Turtle Position and Escapes

Since I had written about Telles' DVD in previous entries I thought I might mention some of the more "opportune" times to head to the turtle position. Often, people go to the turtle is when someone is passing their guard. This is, of course, a smart thing to do and is advised. It is also advised to go to the turtle position when you are trying to escape from side control by putting the person into your guard. Often, people will repeatedly struggle to put the person in their guard and in doing so will completely overlook the ability to chain an elbow escape with going to the knees and to the turtle. Granted, many people had fears of having their back taken or to get caught with the clock choke. These are valid concerns, but if you develop strong defenses from the turtle as well as offensive moves then the ability to use the turtle position safely while escaping will be enhanced.