Effective Fujiwara Armbar Technique In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

The martial art Brazilian jiu-jitsu is the ground art based on grappling and submission methods. BJJ offers diverse tools for the practitioner with multiple variations of controlling the opponent. It is the high percentage of armbar variation that has unique tactical benefits. The armbar is the straight joint lock of the arm that targets the elbow. It is one of the most significant submission methods used in Brazilian martial arts.

Armbar is the fundamental method of BJJ, it needs the combination of the effective leverage method. Like other submission methods, the armbar has multiple variations which establish control over the opponent. Fujiwara armbar is the joint lock that targets the elbow of the opponent. It can be applied from various techniques including the position of side control, mount, and guard.

In this article, we will explore the effectiveness of the Fujiwara Armbar, which is an essential tool in the BJJ arsenal. Let us find out the origin of the Fujiwara armbar and its underlying strategies. 

The Fujiwara armbar is the submission method that is the joint lock to target the elbow of the opponent. It is the armbar submission method that targets the arm and after that, the pressure is exerted in the opposite direction. This submission method like other techniques focuses on gripping the specific target and implementing the pressure in the inverse direction.

The execution of the pressure and the grip of the arm make this technique diverse among the rest. Fujiwara armbar is the adaptive technique that has the highest percentage of all other methods. It can be applied from the various positions that include, the position of standing, mount, and side control.

It has roots embedded in the Japanese culture, it was created by the Japanese professional wrestler who was distinguished by the effective grappling techniques. Throughout his professional career, he has worked to promote the wrestling career with effective techniques. He developed a method of submission that was a reverse of the traditional armbar submission. He has created a newness in the execution of pressure while the fighter is applying the armbar method. This variation of the armbar method was named after the founder and was called as “ Fujiwara Armbar”.

It has the highest percentage of effectiveness that can be achieved by any contender irrespective of size and weight. This formidable submission method can overcome the huge and heavy contender in a bout.

Once the figure grabs the targeted area, the pressure is exerted on the shoulders of an opponent. The elbow is pressed against the direction that creates leverage and limits the endurance capabilities of the fighter. That is why Fujiwara became the most effective submission method that can increase the potential of the jiu-jitsu fighter during a tournament.

However, the Fujiwara armbar is a technique that is most commonly used in catch wrestling.it is the grappling technique that can pin the opponent in place. It can be used in mixed martial arts. The top contenders have used Fujiwara and made it an effective part of their BJJ arsenal. Erik Paulson and Josh Barnett are the top fighters who showed their potential in the martial arts of BJJ and have versatile backgrounds in catch wrestling. 

Yoshiaki Fujiwara is a Japanese wrestler who was also famous for his grappling technique. He was the trainer and promoter of the professional wrestling. Fujiwara was a proficient athlete in Judo and Muay Thai. The trainer has worked to promote wrestling throughout his professional career.

Yoshiaki Fujiwara has made his name in the catch wrestling world. He has introduced the new submission method of the armbar that targets the elbow of the opponent. He is known as a legendary wrestler and made his name in the Japanese circuit.

He has developed the armbar submission technique that is the reverse of the traditional joint lock. Once the arm is targeted the pressure is applied in the downward direction. It creates intense pain and the opponent submits himself for a tap.

As Yoshiaki Fujiwara introduced this armbar method it was named after its founder. This formidable technique of arm submission was named

The mechanism of the Fujiwara armbar works on the method of holding the arm of the opponent and moving it in the opposite direction. The fighter is required to take the position of the side mount, mount, or the close guard method to execute the Fujiwara armbar submission method,

The next step is to get control over the arm of the opponent by isolating it. The fighter can grip the wrist or even the upper part of the arm. After taking firm control the next step of the Fujiwara armbar works against the leverage. The fighter will put the pressure over the arm after extending it in the outward direction.

The angle of the elbow is changed with the pressure of the arms and the legs. The unnatural pressure can create tension in the muscles and cause intense pain that may even lead to the breakage of the elbow joint if the submission is applied for an extended period.

A significant part of the submission of the Fujiwara armbar is the exertion of pressure in the opposite direction. It is the key part that can help the fighter to get the submission. The more pressure you exert the more chance you get for the tap out.

