Americana BJJ Submission Variations and Escapes

Americana lock is the submission method in BJJ that targets the joint lock of the shoulders and elbow. The fighter isolates the arm and puts pressure on the arm after using both arms simultaneously. It is the submission that targets the elbow and shoulder of the opponent. The fighter keeps the arm at 90 degrees and controls the arm properly.

The Americana Lock works on the fulcrum movement, which requires the placement of the hand, taking the proper angle, and exerting the correct pressure. It provides the highest percentage that can be executed from the various positions.

This submission concentrates on the placement of the hand over the hand, the four-finger lock, which helps the fighter get a secure grip. Americana lock has been used for over two hundred years. It is part of various martial arts and is famous with the names Figure Four Armlock, Bent Armlock, Keylock, and Top Wrist Lock. In judo, it is called Ude garage.

In this article, we are going to explore the five primary variations of the BJJ Americana lock. Let's explore the different ways to execute the Americana lock and find out how to escape it. 

The Americana lock is a dynamic move that requires less effort but gives the highest percentage. It is the external shoulder lock that targets the:

• Wrist
• Elbow
• Shoulder

This versatile move works on the 2 and 1 ratio, where two arma are placed over the one with the four-finger method. The arm is bent ninety degrees, creating the shape of the “L.”

The weight is properly executed, and rotational pressure is maintained on the targeted bones of the shoulders and elbow. This causes severe pain in the shoulder, which lets the contender tap out at once.

Americana lock is a joint lock most commonly used in BJJ. In this lock, the fighter takes the dominant position of mount. The fighter holds the opposite arm of the opponent with a four-finger grip. The fighter needs to maintain the pressure evenly.

Once control is taken, the fighter gets a firm hand grip. With the use of the other arm, the submission is completed. 

• The first step is to take the position of the mount or full mount.
• The next step is to control the arm on the opposite side with the grip of the wrist.
• Put the pressure, after leaning over the arm, to put the hand on the mat.
• The elbow is placed next to his head so that there will be less space.
• The opponent's elbow is placed slightly above the ground, so the fighter can sneak the arm under it.
• Place the hand with the four-finger grip to lock the hand in place. It is also called a monkey grip.
• To finish the submission, move your elbow slightly above the ground.

The second variation of the Americana Lock is from the closed guard position. It is a versatile move that can easily deceive the opponent. The fighter takes control over the opponent with the close guard position. The fighter takes control over the Gi and applies the submission from the bottom. 

• The fighter is in the guard position and tightens the grip of the legs by making the hook with the foot.
• The next step is to hold the BJJ Gi from one side on the side of the arm where you want to apply the submission.
• The fighter must drag the opponent down and confine him in the grip.
• Move the opponent to the side and hold the shoulder to position the opponent.
• Hold the hand of the opponent by moving it downward to the wrist.
• On the other hand, the fighter is holding the Gi to have firm control.
• To finish the submission, move the opponent’s hand downward and take it to your side.

Americana lock from the side control is one of the easiest moves in BJJ. The fighter comes from the side and applies pressure on the opponent's torso. The fighter targets the opposite hand after having the four fighters grip over the wrist. The submission is applied after pressing the arms upward. 

• The side control is taken from any of the sides; the fighter gets into the dominant position after applying the pressure on the torso.
• Keep the arms of the opponent in the upward direction for the application of the American lock.
• Lean down to one side, move your arm forward, and hold the wrist with a finger grip.
• Drag your arm under the bicep and hold your arm with a firm grip.
• Move the hand in the downward direction and then lift it upward. It will create severe stretch in the muscle, and the opponent will go for a tap.

Americana from the half guard is a unique submission with the maximum percentage. The fighter creates pressure on the torso, using the hook of the hand to restrict the opponent's movement.

One leg of the opponent remains under the fighter's control to target the shoulder and arm of the opposite side. The fighter unlocks the hand and keeps one hand under the head while the other hand moves under the bicep to apply the BJJ Americana submission technique.

• The first step is to take the position of the half guard, maintain the pressure by keeping the torso over the chest of the opponent.
• Drag the hand under the head of the opponent and hold the shoulder to restrict the movement of the arm.
• Use the other arm and put the hand of the opponent near the head of the opponent. At that time, the fighter can maintain the grip on the wrist of the fighter.
• Do the instant movement to hold the wrist.
• Drag the shoulder downwards to finish the Americana BJJ submission.

