Mastering the Upa Escape from Mount: Fabio Santos' Detailed Step-by-Step Guide

Why the Upa Escape is Essential for Every Grappler

In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), Muay Thai, MMA, and wrestling, controlling the mount position gives your opponent a world of attacking options. But fear not—there's a fundamental defense that can turn the tables: the Upa, also known as the hip escape or bridge and roll. This technique isn't just for beginners; even elite fighters rely on it to survive and reverse dominant positions.

Black belt Fabio Santos, a renowned instructor, breaks it down with precision. Whether you're training for the cage, the mats, or competition, mastering the Upa builds a rock-solid foundation. It's explosive, efficient, and adaptable across combat sports. Let's dive into the details, starting from the basics and progressing to pro-level refinements.

Understanding the Setup: Starting Under Mount

Picture this: your training partner has full mount, knees tight on your sides, hands framing your upper body or posting for stability. Your hips are flat on the mat, arms protecting your face. This is do-or-die territory—staying passive invites armbars, chokes, or ground-and-pound.

Key Prerequisites Before Executing:

Stay calm and breathe. Panic wastes energy.

Frame your opponent's hips or torso with your hands to create space.

Keep your elbows tight to your body to block crossface pressure.

The Upa exploits physics: your legs generate massive power for the bridge, while hip movement creates the roll. Practice solo first to groove the motion.

Step-by-Step Breakdown of the Upa Escape

Fabio Santos emphasizes timing and explosiveness. Follow these steps exactly, and you'll sweep your opponent into guard or side control.

Step 1: Trap and Frame

With one hand, trap your opponent's far arm (the one away from you) by cupping under their elbow or biceps.
Your other hand frames their neck or far hip, pushing away to prevent them from basing out.
This 'trapping the arm' is crucial—it removes their post and loads them onto one side.

Pro Tip: In MMA or no-gi scenarios, use underhooks if available for extra control. For gi practitioners, grip the sleeve or collar to immobilize.

Step 2: Position Your Knee

Shrimp your hips slightly to the side opposite the trapped arm (e.g., if trapping their right arm, shrimp left).
Slide your knee (same side as the trap) across the mat, under their trapped armpit. Your foot plants flat, toes pointed out for leverage.
Your other leg stays bent, ready to drive.

This creates a 'bridge base'—your knee acts as a fulcrum. Common mistake: letting your knee float; it must hug their body.

Step 3: The Explosive Bridge

Explode upward! Drive both feet into the mat, bridging your hips sky-high while arching your back.
Simultaneously, pull down on the trapped arm and push their head/shoulder away.

Power Source: Hips, not arms. Think 'up and over'—your goal is to unbalance them sideways. In wrestling crossovers, this mirrors the sit-out bridge.

Step 4: The Roll and Hip Escape

As they tip, roll toward the trapped side (full 90-180 degrees).
Keep bridging until you're perpendicular, then shrimp your hips out to establish guard or half-guard.
Release the trap only after securing the sweep.

Advanced Variation: If they're heavy, chain into a second Upa or transition to a leg attack like a straight ankle lock.

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Even seasoned grapplers botch the Upa. Fabio highlights these pitfalls:

No Space Creation: Always frame first. Without it, bridges fizzle.

Telegraphing: Don't wind up—explode from neutral.

Poor Base: Feet too close together? No power. Spread 'em wide.

Forgetting the Head: Opponent turtles? Control their posture.

Drill It: Rep 50x per side daily. Start slow for technique, then add resistance. Partner drills: mounted push-ups into Upas.

Upa in Real-World Combat Sports

BJJ Tournaments: Reverses IBJJF points deficits.
MMA: Counters top strikers like ground-and-pound from mount (think UFC scrambles).
Wrestling: Folkstyle riders hate this bridge-out.
Kickboxing/Muay Thai Clinch Escapes: Adapted for standing hip throws.

Fighters like Gordon Ryan or Craig Jones integrate Upas into guard retention systems. Gear up with quality rash guards and mats from Apollo MMA to train safely.

Progressing Beyond Basics: Combinations and Drills

Once solid, chain the Upa:

Upa to Armbar: If they post hard, swing your leg over for the sub.

Failed Upa to Elbow Escape: Shrimp chain if bridge stalls.

No-Gi Tweaks: Claw grips over sleeve traps.

Solo Drills:

Hip bridges with med ball on chest.

Wall Upas: Face wall, bridge and roll against it.

Shadow grappling: Visualize opponent.

Partner Progressions:
1. Compliant partner.
2. Light resistance.
3. Full speed with strikes (MMA-style).

Fabio Santos' Expert Insights

As a veteran coach, Fabio stresses: "Details win rolls." Focus on hip height—half measures fail. Breathe out on the bridge for max power. Women and lighter athletes: leverage speed over strength.

In gi vs. no-gi, gi adds grip battles, but core mechanics stay identical. Test in sparring weekly.

Gear Recommendations for Upa Training

Protect your hips and joints:

Rash Guards: Frictionless for shrimping (e.g., Venum or Hayabusa).

BJJ Gis: Durable for gi rolling (Tatami, Fuji).

Mouthguards & Spats: Injury prevention.

Browse Apollo MMA's collection for premium gear that lasts through thousands of bridges.

Final Thoughts: Make the Upa Your Go-To

The Upa isn't flashy, but it's battle-tested. Internalize it, and mount becomes opportunity. Hit the mats, drill relentlessly, and watch your defense soar. Questions? Drop feedback in comments—keep grappling smart!

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