5.5.08 BJJ Class

Knee on the Belly Class

Tonight in class we focused on escapes from the Knee on Belly position. Before I discuss the escapes I'm going to put down a few tips for establishing a good Knee on Belly position.

Hand Position: One hand should be on his collar, under his neck. This is used to keep him from turning into you. Simply turn your elbow out so you can drive your forearm into his face as he tries to turn, effectively blocking his turn. The other hand should be on the far hip to give you some control over his hips.

Leg Position: As you slide your shin across his belly you want to be careful not to drive it too far across his belly so that your weight is off center. Also be sure not to separate your knee/shin from their body too much as you enter the position so they have less opportunity to escape. The foot should stay on the mat for increased stability. To tighten the hold you can turn your knee up towards their sternum an pull up on their collar.

Body Position: Your torso should be centered over them so you cannot be swept in either direction. Some people like to keep their torso upright and others like to stay low. Either is legitimate, however, I prefer to stay low because I feel it makes it easier to transition to other positions and to catch submissions.

Escapes:

Knee on Belly Escape 1 - Circle Hips Away

Your partner has established the Knee on Belly position with his right knee/shin on your belly. First off, never place your left hand on his knee with your elbow out (as if to push his knee off). That position will leave you open for arm bars and chicken wings. To effectively block his knee without putting yourself in danger use your right hand to grab his knee so your forearm is along his shin (keep your elbow tight). Next bridge your hips up and as you come back down scoot your hips out to the left and walk your feet to the left. You will be partially moving sideways and partially circling your body counter-clockwise. Use your right hand on his knee to keep his knee in place as you move your hips out from under him. Once his knee hits the mat you either slide your right knee in to try and establish guard or turn onto your belly and get up to quarters.

Knee on the Belly Escape 2 - Pushing the Foot and Going out the Back

From the same position, start the escape by placing your right hand on your partners right foot/ankle so you will be able to push it when the time comes. Bridge up and as you lower your hips push your partners right foot between your legs. Immediately do two things, one lock his right ankle down with your legs (like you would in the half guard) and two, get the left underhook so your left arm is under his right and around his back. Open your left elbow to pull him headword and push his butt with your left knee to drive him forward allowing you to escape out from underneath and take his back. Note: Typically when you trap his ankle with your legs he will go for the Knee Drive pass. This is OK as long as you have the underhook you can still escape out from underneath and take his back.

Knee on the Belly Escape 2.5 - Negative Counter from Escape 2

After you have your partner's ankle trapped and the underhook as in the escape above, he will start to do the Knee Drive Pass but then switch to the Negative as he feels you going to his back. With him now laying to your left you can reverse the Negative by grabbing his collar behind the neck with your left hand (or reach all the way behind his back and grab his left collar from underneath his left arm for added leverage when you go to turn him). Hook under his right ankle with your left foot and elevate his right foot as you grab his right knee with your right hand. Scoot your hips away and push his knee away from you as you get up to your knees and roll him onto his left side. You are now in a dominant position and can try to either take the back, pull him back flat for the cross-body or put your right foot in for the side mount.

Knee on the Belly Escape 3 - Cross Ankle Lock

From the same Knee on the Belly position post your right hand on his stomach at the belt level, keeping your elbow close to you. Bridge up and as you lower your hips keep his hips up in the air by extending your right arm to use it as a post. With his hips suspended up on your hand that will create some space between his thigh and his calf which you will use to set up your ankle lock/pass. Slip your right knee between his thigh and calf and then bring your left foot up and place it on his right hip. Use your legs to push him back and to your left so he falls onto his right side. Make sure you turn your left toes towards the mat to make it more difficult for him to drag your left leg across and counter ankle lock you. Secure either the right cross ankle lock or the right cross heel hook. You may have to scoot your hips away to create space to feed your right arm to secure the ankle. Be sure to scoot your hips back in to keep the lock tight. Once the ankle lock is secured turn your torso to the left as if you are trying to place your chest on the mat (anterior left shoulder is on the mat not posterior). This will make for a tighter lock when you go to arch your back. To finish, arch your back, pull up with your arms (just like a guillotine) and push away with your knee and foot.

*Credit for instruction of all techniques goes to Darren Branch of Evolution Jiu-Jitsu