Americana lock from the bottom is quite a sneaky or deceitful move that can easily mislead your fellow fighter. Thai technique requires special attention and a lot of practice. As the opponent approaches from the side mount, the fighter takes control of the inside arm and grips it with the four-finger lock. 

• When the opponent is in the side control position, maintain the base by keeping the foot bent on the mat.
• The next step is to restrict the movement of the opponent from going further.
• Place both of the arms on the opponent's bicep, which stops the movement.
• Keep the elbow at the forearm of the opponent, on the outer side of the hand.
• Use the opposite arm to grab the wrist, while the other hand will restrict the movement of the arm.
• Bend the arm in the inward direction, and maintain the angle of the elbow opposite his face.
• The next step is to rapidly move the arm by moving it behind the bicep; after that, hold your wrist with the four-finger lock.
• To finish the submission, move the forearm upward, creating pressure that will make your opponent tap out instantly.
• If the fighter does not tap out, move your hips upwards (hoop over), put one leg on top of the opponent, and take him to the ground.
• Now, you will have a sound grip that will surely submit your opponent.

Americana is a shoulder joint lock applied at a ninety-degree angle after having firm control with the four fingers. For any escape, it is recommended to anticipate the attack to save yourself from the execution of the submission. 

As the fighter inspects the Americana lock that will be applied, they must keep the arm in the extended form. Use the arm that is not targeted, create the space in the armpit, slide your body to one side, and drag it to one side. 

• As you suspect that you will be trapped in the Americana lock, the first step is to extend your hand straight out.
• Use the other hand and push their elbow to one side.
• Slide your body to the side of the targeted hand.
• Exert more pressure to take out the hand.
• Keep one hand on the opponent’s elbow while the other is on the hip bone, exert the pressure, and take out the legs.

A few body parts remain free in every submission technique as the fighter targets the specific part. This provides a way to escape out of submission. In the same way, from the Americana submission, the fighter can get out of it using the legs and one arm.

In the Americana escape, the legs or lower body play a significant part. The rest of the escape is done with the help of the hand. 

• As the fighter is under the control of the Americana lock, free one arm and place it against the ribs.
• Move the hips upward and place the pressure on the tips of the feet.
• Slide the side where the fighter has applied the Americana submission.
• As you move to one side, it will become very difficult for the opponent to maintain control over you.
• As the opponent loses balance, he needs to lift his hands, and he will maintain balance with his hands on the mat.

It is one of the easiest ways to escape from the Americana lock. We are exploring one of the quickest ways to escape from the half-guard Americana lock.

The shoulder joint lock is created with the formation of the ninety-degree angle. The fighter needs to break the angle to get out of the escape. Let us find out the secret of the move.

• The first step is to put one hand on the upper side of the arm.
• Make it a base, apply the pressure on it, and slide your body upward.
• Move your inner side leg upward.
• Use the knee and apply the pressure on the elbow.
• The fight needs to involve three actions on the same side: applying pressure with the free hand, applying force over the elbow, and pulling the arm inside.

The Americana escape from the bottom is one of the most interesting moves that can be applied even by the novice . This move takes you from the defensive to the offensive position. The fighter uses the force of the arm and the feet to escape from the bottom position.

• The first step is to take out the arm and put it on the outer side of the ribs.
• Apply the pressure on the ribs and slide your body down by dragging your feet.
• Your 90-degree angle will break and come to your equal angle.
• Then, you can come out, get to your knees, and target the opponent for submission.

If you are trapped in the Americana submission, focus on the smaller details to get out of it. The focus should be on breaking the angle that can bring you out of the submission. 

• The first step is to move your arm upward with the help of the other hand.
• Move your hand and hold your wrist from the bottom.
• Pull your hand upward so that it will come in front of you.
• Pull your legs upwards and place them on the shoulder of the opponent.
• Create the hook with the foot; this allows you to move from the defensive to the offensive position.

Americana lock is the cornerstone of Brazilian jiu-jitsu; it is the technique used by most of the top contenders to improve their game. The submission method works on proper control and maintaining leverage.

This article has discussed the variations of the Americana lock, which are the Americana from the half-guard, side control, mount, and bottom position. After getting a grip on the variations of the Americana joint lock, you can learn how to get out from the defensive to the offensive position.