Your Side Control Problem
Being stuck under side control sucks. Your face gets smashed, you can't breathe, and you're heading straight for mount or a submission. Sound familiar?
Here's the thing: you don't need to bench press your way out. This module teaches you how to feel safe, comfortable, and escape without relying on being faster, stronger, or more athletic than your partner.
The Foundation: Building Blocks
Before we dive into technique, you need to understand two crucial concepts that make escapes actually work:
Base
The ability to become solid by properly connecting to the ground. Remember: the ground has infinite strength and an infinite gas tank. Use it.
Connection (3 Types)
1. Connecting to the ground
2. Connecting to yourself (becoming one solid unit)
3. Connecting to your partner
Base + Connection = Invisible Jiu-Jitsu
When you're stuck under side control, this looks like a Hip Escape Frame
The Hip Escape Frame: Your Pyramid of Power
Think of it as a pyramid
You become one solid unit connected to the ground for strength.
Done correctly, your partner struggles to move or submit you.
Done correctly, your partner struggles to move or submit you.
The Secret: This frame forces your partner to over-commit their weight.
That reaction creates your escape opportunity.
The 6 Golden Rules
When someone's crushing your face with their shoulder, remember these rules:
1
Don't Be Flat on Your Back
Lying flat = no base = no escape. Get on your side.
2
Go Where They Tell You to Go
Work with their pressure, not against it. Use their force.
3
Connection and Base
Always return to these fundamentals. They're your foundation.
4
Hip Escape Frame
Build that pyramid. Make yourself unmovable.
5
Get Your Arm Under
This is your pathway to freedom. Don't skip this step.
6
It's Okay to Turn Your Back
Don't fear giving up your back when you have proper base.
The Ghost Escape
Your first technique that puts all the principles into action
We chose this escape because it requires proper base and connection to work (you can't cheat), starts from the most common stuck position, and demonstrates all principles in action.
1
Build your Hip Escape Frame (pyramid structure)
2
Get your arm under (Golden Rule #5)
3
Don't fear turning your back (proper base = no threats)
4
If they keep pressure: Long step to your knees
5
Result: You end up on top
Quick Reference Checklist
Before You Escape:
Am I on my side (not flat)?
Do I have my Hip Escape Frame built?
Am I connected to the ground?
Is my body one solid unit?
During the Ghost Escape:
Arm is under and working
I'm going where they're telling me to go
My base is strong (back turned = okay)
Ready to long step if they keep pressure
Remember This
You don't need to be stronger. You need to be smarter. The Hip Escape Frame gives you the structure to use leverage and base instead of muscle.
Practice the frame first. Get comfortable with that pyramid feeling before you worry about the escape itself.
Trust the process. Even when it feels scary to turn your back, proper base keeps you safe.
Want to Go Deeper?
As a Golden Goat member, you have access to our complete library. Here's where to continue your side control escape journey:
