Bad technique or just weak?

[-FIGJAM-]

Hey Guys,

I have been doing MMA for a few months now and i have wondered why i really struggle rolling someone out of the mount position?

I believe i hook the leg, buck them off balance, etc etc, but it just doesnt work for me? Generally i sparr or train with someone who weighs 10+kg or 22pounds more then myself.

My question is, do i have bad technique or am i just not strong enough to get them off me? I know its pretty vague without pictures or movies showing u how i struggle, but what are the general problems that people face getting out of the mount position?

Thanks,

[Bjjexpertise@be]

Hard to tell without a video. If you can make a video it'll be a lot easier to tell you. In general it is harder to get someone bigger than you off of you once they maintain a superior top position.

[Penance]

Just like any position, you have to consider skill as well as size and strength.

You say he's 22lbs heavier, but if he's less skilled, then your technique should be overcoming that difference.

If he's slightly less skilled or up, then you will need to do something to overcome that difference because it will make his weight advantage matter even more.

To do a proper upa escape you want to trap the leg to the side you're rolling to, but you also need to capture his arm on that side as well and hug it tight so he can't post out. Then you need to strongly bridge and roll to that side. The tighter he is to your body the easier it will be. If he is able to rise up and get space between your bodies, the physics will be against you rolling him.

If you're around the same skill level and you're sure your technique is correct then you need to take it to the next level and start putting your mount escapes into combination. If the upa doesn't work, go to elbow-knee, foot lift or foot drag as appropriate. You have to use upa to set up the other escapes and vice versa.

[chillaplata]

Just like any position, you have to consider skill as well as size and strength.

You say he's 22lbs heavier, but if he's less skilled, then your technique should be overcoming that difference.

If he's slightly less skilled or up, then you will need to do something to overcome that difference because it will make his weight advantage matter even more.

To do a proper upa escape you want to trap the leg to the side you're rolling to, but you also need to capture his arm on that side as well and hug it tight so he can't post out. Then you need to strongly bridge and roll to that side. The tighter he is to your body the easier it will be. If he is able to rise up and get space between your bodies, the physics will be against you rolling him.

If you're around the same skill level and you're sure your technique is correct then you need to take it to the next level and start putting your mount escapes into combination. If the upa doesn't work, go to elbow-knee, foot lift or foot drag as appropriate. You have to use upa to set up the other escapes and vice versa.

Excellent advice, and very well said. I would just echo the need to bridge AND roll simultaneously. I often find it hard to escape from mount because I tend to bridge without rolling or vice versa. If you don't have the technique down, it may help to drill it over and over again with a partner until it's second nature.

[-FIGJAM-]

Hi Guys,

Thanks for the advice, i think it might be a combination of strength and technique. the guy that i was sparring against, had strength and weight all over me which in turn made it alot easier for him.
time to get back to the drawing board and work on technique and into the gym for some more conditioning.

[chillaplata]

You may already do it in class, but there's a good calisthenic that will help your upa form:

Lie on your back with your knees drawn up (i.e., in bottom mount position). Then bridge up and pivot your hips to the left while touching the mat behind your left shoulder with your right hand (arm extended). At the end of the motion, you are basically lying on your left side, with your left shoulder and left hip resting on the mat. Return to initial position and repeat on the other side. Repeat for ten repetitions (or as many as you want).

Of course the best way to improve your upa (as has been said above) is just to drill mount escapes back and forth with a partner. Then roll with full resistance but with the limited objective of training mount escape: e.g., you roll until bottom guy escapes or reverses or until top guy pulls off a submission. Once you have the basic upa down, be sure to incorporate elbow-knee and other escapes into your drills and rolling, as Penance suggested.

[pstevens]

In intermediate levels of grappling, people gain a sense of balance and defense from bridging; either they have their knees out and feet tucked in nicely, or you can't seem to secure a side.

The next time you get stuck, make a mental note to check your position in relation to your sparring partner. Some things to consider are:

1. Where are his feet? Are they tucked deep into your sides? If so, your "upa" will not be as effective. You need to get his feet back out through good positioning. Your best defense is to get to a workable posture before this happens.

2. Don't rely on isolated strength, such as your arms, legs, etc... Use your entire body. If you must develop strength, develop core strength. Right now, you need technique more than strength. Strength is only a temporary solution. Just imagine if you figured this out without it; how much more effective it will become when you do become stronger.

3. Develop a system of escaping from the mount. For instance, many people use the upa-to-elbow escape method. They attempt one, then move to the other. In MMA this is combination is less common, but you get my drift.

You're only a few months into training, so don't sweat it too much. Obstacles and challenges are a part of training. It's how you approach and overcome them that matters. The key is not to kive up.

[RAB]

i would add before you bridge don't be flat on your back. You should angle to the side to give you more room before the bridge. Worst case, you can go from a failed bridge to a snake/shrimping movement.

One more thing, you should be aware of his center of gravity. Now in reality its probably shifting but be sensitive to it. you want to off balance him in the direction of his weight.

[Jujujason]

Also, the upa & roll technique is meant to be used in conjunction with the knee-elbow escape and develope both of these techniques on both sides of your body. Just keep alternating between a roll with a k/e and from right to left and eventually, you'll get an opportunity to successfully escape. J~

[Tant01]

You really can't stress kuzushi enough when your opponent has (any) dominant position. You can work on technique until you're BLUE but you won't really GET it until you learn to "feel" your opponent and control his center of gravity.

The "secret" of judo (BJJ) is sensitivity. Learning to anticipate the transitions and developing your TIMING to take advantage of a momentary vulnerability in his balance. THEN apply your technique...