The Elbow Escape to Remove Hooks is a systematic defensive technique used to escape back control by methodically clearing the opponent’s hooks using elbow-based framing and hip movement. When trapped in the invisible collar position, the defender faces both positional disadvantage and immediate submission threat. This escape addresses the hook control that anchors back position before dealing with upper body attacks.
The fundamental concept involves using your elbows as wedges against your opponent’s hooks while creating space through hip escapes. Rather than fighting the choking grip directly, this technique attacks the foundation of their control—the hooks that prevent you from turning. By systematically removing hooks one at a time, you create rotational freedom that eventually allows guard recovery.
This escape is particularly effective against the invisible collar because it doesn’t require you to remove your hands from neck defense to fight hooks. The elbow mechanics allow you to address both threats simultaneously—protecting your neck while dismantling their lower body control. Successful execution requires patience, proper sequencing, and the discipline to complete each phase fully before moving to the next. Rushing any step typically results in the opponent simply re-establishing the cleared hook.
From Position: Invisible Collar (Bottom) Success Rate: 48%
Possible Outcomes
| Result | Position | Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Success | Open Guard | 55% |
| Failure | Invisible Collar | 30% |
| Counter | Back Control | 15% |
Attacker vs Defender
| Attacker | Defender | |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Execute technique | Prevent or counter |
| Key Principles | Attack hooks systematically one at a time rather than both s… | Maintain constant forward chest pressure against opponent’s … |
| Options | 7 execution steps | 4 defensive options |
Playing as Attacker
Key Principles
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Attack hooks systematically one at a time rather than both simultaneously to prevent opponent from simply switching focus
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Use elbow as a wedge against opponent’s ankle or instep to create mechanical leverage for hook removal
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Hip escape away from the hook you’re removing to create space and prevent re-insertion
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Maintain neck protection throughout—never sacrifice collar defense to speed hook removal
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Complete each hook removal fully before addressing the next to prevent opponent from simply cycling back
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Turn incrementally toward opponent as each hook clears rather than attempting explosive rotation
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Trap cleared hook with your leg to prevent immediate re-insertion while addressing second hook
Execution Steps
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Secure neck defense: Tuck your chin aggressively to your chest and bring both hands to your collar area to control oppone…
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Identify vulnerable hook: Determine which hook is more exposed based on opponent’s weight distribution and body angle. The hoo…
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Position elbow wedge: Drop your elbow on the targeted side down inside your hip, creating a frame between your elbow and h…
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Hip escape and clear hook: Execute a strong hip escape away from the hook you’re removing—shrimp your hips laterally while simu…
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Secure cleared position: Triangle your legs to trap opponent’s cleared leg between your thighs, preventing re-insertion while…
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Address second hook: With the first hook trapped, begin turning your torso toward your opponent while dropping your oppos…
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Complete rotation to guard: Once both hooks are cleared, complete your rotation to face your opponent. Frame on their hips with …
Common Mistakes
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Abandoning neck defense to use both hands on hook removal
- Consequence: Opponent finishes choke or collar strangle while you focus exclusively on hooks—they simply wait for the opening and finish the submission
- Correction: Keep at least one hand protecting your neck throughout the entire escape. The elbow escape allows you to address hooks without removing hands from neck defense
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Attempting to clear both hooks simultaneously rather than one at a time
- Consequence: Neither hook fully clears and opponent easily maintains position by shifting weight—you waste energy without making progress
- Correction: Focus entirely on one hook first, trap it completely, then address the second. Systematic removal is slower but far more effective
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Hip escaping toward the hook instead of away from it
- Consequence: Creates no space for hook to clear and may actually help opponent sink the hook deeper or transition to tighter control
- Correction: Always hip escape away from the hook you’re removing—this creates the space necessary for the hook to pass your leg
Playing as Defender
Key Principles
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Maintain constant forward chest pressure against opponent’s back to limit their hip mobility and escape angles
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Keep hooks active with heels driving toward opponent’s far hip rather than passive foot placement inside thighs
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Respond to elbow wedge attempts by deepening the threatened hook or switching to body triangle before leverage is established
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Apply submission pressure whenever opponent diverts attention to hook fighting to force them back to neck defense
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Distribute weight toward the hook being attacked to increase the force required for clearance
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Monitor both hooks simultaneously—when opponent focuses on one hook, ensure the other is positioned to prevent rotation even if the first clears
Recognition Cues
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Opponent’s elbow drops inside their hip toward your ankle or instep, creating the wedge frame that initiates hook removal
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Subtle hip shift away from one of your hooks—the opponent is creating space on that side to begin the shrimping motion
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Opponent’s legs begin clamping together or their knees angle inward, preparing to trap your hook once it is cleared
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One of opponent’s hands moves from neck defense to their hip area, indicating they may be switching to heel drag variation
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Opponent’s breathing pattern changes from defensive rapid breathing to slower, more controlled rhythm indicating they are preparing a systematic escape attempt
Defensive Options
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Deepen threatened hook and increase choking pressure simultaneously - When: When you feel opponent’s elbow beginning to wedge against your hook but before they execute the hip escape
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Switch to body triangle before first hook is cleared - When: When you recognize the elbow escape pattern starting and have time to transition your leg configuration before they gain leverage
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Drive forward and flatten opponent while re-pummel hooks deeper - When: When opponent begins the hip escape phase and creates lateral space—drive your chest weight forward to collapse the space they created
Position Integration
The Elbow Escape to Remove Hooks is a critical defensive transition in the back control escape system. It connects directly to the broader back defense sequence that begins with hand fighting against choking grips and progresses through hook removal to guard recovery. This technique specifically addresses situations where you’ve established minimal neck defense but cannot prevent the opponent from maintaining back control through their hooks. Successfully executing this escape transitions you to open guard where you regain offensive and defensive options. The technique integrates with other back escapes—if elbow escape is being countered, you may need to switch to granby roll, seat belt escape, or standing escape methods. Understanding when to use elbow escape versus alternatives is crucial for complete back defense development. This escape also teaches fundamental defensive concepts that apply across BJJ: systematic problem-solving, attacking the foundation of opponent’s control, and maintaining protection of vital areas while escaping.