competition
Gracie Jiu Jitsu puts a lot of emphasis on escaping from the mount position. You might not see
as much emphasis on escaping from this position with other Brazilian Jiu Jitsu systems. Why is
it that GJJ places the amount of emphasis on escaping from the mount?
Basically, Gracie Jiu Jitsu is self-defense oriented and the mount is an incredibly dangerous
position to be caught under when in a serious self-defense situation. When knocked to the
ground you may find an attacker will mount you simply out of instinct. Once an opponent
mounts you have to deal with the risks associated with the person striking you or choking you.
Just as an attacker will mount you based solely on instinct, your own natural inclinations to
escape from the mount position might prove to be flawed. Out of a natural defensive reaction
you may overextend your arms, flail around with your legs, or even roll over to your back. None
of these instinctual responses are helpful. In fact, they will lead you to being even more
vulnerable and in greater danger. This is why it is necessary to learn the proper way to escape the
mount position.
One thing you can take solace in would be the fact if you are mounted by someone that is not an
expert in Jiu Jitsu, the person won’t understand the position well enough to deal with resistance.
That means the person will lose the mount rather easily. While you will not be completely out of
danger when you have escaped the mount, you will be in a far less risky position.
The way to escape the mount is based on investing time in the basic escapes. With the right time
investment in learning basic escape moves, you might discover yourself out of danger quickly.