Armbar

The Armbar, or juji gatame in Judo, is one of the most iconic submissions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and grappling arts. It is a joint lock that hyperextends the elbow by isolating the opponent's arm and applying pressure against the elbow joint. This submission can be applied from various positions and is highly versatile, making it a foundational technique in BJJ.

Key Concepts

Joint Lock

  • The Armbar targets the elbow joint by extending the arm beyond its natural range of motion.

Isolation

  • The opponent’s arm must be completely isolated to prevent them from escaping or countering.

Leverage

  • Proper positioning of your body and control of their arm maximize the pressure applied to the joint.

Execution Steps

Control the Arm

  • Secure the opponent’s arm by gripping their wrist with one hand and controlling their elbow with the other.

Isolate the Arm

  • Pull the arm across your centerline to remove their ability to defend effectively.

Establish Position

  • Adjust your body to align your hips with their shoulder. This position maximizes leverage and control over the arm.

Secure Your Legs

  • Place one leg across their chest and the other leg over their head. Your legs should be tight and active to control their upper body and prevent escape.

Control Their Thumb

  • Ensure their thumb is pointing upward, aligning their elbow joint with the direction of the force you’ll apply.

Apply the Lock

  • Slowly lift your hips while pulling down on their arm to extend their elbow and apply pressure to the joint.

Common Entries

From Mount

  • When the opponent pushes against your chest or attempts to bridge, isolate their arm and transition into the Armbar.

From Closed Guard

  • Break the opponent’s posture and pull their arm across your centerline, rotating your hips to secure the Armbar.

From Side Control

  • When the opponent frames or defends, trap their arm and step over their head to apply the Armbar.

From Back Control

  • If the opponent defends the Rear Naked Choke, transition to the Armbar by isolating their arm.

During Scrambles

  • Exploit moments when the opponent’s arm is extended or exposed during transitions or dynamic exchanges.

From Knee on Belly

  • Use the pressure from Knee on Belly to isolate the arm as the opponent defends.

Tips for Success

Pinch Your Knees

  • Keep your legs tight around the opponent’s arm to maintain control and prevent them from escaping.

Control Their Thumb

  • Ensure their thumb points upward to align the elbow joint properly.

Gradual Pressure

  • Apply the submission slowly to avoid injury and give the opponent time to tap.

Use Your Hips

  • Engage your hips to generate the force needed to hyperextend the elbow.

Be Ready to Transition

Positioning

The Armbar thrives in positions where you can isolate the opponent’s arm, dominate their posture and Fundamentals/Base, and maintain tight connections. Its versatility makes it a foundational submission in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

From Mount

  • When the opponent attempts to push against your chest or bridge to escape, isolate their arm and transition into the Armbar.

From Closed Guard

  • Break the opponent’s posture, pull their arm across your centerline, and rotate your hips to lock in the Armbar.

From Side Control

  • If the opponent frames against your chest or neck, trap their arm and step over their head to apply the Armbar.

From Back Control

  • Transition into the Armbar when the opponent defends the Rear Naked Choke by exposing their arm.

From Knee on Belly

  • As the opponent defends or pushes on your knee, isolate their arm and step over their head for the Armbar.

From North South

  • Use the opponent’s exposed arm to transition into an Armbar by stepping over their head and isolating the arm.

From Butterfly Guard

  • Use sweeps or transitions to expose the opponent’s arm and secure the Armbar during the movement.

From Half Guard

  • Trap the opponent’s arm as they attempt to frame or pass, and transition to the Armbar.

During Guard Passing Defense

  • If the opponent extends their arm while trying to pass, trap it and rotate into the Armbar.

From Turtle Control

  • When the opponent turtles, trap their arm and roll into the Armbar.

From X Guard or Single-Leg X Guard

  • Transition into the Armbar during sweeps or when the opponent posts to defend.

From Scrambles

  • Capitalize on exposed arms during dynamic exchanges or failed Takedown attempts.

From Standing

  • Jump into a flying Armbar if the opponent’s arm is exposed while they are standing.

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