Side Control Escape For Small Guys

In today's blog post, you are going to learn a great side control escape for small guys.

As a small 130-lbs guy in BJJ, I know first hand the challenges of escaping from side control against larger opponents.

The basic escape of bridging and shrimping can be difficult to execute when you are significantly outweighed by your opponent.

That's why I want to share with you a side control escape that is perfect for small guys like myself.

This escape is also popularly known as the ghost escape and it is a technique that I have been using for years since I was a white belt back in 2018.

The escape doesn't require explosive movements or strength.

Instead, it relies on timing and proper technique to execute.

What's even cooler about this escape is that it can also lead directly to a submission.

So, you can go from being in a bad position to winning the roll or the match in an instant.

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced grappler, this escape can be a valuable addition to your game.

By mastering this technique, you can improve your BJJ skills and have more confidence when rolling with larger opponents.

I've included a step-by-step video tutorial below.

Watch it, drill it, and start testing it during rolling sessions on the mat.

Establishing inside and outside frames.

To execute the ghost escape, it's essential to apply the fundamental principle of side control defense first.

This involves creating two frames - one inside and one outside - using your forearms to prevent your opponent from having direct chest-to-chest contact.

This will give you more room to operate and make it easier to escape.

To create these frames, position one forearm on your opponent's hip and the other on their neck.

This will help you maintain distance and control their movement.

For a visual reference, refer to the image above.

Once you have the frames established, let's start with the escape.

Small bridges until inside frame arm is out under opponent's body.

Next, you'll need to use your frames to bridge and move your inside forearm to the other side of your opponent's body.

If you're grappling with a larger opponent, you might need to do several quick and small bridges to achieve this.

In addition to bridging, you can also use the frame on your opponent's neck to create space and swim your arm out.

By pushing their neck slightly, you can create a gap that will allow you to move your arm freely.

For a visual demonstration of the technique, refer to the animated image above.

Sliding down to escape side control.

Once you've successfully moved your inside frame arm to the other side of your opponent's body, you'll use it to slide their body while simultaneously sliding down to escape side control.

For a visual reference, check out the animated image above.

By going to your knees and standing up, you've essentially escaped side control.

However, as I mentioned earlier, this side control escape also presents a direct path to a submission.

If you want to learn how to transition to a submission from this position, keep reading below.

Establishing the Darce choke grip.

After sliding down to escape side control, immediately grab your opponent's head using your outside frame arm.

Pull their head towards your chest and grab your inside frame arm's bicep with your outside hand.

This will trap one of your opponent's arms and put pressure on their neck from two directions.

This grip is a perfect setup for the D'arce choke.

With the right technique and timing, you can transition from the ghost escape to the D'arce choke seamlessly.

For a visual reference, check out the animated image above.

Finishing the Darce choke.

To finish the D'arce choke, you want to attach your torso to your opponent's head while keeping the grip tightly.

You then squeeze everything together like a rear naked choke and your opponent will tap.

See the animated image above for reference.

This side control escape for small guys is an effective and versatile technique that every BJJ practitioner should have in their arsenal.

By mastering the fundamental principle of side control defense and using your frames to create space and control your opponent's movement, you can execute this escape with precision and ease.

As with any technique, mastering the ghost escape takes time, practice, and dedication.

It requires precise timing, technique, and awareness of your opponent's movements.

With regular drilling and testing, you can add this move to your arsenal and take your BJJ skills to the next level.

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