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)
Key Attacking Principles
- Attack hooks systematically one at a time rather than both simultaneously to prevent opponent from simply switching focus
- Use elbow as a wedge against opponent’s ankle or instep to create mechanical leverage for hook removal
- Hip escape away from the hook you’re removing to create space and prevent re-insertion
- Maintain neck protection throughout—never sacrifice collar defense to speed hook removal
- Complete each hook removal fully before addressing the next to prevent opponent from simply cycling back
- Turn incrementally toward opponent as each hook clears rather than attempting explosive rotation
- Trap cleared hook with your leg to prevent immediate re-insertion while addressing second hook
Prerequisites
- Opponent has back control with at least one hook inserted
- You have established minimal neck defense preventing immediate choke finish
- You have identified which hook is more vulnerable to removal based on opponent’s weight distribution
- Your hips are not completely flattened and retain some mobility for escape movement
- You have enough energy to sustain the systematic escape sequence
Execution Steps
- Secure neck defense: Tuck your chin aggressively to your chest and bring both hands to your collar area to control opponent’s choking grip. This defense must remain intact throughout the entire hook removal sequence—never sacrifice neck protection for faster escape.
- Identify vulnerable hook: Determine which hook is more exposed based on opponent’s weight distribution and body angle. The hook on the side opponent is leaning away from typically has less pressure and is easier to clear first. Feel for which leg has lighter ankle pressure.
- Position elbow wedge: Drop your elbow on the targeted side down inside your hip, creating a frame between your elbow and hip bone. The point of your elbow should contact the opponent’s ankle or instep area. Keep your forearm vertical to maximize leverage and prevent the hook from riding over.
- Hip escape and clear hook: Execute a strong hip escape away from the hook you’re removing—shrimp your hips laterally while simultaneously using your elbow to push their ankle toward the mat. The combination of hip movement and elbow pressure should clear the hook past your leg. Immediately clamp your legs together to trap the cleared limb.
- Secure cleared position: Triangle your legs to trap opponent’s cleared leg between your thighs, preventing re-insertion while you address the second hook. Your outside leg should hook over their cleared leg while your inside leg closes the triangle. This creates a temporary half-back position.
- Address second hook: With the first hook trapped, begin turning your torso toward your opponent while dropping your opposite elbow inside to wedge against their remaining hook. Execute another hip escape in the opposite direction to clear this hook while maintaining your leg trap on the first.
- Complete rotation to guard: Once both hooks are cleared, complete your rotation to face your opponent. Frame on their hips with your hands while inserting your knees between your bodies. Establish open guard position with feet on hips and hands controlling their wrists or collar to prevent them from re-taking back control.
Possible Outcomes
| Result | Position | Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Success | Open Guard | 55% |
| Failure | Invisible Collar | 30% |
| Counter | Back Control | 15% |
Opponent Counters
- Opponent switches to body triangle when they feel hook being cleared (Effectiveness: High) - Your Response: Recognize the switch early and address it before triangle is locked. If locked, the escape sequence changes entirely—you must address the body triangle before continuing hook escape → Leads to Back Control
- Opponent drives forward pressure when you hip escape, flattening you out (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Use the forward pressure to help your rotation—swim your inside arm under as they drive forward and continue turning into them rather than away → Leads to Invisible Collar
- Opponent abandons hooks to take armbar or choke when you commit to hook removal (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Maintain neck defense throughout and keep elbows tight to body. The elbow escape method allows one arm to remain protecting neck while other addresses hooks → Leads to Back Control
- Opponent re-inserts hook immediately after you clear it by cycling legs (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: You must trap the cleared hook with your legs before addressing the second hook. Triangle your legs around their cleared limb to prevent re-insertion → Leads to Invisible Collar
Test Your Knowledge
Q1: What is the primary goal of Elbow Escape to Remove Hooks? A: The primary goal is to systematically remove the opponent’s hooks from back control, which eliminates the foundation of their positional control and creates the rotational freedom necessary to turn and establish guard. By attacking the hooks rather than fighting the upper body control directly, you address the root of their dominance.
Q2: Why must you remove hooks one at a time rather than both simultaneously? A: Attempting to clear both hooks simultaneously divides your attention and effort, making neither removal effective. The opponent can simply shift their weight to maintain whichever hook you’re putting less pressure on. Sequential removal allows you to focus full effort on one hook, trap it completely, then address the second without risk of the first returning.
