MMA Gospel Technique of the Week: Modified Syracuse Escape from Side Control

This week, MMA Gospel returns with another three-technique series involving an escape from a difficult situation. This time, Ed Perdomo will work with Trevor Boers to escape from side mount into a top sprawl position with control over his opponent’s head and arms. The first technique in this series will be the escape itself that will not only land Ed in a superior position, but also displays and alternative to simply jail breaking back into guard when caught in a tight side control.

Trevor has locked Ed down in side control. Ed needs to get out quick so he immediately moves to shrimp out and pull guard. He overhooks Trevor’s head, scoots his hips out, and moves to pull his knee through to guard (LEFT).

 

As Ed moves to escape, Trevor counters with the most common defense – he pushes Ed’s knee back through (RIGHT). Ed now has two options. He can do what most MMA fighters do and repeat his attempt and spend the round fighting for guard, or he can use Trevor’s defense against him.

 

 

Ed moves to counter and turn his failed escape into a sweep. He starts by pushing Trevor’s arm through at the elbow (LEFT). This creates space under Trevor’s body for Ed to roll in.

 

 

 

 

Next, Ed tucks his head into the space created by his counter (RIGHT). It is VERY important that Ed bury his head into that space. If he fails to tuck his head, when he rolls Trevor in the next step Trevor will land on his face.

 

 

After getting the position, Ed bridges hard to roll Trevor (LEFT). With his head tucked, Trevor rolls over his shoulder onto his back. Ed keeps a grip with both hands on Trevor’s arm to maintain control as he starts to roll on his side to complete the sweep.

 

 

 

Ed finishes the technique the same way a wrestler finishes a Syracuse: he rolls to his side and on top of Trevor (RIGHT). He maintains control of the head and arm to set up a finishing submission or a pass to a more dominant position.

Recap:

1. When your opponent blocks your escape, counter by pushing his elbow to create a gap under your opponent’s body.
2. Tuck your head under your opponent’s body and bridge hard.
3. As you bridge, roll hard to your side. Keep your grip with both hands on your opponent’s arm to maintain control as you roll into the sprawl position.

This escape is very similar to the Syracuse escape from the sprawl position in wrestling for those who know it. It is a very effective way to counter the common defense to a basic shrimp to guard. Next week, Ed and Trevor will return to complete this escape with a fight-ending submission.

*Ed Perdomo is a 4th degree black belt in the Korean grappling art of Hapkido and is head instructor of the Hapkido Institute in Morris, IL.