How to Escape Side Control: Frame, Bridge and Hip Escape

Stuck under side control? This is one of the most important escapes in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Here's how to frame, bridge and hip escape back to guard, as taught at Mindset Martial Arts & Fitness in Hayward.

Step 1: Build Your Frame

From the bottom of side control, put one forearm against your opponent's neck and shoulder, and your other arm by their hips. These frames keep their weight off your chest and give you something to push against.

Step 2: Bridge

Bridge your hips up as high as you can. This lifts your opponent and creates a little space.

Step 3: Hip Escape

As you come down, shrimp your hips away from them. Use your frames to keep the space you made.

Step 4: Recover Guard

Slide your knee across their belly and bring your legs back between you and them. You're back to guard.

Why Frames Matter

Pushing with straight arms tires you out and exposes you to armlocks. Frames use your bones instead of your muscles, so you can stay calm and patient under a heavier partner. This is just as important for self-defense as it is for sport jiu-jitsu.

Keep Building Your Escapes

Next, learn the mount escape back to guard. Also see the most important BJJ moves for beginners.

Train BJJ in Hayward

Mindset Martial Arts & Fitness is at 24249 Hesperian Blvd in Hayward, CA, next to Southland Mall, and has been teaching in Hayward for about 16 years. We're a short drive from San Leandro, San Lorenzo, Castro Valley and Union City. Escapes are a big part of our beginner curriculum. Our adult Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes are beginner-friendly, and we also offer kids BJJ and fitness kickboxing.

Check the class schedule or reserve your first class.