Bicep Slicer

The Bicep Slicer is a compression-based submission that applies intense pressure to the opponent’s bicep by trapping their arm and using leverage to create pain and potential muscle or tendon damage. While it is often seen as a less common submission, it can be highly effective when applied correctly.

Key Concepts

Compression Submission

  • The Bicep Slicer does not choke or hyperextend but compresses the opponent’s muscles and tendons against a hard surface, such as your shin, forearm, or wrist.

Arm Isolation

  • The opponent’s arm must be trapped and immobile for the submission to work.

Leverage

  • Proper body positioning and pressure are required to generate the force needed for the submission.

Execution Steps

Isolate the Arm

  • Secure the opponent’s arm, ensuring that their elbow is extended beyond your shin, forearm, or wrist, which acts as the compression point.

Control the Position

  • Use your body, grips, and legs to control the opponent’s arm and prevent them from escaping.

Trap the Arm

  • Wrap your legs, arms, or both around the opponent’s arm to lock it in place. Ensure their elbow remains positioned against the hard surface.

Apply Compression

  • Squeeze and drive your body weight or pull with your arms to force the opponent’s arm into the compression point. This creates intense pressure on their bicep.

Finish the Submission

  • Gradually increase the pressure until the opponent taps. Ensure control to prevent injury.

Common Entries

From Guard

  • During a Triangle Choke or Armbar attempt, if the opponent defends by pulling their arm back, you can transition into the Bicep Slicer.

From Half Guard

  • Use the opponent’s attempt to pass or control to trap their arm and transition into the slicer.

During an Armbar Defense

  • If the opponent resists an Armbar by clasping their hands, you can pivot and use your shin to set up the Bicep Slicer.

From Mount

  • Isolate the arm during a submission attempt or scramble, then apply the slicer by trapping their arm with your shin or forearm.

During Scrambles

  • Use transitional moments where the opponent’s arm becomes exposed to set up the slicer.

From Turtle Control

  • Trap the opponent’s arm as they try to post or defend, transitioning to the slicer.

Tips for Success

Secure Tight Control

  • Ensure the opponent cannot move their arm away from the compression point.

Use Proper Angle

  • Adjust your body position to maximize pressure on the bicep.

Leverage Your Body

  • Use your entire body, not just your arms, to generate force.

Smooth Transition

  • Quickly move into the Bicep Slicer when the opportunity arises, as the opponent may escape if you delay.
Warning

The Bicep Slicer is considered a high-risk submission due to the potential for severe muscle or tendon damage. Practice with care and release immediately upon your partner’s tap. Some competition rule sets may restrict or ban this technique, particularly for lower belts. Always confirm its legality before attempting in tournaments.

Positioning

The Bicep Slicer thrives in positions where you can isolate the opponent’s arm, establish connections, and apply pressure effectively. It is especially potent during transitions and scrambles, making it a valuable submission for opportunistic setups.

From Closed Guard

  • During a failed Armbar attempt when the opponent defends by clasping their hands.
  • As a counter to the opponent pulling their arm back during Triangle Choke setups.

From Open Guard

  • Butterfly Guard: Trap the arm while sweeping or transitioning.
  • De La Riva: Use leg control to isolate the opponent's arm during passing attempts.

From Half Guard

  • Trap the opponent's arm when they try to Guard Passes/Knee Cut or Toreando pass.
  • Transition into the slicer as they post their hand to maintain balance.

From Mount

  • During transitions to Armbar or Kimura, trap the opponent’s arm and apply the compression.
  • If the opponent pushes up on your hips to escape, isolate their arm for the slicer.

From Side Control

  • When the opponent attempts to frame, isolate their arm against your shin or arm for the slicer.
  • Transition from a Kimura or Americana setup when the opponent defends.

From Back Control

  • If the opponent defends the Rear Naked Choke or Armbar by clasping their hands, switch to the Bicep Slicer on their trapped arm.
  • Use the slicer as they attempt to peel off Hooks to escape.

From Turtle Control

  • When the opponent posts their arm during defense, trap it against your shin or arm to apply the slicer.
  • Transition from a Front Headlock when their arm becomes extended.

From Scrambles

  • In dynamic exchanges where the opponent extends their arm to escape.
  • After failed submission attempts like the Omoplata or Armbar, isolate the arm and apply the slicer.

During Guard Pass Defense

  • When the opponent extends their arm while trying to pass your guard, trap it for the slicer.
  • Transition from Half Guard if their arm becomes exposed.

Standing Exchanges

  • From a failed Takedown where the opponent’s arm is extended and isolated.
  • If the opponent posts to maintain balance during a Trip from Guard Pull or Sweep attempt.

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