“Shrimp! SHRIMP!” they yell at you from the edge of the mat, as if you’re not already trying with your entire soul to crustacean your way out of the crap position you’ve gotten yourself into.
Shrimping is a go-to escape from side control, but if your opponent blocks your leg (or is a human mountain with heavy top game) you’re still effed. Thankfully black belt and De La Riva disciple David Morcegao has put this video together to help break through the block and get outta there.
The escape relies on shifting hips into a bridge-shrimp while controlling the top of your opponent’s body to create enough space to get the trapped leg out. You’ll be framing around the shoulder and neck and looping with your free leg. Pay attention to Morcegao’s breakdown of shifting the size of your frame in order to master the technique. Do it right and you’ll find yourself set up for a few different sweeps and, if you’re really lucky, an armbar.
