Escaping Back Mount Control

When you are on your back with someone on your back, you are in a very bad spot. You may feel that it's impossible to get out of this position, but it's not!

There are different ways of escaping from back mount control. One of them is the scoop escape, which is the easiest way to get out of this position. The other one is the seatbelt control escape which is more advanced and harder to perform but more effective.

Here's the Scenario, Someone Has Your Back and Your Sick of It

In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, the back mount control is one of the most dominant positions. It allows for a huge amount of control and power over your opponent. The problem is that it can be very hard to escape from this position if you are caught there by someone who knows what they're doing.

Here's the scenario: Someone has your back and they are controlling you with their legs around your waist or hips. You want out of this position because it's uncomfortable and you feel like you can't do much from here. How do you escape back mount control?

The first step is to recognize that it is possible to escape back mount control. If you don't believe it is possible, then it will be very hard to actually get out of this position when someone has it on you because your mind will be saying "no way out!" but if you know that there IS a way out, then that belief will help motivate you to keep trying until they actually do get out!

First Thing To Do, Don't Get Submitted

Your opponent has you in his back mount and is choking you or trying to rip your arm off. You can’t get out of it, and you’re panicking. What do you do?

Step 1A: Don't Get Choked Unconscious. Keep your elbows in and your hands close to your collar. This is the most basic line of defense and should prevent any chokes.

YouTube Clip: Defending Collar Chokes From Back Mount 

Step 1B: Don't Get Your Arm Ripped Off. If someone is holding you from behind, do not give them an arm. It's easy for them to reach around and break it if they have the opportunity to grab hold of it. 

YouTube Clip: Transitioning between armbar and back control (Lachlan Giles) 

Second Thing to Do, Try to Escape Down (Sccop Escape)

As taught by Saulo Ribeiro, this escape involves scooting your body and torso down, reducing your opponent's opportunity for attack. From here, you kick a hook off and turn into your opponent. This escape is a great way to counter your opponent's attack and get back to the guard position. It also has the added benefit of allowing you to maintain control of your opponent's leg, which can be used as a base for other attacks.

Ribeiro's teaching style is very technical and precise. In this video, he teaches an escape from back mount control.

YouTube Clip: Saulo Ribeiro Jiu-Jitsu Revolution 1 - The Back Position

Third Thing to Do, Try to Escape Up (Seatbelt Control Escape)

The first step in escaping from this position is getting your hand on your opponent's wrist (the one that isn't gripping your gi). For defensive hand placement - one hand should be as close to your opponent's wrist as possible; the other should be on their elbow. If you are on the strong side, pull your opponent's elbow over your head, put your head to the ground and turn your hips parallel to the ground. If you fall to the weak side, you may not have to pull your opponent's arm above your head, just get your head to the floor and turn your hips parallel to the ground.

YouTube Video: Basic Back Mount Escape

LOL. Is it Harder Than It Looks? Try Combining the Two

The two main escapes from back mount are the seatbelt control escape and the scoop escape.

The seatbelt control escape is a great way to get out of trouble, but it does require a little bit of skill and technique.

The scoop escape is another option that can be used when you don't have much time to spare. It uses your own body as leverage against your opponent's back control.

The best way to combine these two escapes is by using the scoop escape first and then transitioning into the seatbelt control escape. This will give you a solid foundation for breaking free of back mount control.

Remember to Keep Practicing and One Day You Will Be Less Worse Than You Are Now

Escaping from back mount is a very difficult thing to do. It is one of the most common positions in jiu-jitsu and also one of the most dangerous.

When your opponent has you in a back mount, they are in control of your body. They can punch you in the face, choke you out or submit you. So escaping from this position is essential if you want to be able to protect yourself and win matches.