The unique method of the Fujiwara armbar comes with a lot of advantages, one of the top advantages is that the fighter will be unaware of the submission method, he is going to be tapped with, as Fujiwara is the rare submission method that is used in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. So the number of possibilities is evident.

The method of submission can be applied while changing the position or doing the transition in a bout. Fujiwara armbar can be applied from any position, it will demonstrate the highest percentage from any position. This joint lock can restrict the movement of the opponent with its application.

In addition it, the Fujiwara armbar method is a powerful encounter that does not allow the opponent to escape from the trap as they are not ready for it or to defend against the other submission method.

It is the submission method that can be applied in the tournament of the Gi and No-Gi. This technique makes the sport of Brazilian jiu-jitsu more versatile and dynamic. 

The Fujiwara armbar can be applied from various positions including the standing position, guard, side control, and mount position. 

The fighter is required to get the side control over the opponent, the next step is to create pressure over the torso from the side position. 

Target the arm of the opponent by keeping one arm under the elbow and locking it with the other arm. The fighter needs to grip his wrist firmly to apply the submission. 

Pull the arm of the opponent and make a bridge, by placing your arm on the chest of the opponent. Make sure to maintain the pressure by holding the top wrist lock. 

Take the arm of the opponent and start pulling it to the other side. This step will change the side of the opponent.

After changing the position, hold the hand of the opponent's arm and keep his arm under the armpit. Lock the top wrist of the opponent by grabbing it with both of the hands. 

The last step is to spread the base by placing the legs in a wide position. Stretch the arm by the wrist lock, put the pressure of the armpit in the downward position, and meanwhile move the opponent's arm in the upward position. 

The fighter needs to maintain the weight by putting pressure on the opponent's back so that he faces the mat. This is the most important step in the application of the Fujiwara armbar. It will also help to pin the opponent in place.

The Fujiwara armbar joint lock is a vital self-defense method, it is a fundamental technique that can cause severe harm if the opponent does not tap out.

The submission method of the armbar variation requires practice and patience at the same time. The proficiency of the fighter can be increased with the training of the different armbar methods. The fighter should have a brief knowledge of the functioning of the arm so that the fighter can execute the method of the Fujiwara armbar properly.

It can be applied from the various positions which increases its diversity and provides the opportunity to tap the opponent from multiple directions.

It has been recommended to practice the Fujiwara armbar with different fellow fighters that have different weight categories and sizes. It will increase the skill level and the fighter can execute the method more effectively on a mat.

The fighter can work on this submission method by focusing on the major tactics of the Brazilian jiu-jitsu. 

Fujiwara armbar is a highly effective method in grappling and MMA. If the fighter needs to get proficient in the submission method, they must incorporate the following training techniques into the routine. The training practices are essential and can increase the precision and accuracy of the submission.

• Partner drills are strength workouts that can be performed to increase the cardio circuit. The fighter can start it by drilling method. The practice can improve the performance of BJJ athletes, and set according to the timing. It will also improve takedown methods.
• For the improvement of the speed and timing repeated drills can create a big difference. Do practice on the heavy bags and the grappling dummy, the drills will improve your performance. The fighter can work on the placement of the arms, and legs and do the drills to get control over the wrist. This drill will increase the speed and will improve the accuracy.
• Sparring drills can be the most suitable method to enhance the performance of the fighter. You need to work on the transition techniques that will help to maintain control and employ the Fujiwara armbar method. The sparring drills will improve the fighting strategy in a bout. Work on the takedown and focus on the control setups.

The Fujiwara armbar method is rarely used in Brazilian martial arts (BJJ). it is the submission method that has its origin in the catch wrestling. As the fighter uses this submission method, their performance is increased in the bouts of BJJ. it is considered as the most prominent and high percentage method that can enhance the performance of the BJJ athlete.

The arm lock submission method can be learned with practice and with patience. The Fujiwara armbar method is the approach that can be used against any contender. Basically, it works by using the power and techniques of the fellow fighter. In order words the fighter takes the potential of the opponent and uses it against them in a fight. That is why BJJ is considered the most profound art that increases the physical as well as mental capabilities of the grappler.

The Fujiwara armbar method is a significant tool that creates a magnificent difference in the performance of an athlete. It works on getting the brief comprehensibility of the professional capabilities of the fighter.

Photo Credit: @Santino Bros. Wrestling youtube