Hitchhiker Escape

The Hitchhiker Escape is a fundamental and highly effective escape from the armbar (juji gatame). When the arm is being attacked, the defender turns their thumb downwards towards the mat, as if hitchhiking. This rotation creates space and weakens the attacker's leverage. The defender then performs a shoulder roll over their trapped arm, freeing it from the submission and often landing in a superior position like the opponent's guard.