Hey there fellow grapplers! Today I’m gonna break down one of the most fundamental movements in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu – the shrimp (also called hip escape). If you’re new to BJJ or looking to polish your technique this comprehensive guide will help you master this essential movement that can literally save your butt on the mat!
What the Heck is Shrimping Anyway?
Think of shrimping as your footwork when you’re fighting off your back. Just like a shrimp moves by curling and uncurling its body we use our hips and shoulders to create space and move around. It’s basically how we avoid getting squished by our training partners!
Why You Absolutely Need to Learn This Move
Let’s be real here – nobody wants to be stuck under side control getting crushed! Here’s why shrimping is crucial:
- It’s your go-to escape movement from bad positions
- Helps create space between you and your opponent
- Essential for executing sweeps and submissions
- Used in both defensive and offensive situations
- Part of every BJJ warm-up routine (you can’t escape it!)
The Main Types of Shrimping
1. Basic Side-to-Side Shrimp
This is your bread and butter movement
- Start on your back with knees bent
- Turn to one side
- Push with your feet while moving your hips away
- Return to starting position
- Rinse and repeat on the other side
2. Forward Shrimp
Great for offensive moves like triangles:
- Lie flat with straight legs
- Curl to one side
- Crunch shoulders toward waist
- Pull body toward feet
- Switch sides and repeat
3. Reverse Shrimp
The trickiest but super effective:
- Start on back
- Feet close to butt
- Turn on one shoulder
- Push hips backward
- Create 90-degree angle with body
Common Mistakes That’ll Make You Look Like a Newbie
We all mess up sometimes, but here’s what to avoid:
-
Staying Flat
- Don’t be a pancake! Get those hips up!
- Transfer weight between shoulders and feet
-
Tiny Baby Movements
- Make each shrimp count
- Create enough space to actually escape
-
Wrong Side Turns
- Always turn opposite to your shrimping direction
- If right leg moves, turn left (and vice versa)
Pro Tips from My Mat Experience
Here’s what I’ve learned from countless hours of drilling:
-
Bridge First, Then Shrimp
- Creating initial space makes everything easier
- Combine bridging with shrimping for better escapes
-
Keep Those Feet Active
- Your feet are your motors
- Keep them close to your butt for maximum power
-
Practice Both Sides
- Don’t be that one-sided grappler
- Your left side should be as good as your right
Advanced Shrimping Variations
Once you’ve got the basics down, try these:
- Single-Leg Shrimp: One foot planted, one leg straight
- Box Shrimping: Combining different directions
- Wall Shrimping: Using a wall for resistance training
Training Drills to Level Up Your Shrimp
-
Solo Drills
- Length of the mat shrimping
- Timed shrimping intervals
- Direction changes
-
Partner Drills
- Pressure escape practice
- Timing-based exercises
- Position-specific drills
When to Use Your Shrimp Skills
Real-world applications include:
- Escaping side control
- Getting out of mount
- Setting up sweeps
- Creating space for submissions
- Defensive movements
Wrapping It Up
Look, shrimping ain’t glamorous, but it’s absolutely essential for your BJJ journey. Start slow, focus on proper technique, and gradually build up speed and power. Remember, even black belts drill their shrimps – it’s that important!
Practice these movements regularly, and you’ll notice huge improvements in your overall game. Now get out there and start shrimping! And hey, if you found this helpful, share it with your training partners – we’re all in this together!
Would you like me to explain or break down any part of this article further?
7. Closed Guard Triangle
In a scissor motion you use shrimping to escape the hips to the side. It gives you enough room to change the angle and attack the opponent.
Step by Step Guide: How to Shrimp in BJJ?
Shrimping is considered a basic and essential exercise for the BJJ practitioner by using the hip, legs, shoulder movements and bridging movement. Whether you are a white belt or a black belt, shrimping moves are frequently used in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Shrimping is one of the few techniques that one might start to learn in the initial training of Jiu-Jitsu. Its not easy to perform but daily practice will definitely improve your skills, speed and execution instinct.
Shrimping BJJ is important and essential for learning escapes from bad positions. It is a vital part of BJJ moves for submission, sweeps mounting and managing distances to win your BJJ fight. From the start of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training, shrimping will remain a part of your warm-up routine.
How to Shrimp in BJJ – BJJ Basics and Tips for Beginners
FAQ
How to progress quickly in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
- Usually, that means going to classes at least three times a week.
- Listen to your instructor and, if you don’t understand something, ask.
- Roll with the highest-ranking belts you can.
- Be the last person out when rolling or at the end of class.
- Compete in as many tournaments you can.
How to fight against Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
Maintain Distance: Keeping distance is vital in avoiding the ground game where BJJ practitioners excel. Striking from a distance can prevent them from closing in and using their grappling skills. Stay on Your Feet: BJJ fighters are most effective on the ground. Work on your takedown defense to keep the fight standing.
What does shrimp mean in Jiu Jitsu?
What is shrimping in BJJ? Shrimping is considered a basic and essential exercise for the BJJ practitioner by using the hip, legs, shoulder movements and bridging movement. Whether you are a white belt or a black belt, shrimping moves are frequently used in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.