Understanding One-Legged Shrimping

One-legged shrimping is the foundational escape technique most commonly used in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. The practitioner lies on their back, raises one leg, and uses it as a pivot point to drive their hips backward while maintaining upper body contact with the mat.

Error #1: Incorrect Directional Turn

The most prevalent beginner mistake is turning toward the same side as the raised leg rather than the opposite side. When the left leg is elevated, the practitioner must rotate the torso rightward to execute the shrimp properly, then repeat the movement on the opposite side.

Error #2: Remaining Flat on the Mat

Many practitioners maintain full body contact with the ground, which significantly reduces mobility and efficiency. Proper shrimping requires lifting the shoulders, ribs, and hips off the mat, leaving only the planted foot and single shoulder bearing weight to facilitate hip displacement.

Error #3: Insufficient Hip Extension

Limiting the range of motion through minimal flexion at the hips results in short, inefficient movements that waste energy. The practitioner must achieve a 90-degree bend between the torso and thighs to maximize hip displacement and generate explosive backward movement.

Correcting Movement Mechanics

Practitioners should focus on three key elements: turning in the correct direction, lifting bodyweight off the mat, and achieving full hip flexion. When executed with proper mechanics, these fundamentals enable explosive, efficient shrimping movements that generate significant distance in minimal time.

3 Most Common BJJ Shrimping Mistakes

Stephan Kesting

Shrimp To Full Guard

2 min read·5 key moments·PT4M45S video

Key Takeaways

•Understanding One-Legged Shrimping
•Error #1: Incorrect Directional Turn
•Error #2: Remaining Flat on the Mat
•Error #3: Insufficient Hip Extension

The 3 most common mistakes made when doing the shrimping motion in BJJ. Download my guide to BJJ at http://www.grapplearts.com/roadmap

Related Techniques

Running Escape Standard Shrimp To Half Guard

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about shrimp to full guard?

This video covers understanding one-legged shrimping, error #1: incorrect directional turn, error #2: remaining flat on the mat. It provides detailed instruction from Stephan Kesting.

How long does it take to learn shrimp to full guard?

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.