Trap and Roll Escape
Also known as: Upa, Bridge and Roll, Buck
The trap and roll (upa in Portuguese) is the most satisfying mount escape—when done correctly, you go from worst position to mount in one explosive motion. The key is trapping their arm and same-side foot so they can't post when you bridge and roll. It requires timing and commitment but results in a complete reversal.
🎯Key Details
Trap the arm
Control their wrist and pull it to your chest, trapping their arm against your body. They need this arm to post.
Trap the foot
Your foot hooks over their same-side foot, preventing them from basing out when you bridge.
Bridge explosively
Bridge high and at an angle toward the trapped side. Your hips should go straight up first, then turn.
Commit fully
Half-efforts fail. The bridge must be explosive and committed—they'll post if you hesitate.
Follow to mount
As they roll, come up with them into mount. Don't lose the reversal in the scramble.
⚠️Common Mistakes
Not trapping the foot
Without the foot trapped, they just step out and base. Hook it before bridging.
Weak bridge
The bridge must be explosive from your core. Weak bridges get stuffed.
Bridging straight up
Bridge up first, then turn toward the trapped side. Straight up = they stay on top.
Arm not secured tight
Pin their wrist tight to your chest. Space allows them to post or slip out.
🚀Setups
- •When they reach for collar or cross choke
- •When they post an arm to balance
- •After they try to high mount
- •Against overconfident opponents
🛡️Counters / Defenses
- •Keep arms tight
- •Grapevine legs
- •Post quickly
- •Maintain low base
🔄Variations
📍Applicable Positions
🔗Related Techniques
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