Getting stuck in Side Control isn’t fun. Especially if the opponent beat all your frames and now your arms are flared out all over the place; you can just feel that a submission or Mount transition is bound to happen.
However, it doesn’t have to happen. If only you learn how to recover guard from this position, you’ll be able not just to get yourself out of a bad spot… But to also start imposing your own attacking game.
Andre Galvao explains a basic guard recovery technique from Side Control below.
BASIC WAY TO RECOVER GUARD FROM SIDE CONTROL
When you’re looking to recover guard, the first thing you’ve got to do is to get your frames in. Now, if the opponent has successfully isolated both of your arms, your primary concern should be to establish the frame which is closest to their hip.
In order to do so, do a bridge into the opponent, while using your far arm to push their head. This will create space for the near arm to drop in between you and their hip.
Now that you have this frame, you’ll have to Hip Escape and place your near-side leg in-between the opponent and yourself. From there, use your far side leg to hook their leg.
Then, position your first leg so that your shin is above and against their hip/groin, and extend them upwards (almost as if you’re looking to sweep them). Make sure that you’re trapping their far-side shoulder as well; all of this combined will help you recover guard easily.
Andre Galvao demonstrates this in much more detail on the video below:
Sloth Jiu-Jitsu: The Ultimate Guide for Calmly Beating Bigger, Younger Opponents
💥 What if slowing down was the fastest way to win?
💭 Tired of Getting Smashed by Younger, Stronger Grapplers?
It’s not your age. It’s your strategy.
If you’re a passionate grappler over 35 who’s sick of getting outpaced, outmuscled, or out-cardio’d by opponents half your age — this 120 page e-book was made for you.
🔓 Unlock the Power of Sloth Jiu-Jitsu:
Build Sustainable Strength—Without Wrecking Your Joints, Energy, or Jiu-Jitsu
Tired of waking up sore and burnt out after lifting? Sloth Strength is a proven blueprint for grapplers over 35 who want to get stronger—without the pain, burnout, or injuries.
Developed from 25 years on the mats, this no-burnout approach is made specifically for BJJ athletes in their 30s, 40s, and beyond.
