### Hip Escape: The Essential Move for Guard Retention and Transition The hip escape, also known as the "+shrimp+" or "+shrimping+" in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, is a fundamental movement used to create space, improve position, and maintain or regain guard. Mastery of the hip escape is vital for all practitioners, especially those new to BJJ, as it enables smoother transitions and effective defensive maneuvers. #### Possible Position(s): - **Side Control** - **Mount** - **Bottom Position in General** - **Half Guard Escape Attempt** #### Japanese Name: **Ebi** (literally meaning "shrimp" in Japanese) #### Top or Bottom: - **Bottom** ### Step-by-Step Instructions 1. **Initial Setup**: 1. Lie on your back with your elbows and knees tucked closely to your body. 2. Maintain a defensive frame with your arms over your face and chest if an opponent is applying pressure. 2. **Align Your Body**: 1. Plant one foot (let’s say the left foot) flat on the mat, with your knee bent. 2. Extend your right leg, keeping it slightly bent. 3. **Bridging Point**: 1. Use your left foot to bridge your hips off the ground slightly. 2. Rotate your hips and shoulders by pushing off your planted foot. 4. **The Shrimping Motion**: 1. Push backward with your shoulders and create space by moving your hips out to the side where your right leg is extended. 2. Aim to move your hips approximately two feet to the side while your upper body remains in approximately the same spot. 5. **Create Space**: 1. Pull your right knee towards your chest for a moment, as this may give you additional space from an opponent. 2. Plant your right foot back on the mat, preparing to perform another hip escape to further your distance or recover a guard. 6. **Guard Recovery & Transitions**: 1. Use the space created to recover full or half guard, or aim to elevate a knee and transition for different guard types such as butterfly or open guard. 2. Utilize your arms to frame against the opponent, discouraging forward pressure. ### Tips for Effective Hip Escapes - **Keep Your Elbows Tight**: Avoid flaring your elbows, which could expose your arms for submissions. - **Practice the Motion**: Repetition in drilling the move is key to performing it fluidly under pressure. - **Stay Relaxed but Tactical**: Avoid panicking in a tight spot. Comfortable execution will improve effectiveness. The hip escape is a gateway to not only defensive maneuvering but also greater positional control during bouts. Being proficient in this technique enables you to ward off submissions, transition strategically, and ultimately rebound during competitive sparring.