### Standard Back Escape: Step-by-Step Guide The 'Standard Back Escape' is a crucial Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu technique used to transition from one of the most vulnerable positions (when your opponent has your back) to a safer and more neutral position. Here's a step-by-step breakdown on how to perform this technique. #### **Position: Back Mount** - **Starting Position**: Your opponent has your back, boots in with both hooks, their feet hooked inside your thighs, and their arms controlling your upper body with a seatbelt grip—one arm over your shoulder and one arm under your arm. ### Step-by-Step Instructions #### **1. Protect Your Neck** - **Objective**: Prevent any attempts from your opponent to sink in a rear-naked choke. - **Action**: - Grasp the opponent’s wrist with your hand on the side where their choking arm is over your shoulder. - Ensure the arm controlling your opposite shoulder is secured by your free hand. - Tuck your chin down and keep your back flat to the floor. #### **2. Engage with the Floor** - **Objective**: To improve leverage and prevent being driven further into a choke. - **Action**: - Extend your hips, moving them slightly to one side to create pressure on your opponent’s leg hook. #### **3. Drop to the Side** - **Objective**: Free one of your opponent’s hooks and get your back to the floor. - **Action**: - Drop your lead shoulder (on the side opposite their choking arm) towards the mat. - Drive your back towards the floor, keeping weight on their leg to remove their hook. #### **4. Clear the Hook** - **Objective**: Create a path to escape without their leg control. - **Action**: - Aim to get the opponent's hook off by moving the knee up and out with your elbow or trapping it with your own foot. #### **5. Turn to Face the Opponent** - **Objective**: Transition to guard and protect from immediate attacks. - **Action**: - Use your freed arm to push and slide away from your opponent. - Turn your entire body to face them while grasping their top leg to prevent a repositioning. #### **6. Secure New Guard Position** - **Objective**: Establish a safe position. - **Action**: - Once you have turned, look to establish either closed guard or open guard by wrapping your legs around their waist. ### Tips for Execution - **Breathing**: Stay calm, breathe clearly, and don't panic. - **Control**: Always maintain control of one of your opponent's arms to prevent chokes while escaping. - **Leverage**: Use your hips effectively to break your opponent’s leg hooks. Performing the Standard Back Escape with efficiency requires practice and timing. Building a strong foundational understanding and repetition can make this an instinctive and effective escape technique in grappling contests.