Strategic Mount Escapes in BJJ: Hip Posts and Kipping Guide

Master the essential BJJ mount escapes. Learn when to use the hip post versus the cross-hip post and how to use a one-handed kip to recover guard. Escaping the mount is a high-priority BJJ fundamental that requires more than just "hugging" your opponent. Effective escapes rely on winning the battle for inside position with your elbows and using bridges to displace weight. This guide covers the critical hand placements and movements needed to transition from bottom mount to an offensive guard. Position Overview The starting position is bottom mount, specifically when the opponent has isolated one of your arms over your head. This sequence is used to free the trapped arm and initiate a kipping or elbow escape. Key Concepts Inside Real Estate: Winning the battle for your elbow position relative to the opponent's knee. Hand Placement Choice: Determining whether to use a hip post or a cross-hip post based on the opponent's knee position. Weight Displacement: Using a bridge to force the opponent's weight onto one knee, creating an opening for the escape. The Kipping Motion: Using explosive leg movements to slide your knees back to the inside position. Pro Tips from High-Level Grapplers Inside Position is Everything: The moment your elbow gets inside the opponent's knee, you have won the first major battle of the escape. Free the Head: If the opponent is using a tight cross-face, use the bridge to displace their weight and create a "misery" for them to hold on, allowing you to free your head. Key Takeaways Hand position is determined by the "inside knee or elbow" battle. Never settle for hugging; it provides zero leverage for an escape. The goal is to move from a defensive cycle to an offensive cycle.

Technique steps

1. Assess your elbow position: If your elbow is inside their knee, use a hip post; if their knee is inside your elbow, use a cross-hip post
2. Bridge over the shoulder on the same side as your trapped arm to force the opponent to base out
3. Free your elbow as the opponent’s weight shifts, bringing it back to the inside position
4. Place hand over hand on the opponent's hip to create a strong reinforced frame .
5. Use a one-handed kip or a pendulum motion to start walking your hips away
6. Recover inside position by bringing your knees back between you and the opponent as you shrimp away

Common mistakes

• Hugging the Opponent: Wrapping your arms around the opponent's back, which is "completely and utterly useless" for escaping. Fix: Always focus on getting your elbows to the inside and posting on the hips
• Bridging Without Purpose: Simply bumping up and down without a specific hand post. Fix: Only bridge once you have established your frame on the hip