How to Do the Hand Fighting Back Escape in BJJ
Hand fighting is the critical defensive skill of constantly battling grips to prevent choke setups from back control. Two-on-one grip breaks and wrist control deny the opponent the grips needed for rear naked choke.
✓ Key Details to Master
- 1 Always fight hands before they reach the neck
- 2 Use two-on-one to control their wrist
- 3 Strip grips before they get deep
- 4 Chin tucked tight to protect neck
- 5 Keep elbows close to prevent deep grips
✗ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ⚠️ Fighting hands after choke is deep
- ⚠️ One hand defense against two-hand attack
- ⚠️ Chin up exposing the neck
- ⚠️ Reaching too far allowing other hand in
- ⚠️ Exhausting arms with bad technique
🔄 Variations
- → Two-on-one wrist control
- → Elbow control defense
- → Chin strap defense
- → Cross grip break
🛡️ Counters & Defenses
- → Switch grip attacks rapidly
- → Use body triangle for control
- → Attack second hand while defending first
- → Transition to arm triangle
Track Your Hand Fighting Back Escape Progress
Log every time you practice the Hand Fighting Back Escape and watch your proficiency grow. MatTime helps you build muscle memory by tracking what you actually drill.
Related Techniques
More Escapes
View all →Trap and Roll Escape (Upa)
The trap and roll (upa) is the first mount escape taught in BJJ. You trap an arm and foot on one sid...
Elbow-Knee Escape
The elbow-knee escape creates space by framing and shrimping to get your knee and elbow to connect, ...
Basic Side Control Escape
The fundamental side control escape uses frames and hip movement to create space and recover guard. ...
Basic Back Escape
Escaping the back is crucial because it's the most dangerous position to be caught in. The basic esc...
Frequently Asked Questions
What belt level should I be to learn the Hand Fighting Back Escape? ▼
The Hand Fighting Back 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 Hand Fighting Back 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 Hand Fighting Back Escape? ▼
The Hand Fighting Back Escape is typically executed from back control bottom. Key setups include controlling your opponent's posture and creating the right angle. Practice the entry repeatedly before focusing on the finish.