Q3: Your opponent begins driving forward pressure as you hip escape—how do you adapt the technique? A: Use their forward pressure to assist your rotation rather than fighting it. As they drive forward, swim your inside arm under their body and continue turning into them. Their forward momentum actually helps you complete the turn to guard if you redirect it properly. Stop fighting to escape backward and instead flow with their pressure into the turn.
Q4: What hip movement direction is required when clearing the bottom hook? A: You must hip escape away from the hook you’re removing. This creates the space necessary for the hook to pass your leg and clear. Hip escaping toward the hook compresses space and may help them sink it deeper. The shrimping motion away creates a gap that your elbow wedge then exploits to push their ankle free.
Q5: How do you prevent opponent from re-inserting the first hook while you work on the second? A: Immediately triangle your legs around their cleared limb after the first hook comes out. Your outside leg hooks over their cleared leg while your inside leg closes the triangle, trapping their leg between your thighs. This leg trap must be secured before you begin working on the second hook or you’ll cycle endlessly.
Q6: When should you abandon the systematic elbow escape and attempt a more explosive escape? A: Only abandon the systematic approach when the submission becomes immediately threatening and you have no time for the sequence. If opponent locks a tight choke and you cannot defend it while escaping, you may need explosive movement to create any chance of survival. However, frantic movement usually makes things worse—the systematic approach should be the default until the submission becomes critical.
Q7: Your opponent switches to body triangle as you begin clearing the first hook—what adjustment is required? A: Stop the hook removal sequence immediately and address the body triangle first. Body triangle escape requires different mechanics—you need to push their top knee down while turning toward the triangle side. Continuing the hook escape sequence against a body triangle is ineffective because the control mechanism has fundamentally changed. Recognize the switch early and adjust your escape approach.
Q8: What is the relationship between neck defense and hook removal in this technique? A: Neck defense must remain your primary concern throughout hook removal—it’s not a trade-off but rather a simultaneous requirement. The elbow escape method allows you to address hooks while keeping at least one hand protecting your neck. Never abandon neck defense to speed up hook removal, as the opponent will simply finish the choke while you focus on their legs.
Q9: How do you identify which hook to remove first? A: Target the hook with less weight behind it—typically the one on the side opponent is leaning away from. Feel for which ankle has lighter pressure against your body. The lighter hook requires less force to clear and gives you a higher-percentage first victory. Starting with the heavier hook often fails and wastes energy.
Q10: What determines whether you should use the elbow wedge or heel drag variation? A: The choice depends on immediate threat level and hook depth. Use elbow wedge when you cannot safely remove a hand from neck defense or when hooks are deep and tight. Use heel drag when hooks are shallow, you have a brief window without choking pressure, and you need faster removal. The elbow wedge is safer but slower; heel drag is faster but requires temporarily sacrificing neck protection.
Q11: What grip configuration on the cleared leg best prevents hook re-insertion during the trapping phase? A: The triangle configuration with your legs is superior to simply clamping your knees together. Your outside leg hooks over the opponent’s cleared shin while your inside leg crosses underneath to close the triangle. This creates a mechanical lock that requires them to fight against your entire leg structure rather than just squeezing pressure. Knee clamping alone fails against strong hip movement because there is no locking mechanism.
Q12: After both hooks are cleared, what is the critical detail during the final rotation to open guard? A: You must frame on their hips with both hands while inserting your knees between your bodies before completing the turn. Many practitioners turn to face the opponent but fail to establish guard structure, allowing immediate re-take of back control. The frame and knee insertion create the barrier that prevents them from following your rotation and re-establishing chest-to-back connection.
Safety Considerations
This technique involves significant spinal rotation and movement while bearing opponent’s weight on your back. Avoid explosive twisting movements that could strain your lower back or neck. When drilling, ensure your partner releases hook pressure gradually as you practice the removal mechanics rather than fighting to maintain position against proper technique. If you feel sharp pain in your back or neck during the escape, stop immediately rather than forcing through. Practitioners with existing spinal issues should modify the technique with smaller, more controlled hip movements. The neck defense portion requires sustained isometric contraction of neck flexors—build this strength gradually to avoid muscle strain. During live training, be aware that desperate escape attempts can lead to opponent cranking neck submissions harder. Tap early when caught in submissions rather than fighting through with compromised positioning.