How to Do the Elbow-Knee Escape in BJJ
Also known as: Shrimp escape, Hip escape, Elbow-knee connection
The elbow-knee escape creates space by framing and shrimping to get your knee and elbow to connect, then recovering guard. It's the most fundamental hip escape in BJJ.
✓ Key Details to Master
- 1 Frame on their hip and shoulder/bicep
- 2 Shrimp your hips out to one side
- 3 Get your elbow and knee to touch
- 4 Slide your knee through to half guard
- 5 Continue shrimping to recover full guard
✗ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ⚠️ Not framing before shrimping
- ⚠️ Shrimping too flat (need angle)
- ⚠️ Elbow and knee not touching
- ⚠️ Stopping after getting half guard
- ⚠️ Giving up and going flat
🔄 Variations
- → Series of shrimps
- → Frame to ankle pick
🛡️ Counters & Defenses
- → Follow hips
- → High mount
- → S-mount transition
Track Your Elbow-Knee Escape Progress
Log every time you practice the Elbow-Knee Escape and watch your proficiency grow. MatTime helps you build muscle memory by tracking what you actually drill.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What belt level should I be to learn the Elbow-Knee Escape? ▼
The Elbow-Knee Escape is typically introduced at the white belt level. However, higher belts continue to refine this technique throughout their BJJ journey. The beginning of the BJJ journey. Focus on survival, basic positions, and fundamental movements.
Does this work in both gi and no-gi? ▼
The Elbow-Knee Escape works in both gi and no-gi, though grip adjustments may be necessary. In no-gi, focus on body control and underhooks instead of gi grips.
How do I set up the Elbow-Knee Escape? ▼
The Elbow-Knee Escape is typically executed from bottom mount. Key setups include controlling your opponent's posture and creating the right angle. Practice the entry repeatedly before focusing on the finish.