When you practice Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, you’ll discover that learning defense is just as important as learning offense. But what happens when someone catches you in a submission?

In this Evolve University video, BJJ World Champion and Evolve MMA BJJ Instructor Teco Shinzato teaches you five different ways to escape the armbar:

Armbar Escape #1 (Sit up and break the sleeve grip)

• Use momentum to help you sit up.
• As you break the grip, remember to pull upwards and not sideways.

Armbar Escape #2 (Head over the thigh and bridge up)

• Pull his leg over and under your head.
• Bridge up with force, using your hips for more power.

Armbar Escape #3 (Push his foot into your half guard)

• Sneak your opponent’s foot into your half guard with your free hand.
• Do the same movement as the 2nd escape and bridge.

Armbar Escape #4 (Stack your opponent)

• Similar to the 1st escape, you will use momentum to sit up and get into position.
• Make sure you stack your opponent, using pressure as you pass the guard and establish side control.

Armbar Escape #5 (Hitchhiker escape)

• As soon as your opponent breaks your grip to get the armbar, turn your thumb up as you extend your arm over your head.
• Don’t forget to bridge as you do this technique!

Remember, BJJ is a martial art that requires a lot of strategy. Using these techniques should be your LAST RESORT!

Please visit Evolve University for more BJJ videos.