Advice on troubleshooting my side control defence and regaining guard.

[Andy Bader]

1 - Some options I like to use are the hip bump/bridge to a side shrimp to regain full guard.
2 - Make sure you aren't laying flat on your back and facing towards them in the elbow escape position. Wait till they try to mount and elbow escape on the side that is lightest (usually the side that he's coming from).
3 - try to grab his closest leg with one of your legs to regain guard (usually when he isn't blocking your hip)
4 - the ghost escape that Chris Herzog has a video of is a good one that worked for me once

Number 2 is the one I learn from my teacher at work..he's a black under caique.. he says that's the most energy efficient way

[Robert Sevigny]

mostly because #2 sets up for a sweep-reversal (depending on which one you do) it can either put you back in guard or a better position advantage

[Andy Bader]

mostly because #2 sets up for a sweep-reversal (depending on which one you do) it can either put you back in guard or a better position advantage

Exactly. I usually use number 2. Too many people waste energy trying to prevent the mount from side control. Just let him mount and elbow escape.

[Robert Sevigny]

Exactly. I usually use number 2. Too many people waste energy trying to prevent the mount from side control. Just let him mount and elbow escape.

^--this, its not always doing the coolest sweep or craziest submission....its about being energy efficient, position dominance, and finishing when they expose a submission.... if all else fails, run around in circles like a chicken with its head cut off screaming bloody murder and hope they laugh so hard they cant breath and choke themselves out (one of my favs im 10-0 with this one JOKINGGG)