Saturday, February 5, 2011

I think I've developed an obsession with the hitchhiker escape...

And that's probably because I get caught in armbars from mount so much. I found this video which has me fascinated. I was already aware of trying to avoid triangles. (Thanks Allie), but now I see that omoplatas are also a danger. The method demonstrated here is meant to minimize the omoplata risk, but also seems to give you more control of your opponent, and the option of exiting on either side.



Time transitioning between drills...I used to treasure it as a time to rest. Now it just feels like a waste. Considering I need to work on applying AND escaping armbars from mount, this exchange of applying the armbar and executing the hitchiker escape looks absolutely delicious right now.



**Update: After watching it a few times and trying it myself, I noticed an essential element of the escape, which is getting the arm bent behind you. I'd been drilling it from the arm total straight just before the tap, which makes it crazy difficult to get your body around without putting some crazy stress on your shoulder. I need to start it from the beginning of the application of the arm bar as opposed to the end. 

2 comments:

Jonna said...

That's a good variation to the usual hitchiker escape. I developed a counter to that before -- when I'm doing the armbar from mount and my opponent escapes using the old hitchhiker escape (without controlling the leg), I get a crossover armbar just when they think they had escaped it and is ready to pass my guard. I don't think that will work now with this escape you're recommending, as the opponent has control of the leg now.

Megan said...

Hmm...I'm going to have to play with it for a while. I tried it tonight with the leg control and it's harder, but it seems worth it.