In the context of physical altercations, the bottom position is statistically one of the most disadvantaged states for an individual. This position occurs when a person is pinned against the ground by the weight and gravity of an aggressor.
At Gracie Barra New Mexico, the training program isolates the mechanical challenges of these scenarios, providing practitioners with a system of escapes based on skeletal alignment and weight distribution.
The mechanics of structural framing!
The primary obstacle in a bottom position is the direct application of the opponent’s body mass. To prevent respiratory distress or physical trauma, practitioners at Gracie Barra New Mexico utilize “frames.” A frame is the placement of the radii, ulnae, or shins against the opponent’s primary joints or torso.
Unlike pushing, which relies on triceps strength and leads to muscular fatigue, framing uses bone-to-bone contact to transfer the opponent’s weight directly into the floor. By maintaining a 90-degree angle in the joints, a student can support significantly more weight than their own, creating the necessary gap to initiate an escape sequence.
Gracie Barra New Mexico: Our team will help you every step of the way!

Escaping the mount position!
The mount is a position where the aggressor sits astride the student’s torso. This allows the person on top to utilize gravity for strikes. The curriculum at Gracie Barra New Mexico addresses this through two primary technical responses:
The trap and roll: This involves isolating one side of the opponent’s body—specifically the arm and the leg—to eliminate their ability to post for balance. The student then bridge their hips, shifting the center of gravity and rotating the opponent onto their back.
The elbow escape: This technique focuses on the space between the opponent’s knee and the student’s hip. By using a lateral hip movement (shrimping), the student slides their knee through the opening to re-establish a guard position, effectively neutralizing the mount.
Addressing side control and kesa-gatame!
Side control is a pinning position where the aggressor is perpendicular to the student. This position is common in street confrontations and grappling. At Gracie Barra New Mexico, students learn to address the cross-face and the underhook, which are the two primary methods an attacker uses to flatten the student’s shoulders against the mat.
The technical solution involves “shrimping”—a fundamental movement where the student pushes off the floor with their feet to move their hips away from the opponent. This movement creates a pocket of space that allows the student to bring their knees back between themselves and the aggressor, transitioning from a vulnerable state to a defensive one.
The role of consistent drilling!
Proficiency in escapes from the bottom is not achieved through theoretical understanding alone.
It requires the repetition of movements against varying levels of resistance. Gracie Barra New Mexico utilizes a systematic drilling process where students practice these escapes against partners of different heights and weights. This pressure testing ensures that the mechanical movements become instinctive, allowing the practitioner to execute the escape even when under the physical stress of a real-world confrontation.
Gracie Barra New Mexico: Join our community today and begin your martial arts journey!
Gracie Barra New Mexico: brotherhood, integrity, development!

Gracie Barra New Mexico: a hub of excellence in Brazilian jiu-jitsu!
Gracie Barra New Mexico is a hub of excellence in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, offering a wide range of programs for all ages and skill levels.
With the philosophy of “Jiu-Jitsu for Everyone,” the academy provides a welcoming community focused on the physical, mental, and social development of its students.
Gracie Barra New Mexico’s programs are designed to meet the needs of both beginners and experienced practitioners, offering a complete journey in Jiu-Jitsu. The GBK program (for children and teens) is perfect for teaching discipline, respect, and self-confidence in a fun and safe environment, while the adult program provides a comprehensive approach, focusing on techniques and physical conditioning.
GB1 is ideal for beginners, offering a solid learning foundation, while GB2 focuses on more advanced techniques and sparring sessions, preparing students for more complex challenges. For advanced practitioners, GB3 offers high-level training, aiming for mastery and leadership development within the Gracie Barra community, culminating in the journey to the black belt.
Gracie Barra New Mexico: Our team will help you every step of the way!
In addition to traditional BJJ, Gracie Barra New Mexico also offers self-defense programs, private training, and kickboxing for those looking to improve their fitness, learn combat techniques, and gain confidence to protect themselves in real-life situations.
With highly qualified instructors, such as Roberto “Tussa” Alencar and Don Ortega, world champions and Jiu-Jitsu icons, Gracie Barra New Mexico ensures top-notch teaching with a focus on personal growth, community spirit, and the pursuit of excellence. Whether you’re looking to improve your health, self-defense skills, or take your Jiu-Jitsu to the next level, Gracie Barra New Mexico is the ideal place to start your journey.
Schedule your free class today and join our community, where Jiu-Jitsu goes beyond the mats, transforming lives and fostering personal development for all of our students.
Gracie Barra New Mexico: Join our community today and begin your martial arts journey!
Gracie Barra New Mexico: brotherhood, integrity, development!

Practical escapes: Self-defense from the bottom position at Gracie Barra New Mexico | Phone: +1 505-515-4341

Gracie Barra New Mexico - Jiu Jitsu in Albuquerque
Secondary phone: +1 505 515 4341
Email: info@gbnewmexico.com
| Monday | 10:00 AM - 8:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:00 AM - 8:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:00 AM - 8:30 PM |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM - 8:30 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM - 8:30 PM |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM |
| Sunday | 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM |