grappling moves every striker should learn?

[UseoForce]

I don't think there is a specific technique to learn. More importantly, learn what it feels like to roll with someone. Even if you know 0 "techniques", if you have a good base and can move your weight (and the other guy's) around, you can probably come out OK.

My favorite move would have to be RNC. Bridging is good too.

[SubGrappler]

trust me, I thought that just by being on the mounted position on top, you were set.

I've had many people attempt various mount escapes against me- only ones that worked were a bump and roll and an elbow escape. When you're underneath someone who's got a tight mount, you're going to have trouble breathing let alone have a free hand to throw an elbow.

I tried it with one of the black belts from my school. but in a self defense situation, not at sport, you can get elbowed in the groin and you wont be able to do much if you are not wearing a cup

Well, you could argue that the man on top could elbow to the face and theres not much the man on bottom could do about it

this opens up a space for a quicker and easier mount escape

strikes to the face wont do much from the bottom position though, there are ways to dsitract your opponent for a bit though

Even though you use the elbow to strike, you use it to set up a different technique or mount escape- its like someone who has an exceptionally armbar defense who gives their arm to escape the mount.