Mastering Jiu-Jitsu Technique: Escaping Knee on Belly
Introduction
Welcome to Jiu Jitsu Skool! Whether you're a novice stepping onto the mats for the first time or someone looking to refine your skills, this post will provide you with a detailed breakdown of a fundamental jiu-jitsu technique: escaping from the "knee on belly" position. Understanding and executing this technique effectively can dramatically improve your defensive capabilities.
Understanding the "Knee on Belly" Position
The "knee on belly" position is a dominant control position where your opponent places one knee on your torso, usually on your stomach or chest, while maintaining balance and mobility. This position can be extremely uncomfortable and allows your opponent to initiate various attacks, such as chokes and arm locks. Thus, knowing an effective escape is crucial.
Critical Areas to Pay Attention To
Avoid Pushing with Hands: Pushing your opponent's knee with your hands can expose you to multiple attacks, including arm locks and chokes.
Body Movement Over Strength: The focus should be on leveraging your body's hips and shoulders rather than relying solely on pushing with your arms.
Maintain Mobility: Locking your body by placing both hands on the ground may restrict your movement. Instead, learn how to effectively use your elbow and hips to create space.
Breaking Your Opponent's Base: Making your opponent unstable by shifting your hips is key to creating the space needed for escape.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Escaping Knee on Belly
1. Assess Your Opponent's Position
- Check the Knee Depth: Determine if your opponent's knee is deeply embedded or if it’s just resting lightly. This assessment will help you choose the most appropriate escape technique.
2. Initiate with Your Hips
- Drive Your Hips: Begin by moving your hips to make your opponent insecure about their balance. This movement helps in breaking their solid base and prepares you for the escape.
3. Create Space
- Lock Your Elbow: Once your opponent's base is compromised, use your elbow to lock and control their knee.
- Scoop Your Hips: While maintaining the lock, scoop your hips away as far as possible and aim to bring your elbow down to the ground. This creates the necessary space under your opponent's knee.
4. Execute the Escape
- Clear the Knee: When sufficient space is created, spin around to clear your opponent's knee from your torso.
- Maintain Control: Ensure you don't lose the locked position prematurely. Keep moving your hips until you have completely escaped from under your opponent’s knee.
5. Avoid Common Mistakes
- Hand Placement: Avoid placing your hands on the ground to push your opponent. This action locks your body and reduces mobility.
- Creating Space Insufficiently: Ensure you scoop your hips properly to create enough space; half-hearted movements can leave you still vulnerable.
Video Demonstration
For a visual demonstration of these steps, watch our detailed walkthrough with Saulo Ribeiro on our YouTube channel, Jiu Jitsu Skool. In the video titled "Saulo Ribeiro Jiu-Jitsu Revolution 1 - The Cross Body", Saulo explains the concepts and techniques with clear examples and expert tips.
Conclusion
Mastering the escape from the knee on belly position requires understanding, strategic movement, and practice. By focusing on body mechanics and effective space creation, you can enhance your defensive skills and become more versatile on the mat.