Back Escape — Escaping Seatbelt

The seatbelt grip is a dominant control when an opponent has one arm over the shoulder and one under the arm, locking the back. Escaping the seatbelt requires first breaking the grip’s integrity, often by controlling the opponent’s top arm or hand. Once the grip is weakened, the defender can turn toward the opponent, peeling themselves off the back and neutralizing the choke threat. Proper head positioning is crucial to avoid submissions such as the rear naked choke while performing this escape.

This escape emphasizes patience and control, as premature movements can allow the opponent to readjust their hooks or tighten the seatbelt. It is frequently combined with hip mobility and rolling motions to create space, highlighting the layered strategy required to survive back control.