Archive Feature

The Great Escape:
Six Reversals from Jean Jacques Machado


By Robert W. Young and Jon Sattler
Jean Jacques Machado is a sixth-degree Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt
Jean Jacques Machado
(Photo by Rick Hustead)
For expert instruction in the fine art of escaping and reversing, we sought help from sixth-degree black belt Jean Jacques Machado, author of our new Brazilian jiu-jitsu book, The Grappler's Handbook. A member of the legendary Machado clan—he’s the brother of John, Rigan, Carlos and Roger—Jean Jacques won just about every major jiu-jitsu title while competing in Brazil from 1982 to 1992, plus a bunch in the United States after moving here in 1992. Among his most prestigious victories were his first-place finishes at the Abu Dhabi Submission Wrestling World Championships
 in 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2005.

When Machado visited Black Belt, he devised six easy-to-learn escapes that will turn the tables and help you finish your foe.

Escape From a Triangle
Because the triangle gives the martial artist a chance to catch his opponent with a choke and an armbar at the same time, it’s crucial to know how to nullify it, and Jean Jacques shows you how.

Escape From an Armbar

When an opponent gets you in the cross-body position and traps your arm, here’s how to defend against the armbar.

Escape From an Inverted Armbar
If your opponent traps your arm, don’t panic. Instead, use Jean Jacques’ escape to catch your opponent in a kneebar.

Escape From a Kimura
Getting your shoulder cranked sucks, so follow Jean Jacques’ advice to escape this figure-4 hold and sink in an armbar on your opponent.

Escape From a Collar Choke

Escaping a submission from the mount is tough, but you can turn it into a heel hook with Jean Jacques’ help.

Escape From a Knee-on-Stomach Collar Choke

This technique’s a win-win. Not only will it free you from the knee-on-stomach position, but it will also finish the match if it’s performed quickly enough.

(For more on Jean Jacques Machado, check out 21st Century Warriors.)

The Making of Jean Jacques Machado's Grappler's Handbook

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