook if the opponent has wrapped around the head. The non-trapping hand should remain tight and close to the body to minimize exposure.
Bridge and Roll: Foot Positioning
Proper foot placement is critical for an effective trap. Rather than attempting the trap from center—where the opponent can remain low and escape—the practitioner should shift their hips laterally, turn their knees inward, and pull their heel to their glute for a much more secure leg trap. The trap need only be maintained long enough to generate momentum toward the top position.
Bridge and Roll: Execution
Look back over your shoulder while bridging backward at a diagonal angle—not sideways. Execute the bridge and roll as one continuous fluid movement rather than two separate actions to significantly increase success rate and maintain momentum through the reversal.
Knee Elbow Escape: Frame Setup
The knee elbow escape is initiated when the opponent's weight is distributed forward and they are actively attacking. The defender must shift their upper body inward and tuck their elbow inside, creating a frame on the opponent's opposite hip while maintaining an internal frame on the near side. This positioning prevents the arm from being exposed and keeps the opponent's weight elevated.
Knee Elbow Escape: Leg Flattening
When the opponent's leg is hidden and prevents the traditional bridge and roll, shift the hips away once or twice to flatten the near leg between the opponent's legs. This repositioning allows the defender to place their foot under the opponent's ankle in preparation for the escape.
Knee Elbow Escape: Finish
Execute the knee elbow escape by pulling the knee and elbow together in a coordinated movement, driving the opponent into half guard. Immediately establish an underhook on the half guard side and rotate onto the opposite hip to secure the position.
Hip Bump Escape: Survival Posture
The hip bump escape (kipping escape) is executed while maintaining a survival frame across the opponent's far hip with an internal elbow frame. The underhook on the near side must remain hidden to prevent the opponent from converting the position into an arm triangle choke.
Hip Bump Escape: Execution and Transition
Drive the opponent forward using a bump from the bottom knee while rolling backward over the shoulder and pulling the far knee inside. This action re-establishes the guard, from which the defender can either secure butterfly hooks for a dominant position or transition to leg lock attacks.
The First 3 Mount Escapes You Need To Know in BJJ
Key Takeaways
- •Introduction to Mount Escapes
- •Bridge and Roll: Hand Trapping
- •Bridge and Roll: Foot Positioning
- •Bridge and Roll: Execution
When you first start Jiu Jitsu, you're gonna be getting stuck in the bottom of mount. A lot. Even by people who aren't very good yet lol Take these 3 simple movements and add them to your game so you can give yourself a better chance of getting back to a winning position. If you need more in depth instruction and coaching, on this topic or any other in BJJ, from myself and a team of killer black belts visit https://bit.ly/3PqO348 Join this channel to get access to Members Only Perks such as: - Weekly Live Classes - Members Only Chat - Exclusive Members Only Videos - Access to the PGF Archive - Custom Badges and Emojis and more! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr7VU0Cnef4AhQk7Pe_9nTA/join
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this video teach about standard seated rear mount?
This video covers introduction to mount escapes, bridge and roll: hand trapping, bridge and roll: foot positioning. It provides detailed instruction from Brandon Mccaghren.
How long does it take to learn standard seated rear mount?
The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 9-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.
What are the key details for finishing standard seated rear mount?
The hip bump escape (kipping escape) is executed while maintaining a survival frame across the opponent's far hip with an internal elbow frame. The underhook on the near side must remain hidden to prevent the opponent from converting the position into an arm triangle choke.
