Mount Escape: Trap and Roll
Also known as: Upa, Bridge and Roll, Bump Sweep
The trap and roll (upa) is the fundamental mount escape that every white belt learns first—and every black belt still uses. By trapping their arm and same-side leg, then bridging explosively, you remove their ability to post and roll them over. The key insight is that this isn't a strength move—it's about removing their posts before bridging, so they have nothing to catch themselves with.
🎯Key Details
Trap the arm
Hug their arm tight to your chest, trapping it against your body. This arm can't post when you bridge.
Trap the leg
Same side as the trapped arm—hook their foot with yours. Pull it tight so they can't step out.
Bridge direction
Bridge at 45 degrees toward their trapped side, not straight up. Up and over the trapped shoulder.
The bridge
Feet flat, hips drive to ceiling, bridge over your shoulder. Power comes from your hips, not your arms.
Follow through
Once they start going, commit 100%. End in their guard, ready for the next battle.
⚠️Common Mistakes
Bridging without trapping
Trap arm AND leg before bridging. No trap = they just post and you waste energy.
Bridging straight up
Bridge toward the trapped side at 45 degrees. Straight up goes nowhere.
Arms not tight
Hug their arm TIGHT to your chest. Loose hug = they extract the arm.
Forgetting the leg
The leg trap is as important as the arm. Both posts must be eliminated.
🚀Setups
- •They post their hand on the mat
- •They attempt a choke
- •They reach too high
- •Chain with elbow-knee escape when blocked
🛡️Counters / Defenses
- •Base wide and heavy
- •Swim the trapped arm free
- •Grapevine their legs
- •Transition to S-mount
🔄Variations
📍Applicable Positions
🔗Related Techniques
Track Your Progress on Mount Escape: Trap and Roll
Log when you drill this technique, track your success rate in sparring, and get AI-powered insights to improve.
Start Tracking