BJJ

BJJ Armbar Submission Methods

BJJ Armbar Submission Methods

1. BJJ Armbar Submission Overview

1.1 Introduction

The armbar in BJJ became one of the prominent choices for many BJJ athletes like Rodolfo Viera, Alexandre Ribeiro, Andre Galvao, Marcus Almeida, and Rafa Mendes. The armbar is an essential submission with multiple variations and can be achieved in various ways. Armbars can be used from must and close guard positions.


This submission has been used by many versatile grapplers from BJJ utilizing this technique in wrestling and judo. 


The name of the arm lock in judo is jūji-game. This submission has never stopped its revolution. Among all the delayed submissions, Aram Bar used the vital part of the body against the weakest one of your opponent. An armbar is an essential weapon for self-defense in a trapped situation. If a player is stuck in a physical situation where escape is impossible, he knows how to escape the armbar, which can be a pain point.


It is highly effective in symbolizing your opponent; the armbar is the most used submission move to win a match in a BJJ competition. Advanced players can apply the arm bar from various positions. The player should have a firm grip over the opposing arm to have control throughout the submission to disarm the opponent without imposing severe injuries, the situation, and the safety of themselves and others.

1.2 Definition of the BJJ Armbar

The origin of the Aram bar is rooted in traditional Japanese jujutsu. Over time, it became an essential part of BJJ and mixed martial arts. It involves hyperextending the elbow joint by applying pressure on the legs and hips and controlling the arms simultaneously. It is a versatile technique used from different positions, including guard, mouth, and side control, threatening BJJ competition. This submission requires proper technique and positioning to be successful in the application. It is a powerful submission used in MMA and grappling arts with the capability to end the fight. 

1.3 Essential Methods for a Strong Armbar in BJJ

Essential Methods for a Strong Armbar in BJJ

Armbar submission is the most effective technique for victory. This move doesn't rely on applying intense strength but using opponent force against him. To survive the position around the opponent's body, you need to have a proper grip and leg placement to get control over your body. You grip the arm tightly with both hands and keep your legs in a tight can source position.


By having maximum control over your hips and body weight, you can apply intense pressure on the opponent's arm, making them submit out of pain.

Maintaining a good position

  • To have a perfect armbar submission, you need strong positioning. Start by isolating your opponent's Arm, from which you can launch different positions, such as mouth, guard, or side control.
  • Squeeze your knees or thigh tightly to secure the wrist close to the chest to avoid escaping. 
  • This will also help in causing any discomfort or injury in sensitive areas.

Hip movement and firm grip

  • Hip placement can help increase the pressure on the arm by hyperextending the elbow.
  • This can build unbreakable armbar submission and control opponent movements.
  • Your grip on the opposite arm controls the position of the force; placing a grip around the wrist can execute an effective armbar.

Shifting the weight

  • Shifting the weight to one side can cause your opponent to push back against you; this will give you an opening to execute the armbar
  • understanding of body mechanics and being attentive to your opponent's movement and reaction

2.History of Armbar in BJJ and MMA

2.1 Evolution of arm bar

In the early days of mixed martial arts (MMA), the armbar was a pin of the sport, and the figures were from various fighting backgrounds with multiple techniques. BJJ became the most effective martial art, and the armbar became the signature submission move.


BJJ fighters fought like beasts and could take opponents to the mat, and the Aram bar was the most effective submission hold. It involved controlling an opponent's arm using force and hyperextending the elbow joint. It was a painful but effective move to end the fight.


With time, MMA techniques evolved, and so did the methods and submission moves. Fighters started to use the armbar as an essential move in drilling competitions. They began developing variations and new arm bar techniques, making it a deadly weapon and versatile move against other fighters. Ronda Rousey is a notable fighter who used an armbar and won multiple matches and championships over this submission move. 

2.2 Mastering the BJJ Armbar Submission

Ambar is one of the crucial submissions for any player in BJJ or other martial arts. Knowing the basis is insufficient to have an upper hand in the armbar. A player must master all the tips and variations for a counter or defense. Adjusting techniques based on opponent reactions is another essential aspect of learning the arm bar.


BJJ players must adapt and change their technique, using their opponent's reaction as an advantage. The psychology behind setting up and finishing the Aram bar is to create discomfort and pain and overextend their Aram to give them undesirable abilities that can significantly increase their chance of a successful submission.

3. Detailed Step-by-Step Armbar Execution

Detailed Step-by-Step Armbar Execution

3.1 BJJ Armbar Execution

The arm bar is off on the fundamental Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu submission with multiple variations and ways to achieve it.

Isolate and maintain control of the opponent's arm:

The armbar attacks the opponent's Arm, which means that the opponent's arm must be isolated and controlled. This submission can be applied to several guards , grips, setups, and techniques. For the armbar from the guard, you have to turn your body and create an angle. You turn your body because it helps to optimize getting your leg over your head. You then clear the head and angle it for pressure on his arm. for example, if a player is executing the armbar from a close guard, he needs first to control the opposite wrist and triceps; this control can be done by gripping the sleeves or by cupping the opponent's triceps and grabbing their wrist

Controlling the arm and positioning your body for attack:

Once you control the arm, position your body to apply maximum pressure on the opponent's elbow joint. The position of the body can differ according to various armbar variations. Before you try an armbar, get at least a grip over their elbow on the end they fight against. With your top hook in, drive the leg you have over their head as deep and heavy as it. If you do not, they can just stand up and protect them. This applies to the armbar from both top and bottom positions.

