Hi,

Does anyone know any good escapes from an Americana from the bottom of side mount? (if my arm is being twisted, I am the guy on the bottom of side mount)I plan on asking in class, but am interested in hearing as many takes on this situation as I can.

Thanks.

Hey Butterball,

When pinned it's a huge possibility that your opponent will go for a submission. So it's important that you're aware of this and start seeing the beginnings of it before things are 'locked-down'.

Anyway, as your opponent comes accross to do the americana, take your free hand and push at his elbow with a fully extended arm (skeletal leverage), then roll away from your opponent to remove his arm completely. At the same time shirmp the arm (that's being attacked) into your body. Your opponent has the greatest leverage when your arm is at 90 degrees. If your arm is less than that, you have a greater range of motion, which buys you time to escape.

Another way is to just grab your own arm with your free arm, and reduce the angle by bringing your arm back to your centre where you're strongest (If you pick up a heavy suitcase you never do so by bringing your arm up at your side, you'll bring it up at your centre where you're strong).

Just a point to remember, every movement opens up to a counter and a counter attack. Just because you escape one movement, doesn't mean it will advance your escape or defence.

Good luck!

you cannot completely remove your opponent's arm.

Hi Goog,

Thanks! For both the escape thoughts and the point to remember. I've been working alot on defense lately and my main reason for asking is to research all of the tough spots that I find myself in, and there's quite a few of them. How to keep myself from getting caught, how to get out of it should I get caught, what is possible from that position, etc...

Anyway, thanks again.

Butterball,

It's difficult to explain in words - but hopefully my previous post made some sense.

The following doesn't relate directly to your question on excaping the Americana, but does relate indirectly.

I'd hazard a guess and say that most beginner and intermediate practioners (ie up to approximately 5 years), will be utilising their defensive/escape skills quite a lot.

With that in mind, I think you've hit on a very important area (being) Side Control escapes.

It's really important to train this area of defensive and escaping tactics.

Good luck!

Hi Goog,

Your post made alot of sense, thanks!

Yeah, I get stuck in side control alot and have been working escapes alot. Surprisingly (probobly not so for the more experienced fellas), I'm finding that it's helping me strengthen my position when I'm on top in side control. Good stuff!