### Ghost Escape from Side Control The Ghost Escape is a dynamic and effective maneuver in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu used to escape from an opponent's tight side control. This technique is particularly useful for smaller practitioners dealing with larger opponents. #### Position: - **Side Control** #### Step-by-Step Instructions: 1. **Frame and Bait** - Begin with your opponent in a tight side control position, with his/her weight pinning you down. - Create a frame using your far arm by placing your forearm across your opponent's neck and your hand on their shoulder. Ensure your near arm (the arm closer to them) is placed strategically on their hip or simply hidden to avoid any submissions. - Slightly turn your body towards the opponent as if trying to recover the guard, baiting them to adjust their position. 2. **Set Up the Bridge** - Keeping your near-side arm close to your chest, plant your opposite foot firmly on the ground for leverage. - Bridge your hips towards your opponent, aiming to create space and shift their weight onto your shoulder to trap their near-arm momentarily. 3. **Roll Underneath** - Once the space is created, swiftly switch your hips back in the opposite direction, placing pressure on your shoulder. - Use the momentum to roll underneath your opponent, diving your head and shoulders under their armpit. You may slide towards their back if you have executed the movement fast enough. 4. **Come Around to Your Knees** - As you complete the roll, be quick in finding your balance and aim to get your knees under you. - Simultaneously, use the arm that was initially framing to post on the mat and help push yourself onto your knees. 5. **Transition to Back or Side Control** - Once you are on your knees, you have the option to: - **Take the back**: If successful in continuing your movement to bypass the opponent's defenses. - **Establish side control**: By locking in control over their hips and pinning them. 6. **Solidify Your Position** - Ensure you maintain pressure and keep your grip tight on your opponent while transitioning. - Stay aware, avoiding any potential counters or submissions. ### Practical Application: - **Escape from bottom positions:** A crucial technique for transitioning from a highly disadvantageous position to an offensive one, giving the practitioner various control options and submission opportunities. - **Used by agile players:** It favors quick motions and leveraging underhooks and space to improve leverage against heavier opponents. ### Training Tips: - **Drill the technique repetitively:** To build muscle memory and improve agility. - **Focus on timing and execution:** For best results, capitalize on any small movements from your opponent and execute the escape with speed and precision.