Position the arm for the attack:

A player's arms should be in the correct position regardless of what armbar variation they will use. Every time you attempt an armbar, pinch those knees. This keeps it in its place and lets you exert pressure on the arm.


Whenever you go for an armbar, always have two arms on one. You must hug the arm into your body when you use two arms. This enables you to attack an armbar using your entire body.


Your opponent's thumbs must be aligned with your hip; this will help apply pressure on the arm.


For example, if you use the arm bar from the mouth once it has been fully extended and the elbow correctly positioned in this submission, ensure your hips are fully bridged. This places pressure on the arm.

Executing the submission

Most armbar variations are executed by bridging the hips and pulling down on the opponent's wrist. This imposes extreme pressure on the below joint, forcing the opponent to tap out.

3.2 Positions Leading to the BJJ Armbar

Positions Leading to the BJJ Armbar

1. Closed Guard

Close is one the most complex and certainly most practical ones to learn


This position allows the payer to use various transitions and submissions such as armbar, triangle chock, kimura lock, and Omoplata.


An armbar from a close guard is a way to turn a defensive position into an offensive position.


Shifting your hip placement to create an angle to control your opponent's arm can help break down their posture.


This way, your legs will be over your opponent's head while you isolate them and bring them down to your centerline.

2. Mount Armbar

The mount armbar technique transforms into an S-Mount, which is in a dominant position. This technique is implemented by controlling the opposite wrist while placing your arms over the opposite arm. Create an angle that can close any gap between you and your opponent so you can swing your leg over their head. Squeeze your knees together while pulling opposing arms towards your chest, which will apply pressure downward to hyperextend the elbow for the submission.


To form an S-mount position, where you can have more control over the opponent's upper body, you need to sit on top while forming your leg in an S-shape. This form requires excellent balancing and control to apply intense pressure on the opponent's arm.

3. Side Control

Side control is the best-dominating grappling position. Players use a cross-face set to bring the opponent's hands to the side of their head. Your opponent should be flat in this position to avoid escaping. You can also use the knee-on-belly position, where the pressure is on the opponent's stomach so they will spin around.


Once you establish your control on their side, move toward their hip. Then, bring your knee inside to block your arm. This will limit the space for ease. Finish the armbar by lifting your hips 90 degrees to the angle of the opposite. Pull your wrist to the left to engage with the joint lock and submit your opponent.

4. Flying armbar

The flying armbar is a high-risk and highly rewarded move. This move is executed in the standing position so you can jump and capture Arm between your legs in mid-air by grabbing their collar and swinging them around in a classic armbar position. Finally, extend your hip movement upward by dragging your opponent's arm downward, which will apply pressure to your opponent's elbow joint.


This move required good timing, speed, and a more reasonable insight into your and your opponent's position and balance.

5. Reverse armbar

The reverse armbar is a straightforward twist on the traditional techniques. It was one of the most unexpected yet most effective submission moves. In this submission , you attack your opposing arm from an opposing angle, not hyperextending it but bringing it against the joint at a different angle.


They use your arm to apply pressure on their elbow joint, starting from isolating the arm you want to attack—the creating process to mobilize your heart after the position is secured. Use hip escape and place your foot on opposite hips to finish. Grip your hands together and put the blade of your rise above your elbow to put pressure downward.

6. Spider Guard

The spider guard is one of the best ways to isolate your partner's upper body. It's a dynamic open guard position at BJJ. It starts by gripping the opponent's sleeves and having one foot least controlling the arm. It lets you get off balance on your way to some grand sweep. Then, straighten your leg on the arm, attack it, and turn your hips. Kick off their foot as you pull their arm into you. The stress on the arm will make them destabilized then bring your leg over to get an arm bar. To end a fight, the jiu-jitsu spider is an excellent defensive attack that can be done in different variations like armbar, triangle choke, and other combinations. 

4 . Final remarks

 Final remarks

The jiu-jitsu armbar submission is not just an ordinary submission move but an athlete's journey that challenges them to push their skills physically and mentally to evolve into unbeatable fighters. They drag themselves hard enough to remember each practice, sparring session, and competition, a step toward mastering the armbar and becoming a strong athlete in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. So, embrace the journey, appreciate the progress, and let the art of the armbar be a companion to your development in this enchanting world of BJJ.

5 . Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - BJJ Armbar

1. The armbar is one of the most effective techniques, but how can it be overcome?

To armbar someone, you must have the proper technique and correct positioning. First, split your opponent's arm and align it. This will ensure that the attacker's arm is tacked between your legs and your hips are aligned perpendicular to the elbow, thus maximizing pressure. It is essential to have a firm grip on the opponent´s arm and refined hip movement and leg positioning. Furthermore, clamping your legs tight and applying consistent increased pressure can keep the opponent from escaping.

2 . Preventing Your Opponent From Posting in an Armbar?

Both of your hands should be in control, one on each other arms. It is essential not to allow an escape from the opponent, so you will simply need a firm grip with distribution and corresponding weight management. Keep their arm and body compressed with your leg wrapped around it. Maintain your hips close to your body for the most power. Never create gaps where your opponent can slip out. Use good catch-and-release techniques and apply pressure that makes it difficult for your opponent to escape the submission.

3. Is the armbar applicable in various positions, and if so, which ones are most effective?

The Closed Guard gives a solid grip, allowing you to isolate and control the opponent's arm by using your legs to form an angle of leverage.


Position: Mount is ideal as it allows you to move from a more dominant position, S-mount, and transition into the armbar with improved control.


Side Control: Provides body weight and control, allowing you to isolate and attack the opponent's arm in a submission attempt.


Spider guard is based on grips on your opponent's sleeves and foot.

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