3 Part Technique - Recovering the Closed Guard from underneath Side Control is a matter of applying the proper body mechanics and leverage against your opponent to create the space needed for escape. A normal hip escape in this situation won't always cut it, so it is best to learn to gain maximum distance with it by performing a strong bridge into your opponent before the hip escape. Drive your knee across his belly, prevent his arm from pushing your leg back through, and use your other leg to hook him into Half Guard. Transition from the Half to the Full Guard by switching your base onto your other hip and hip escaping out in the other direction. If you are now in the opponent's position, i.e. inside the Closed Guard, remain upright in a wide base and firm posture. Take grips on his stomach and hip with your elbows turned so that their structural integrity cannot be compromised by the guard player's defenses. Stand up in base, with posture, and twist your hips so that they face a diagonal to your opponent's hips, forcing him to uncross his ankles. Pin his leg to the mat with your weight via your extended arm on his knee. Now you are left with to choice for the pass; either circle around to establish Underhook & Side Control, or cut your shin across his thigh for the Knee Slide.