What Is The Hitchhiker Escape In BJJ

Abstract

Each Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner finally finds themselves caught in an armbar. It’s probably the most frequent submissions within the artwork. Whereas the most effective protection is prevention, realizing learn how to escape when it occurs could make all of the distinction between tapping and surviving.

The hitchhiker escape is among the most dependable methods to defend in opposition to an armbar in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. As a substitute of staying trapped, the defender turns their thumb down, rolls their physique, and strikes in the identical path because the assault to alleviate stress on the arm. This information explains what the hitchhiker escape is, the way it works, and the important thing particulars that make it efficient in each Gi and No-Gi grappling.

Understanding The Armbar Risk

Earlier than studying the hitchhiker escape, it’s vital to grasp how the armbar works. The attacker isolates one arm, pinches their knees collectively, and extends the hips upward to hyperextend the elbow. As soon as the arm is straight and the thumb factors up, the defender has little or no time to react.

Conventional escapes typically contain stacking or attempting to tug the arm free. The hitchhiker escape, nonetheless, works by shifting with the assault, not in opposition to it. It makes use of momentum and path to neutralize the submission.

How The Hitchhiker Escape Works

The core concept behind the hitchhiker escape is rotation. When your arm is trapped within the armbar, your thumb dictates the path of stress. By rotating your thumb down and towards your opponent’s legs, you modify the alignment of your elbow, making it a lot more durable for them to complete the submission.

Right here’s a simplified breakdown of the motion:

Rotate your trapped arm so your thumb factors towards your opponent’s legs; this adjustments the road of stress.
Flip your physique towards the opponent’s legs, following the path your thumb factors.
Roll your head and shoulders ahead, nearly as if doing a small somersault to the facet.
Convey your elbow down and slip it previous their hips, releasing it from the road of assault.
Recuperate place, often by arising into high management or resetting to protect.

Timing is important. The hitchhiker have to be initiated earlier than your arm is totally prolonged. Ready too lengthy can danger being strained.

Key Particulars For A Profitable Escape

Keep Calm: Panic causes stress, making it more durable to maneuver fluidly. Breathe and give attention to method.
Make the most of Your Hips, Not Simply Arms: Turning your entire physique together with your hips generates momentum.
Maintain The Thumb Down: The path of your thumb is every little thing. It dictates your escape path.
Roll Towards The Legs: Many learners mistakenly roll the mistaken method and make the lock tighter.
Count on Scrambles: When you escape, be able to defend sweeps or counters instantly.

Working towards the movement slowly throughout drills builds muscle reminiscence so you may react instinctively in reside sparring.

When To Use The Hitchhiker Escape

The hitchhiker escape works finest in opposition to conventional armbars from the guard, mount, or facet management, the place the opponent’s hips are shut and you’ll roll towards their legs.

It’s much less efficient if the opponent controls your physique tightly or transitions rapidly to a different submission, such because the triangle choke. In these instances, combining the hitchhiker with stack defenses or leg motion offers you extra choices.

Frequent Errors To Keep away from

Ready Too Lengthy: As soon as the arm is totally prolonged, it’s too late to rotate. All the time react early.
Rolling the Improper Approach: All the time transfer towards the opponent’s legs, not their head.
Leaving The Arm Straight: Maintain it bent as you rotate to forestall full extension.
Forgetting To Reset: After escaping, don’t chill out; instantly get better guard or high place.

FAQs About The Hitchhiker Escape in BJJ

Q: Why Is It Referred to as The “Hitchhiker” Escape?

A: The title comes from the thumb-up place that resembles a hitchhiker’s sign as you rotate your arm and transfer to security.

Q: Is The Hitchhiker Escape Secure For The Elbow?

A: When achieved appropriately, sure. Nevertheless, ready too lengthy or forcing the motion may cause pressure. Timing and management are important, at all times.

Q:  Does The Hitchhiker Escape Work In No-Gi BJJ?

A: Completely. The escape depends on physique mechanics, not grips, which makes it efficient in each Gi and No-Gi settings.

Q: What Ought to I Do After Escaping?

A: Concentrate on recovering a dominant place or re-establishing guard instantly. Don’t suppose the battle is over. Many opponents will attempt to scramble or counter proper after you escape.

Conclusion

The hitchhiker escape is among the most helpful defensive instruments in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. It teaches consciousness, timing, and composure underneath stress, all key traits for long-term progress within the artwork.

Whereas it requires observe to grasp, understanding the mechanics of the escape helps you keep secure and assured at any time when you end up caught in an armbar. Over time, it turns into much less about escaping and extra about studying learn how to transfer intelligently, keep calm, and adapt, as a result of that’s the true essence of BJJ.

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