An arm lock is a submission technique that isolates the opponent's arm and applies force against its natural range of motion. This can lead to hyperextension or torque on the joints, making it a highly effective control and finishing move in BJJ and MMA. Arm locks can be applied from various positions, including guard, mount, side control, and standing transitions.
1. Armbar (Juji-Gatame)
One of the most fundamental arm lock submissions, the armbar, involves securing the opponent’s arm between your legs and applying force at the elbow joint. It can be executed from numerous positions, including mount, closed guard, and even standing transitions. Key details include:
- Controlling the wrist and trapping the arm.
- Proper leg positioning to prevent escapes.
- Hips engaging to hyperextend the elbow.
2. Kimura Lock
The Kimura lock applies a rotational force on the shoulder joint, often secured from side control, guard, or a standing clinch. It is a powerful submission with applications in gi and no-gi grappling. Important aspects include:
- Securing a figure-four grip on the opponent’s wrist.
- Using leverage to isolate and apply pressure.
- Countering defensive grips and rolling escapes.
3. Americana Lock
The Americana, also known as the keylock, is a bent-arm submission commonly applied from mount or side control. By controlling the wrist and elbow, the shoulder joint is forced into an unnatural position. Execution involves:
- Pinning the arm to the mat.
- Using a figure-four grip to control and elevate the wrist.
- Gradually increasing torque for a controlled submission.
4. Omoplata
A unique arm lock, the Omoplata utilizes the legs to isolate and control the opponent’s arm, often leading to sweeps or submissions. Applied primarily from guard, it involves:
- Rotating the hips to trap the opponent’s arm.
- Securing shoulder control with leg positioning.
- Applying gradual pressure to force a tap-out.
5. Reverse Armbar (Ude-Garami)
The reverse armbar is a variation of the traditional armbar but focuses on attacking the arm at different angles. This technique is useful when an opponent defends standard armlocks by twisting their arm.
Mastering arm locks isn’t just about the submission—it’s also about positioning and control. High-level grapplers chain arm locks with positional dominance. Key positions include:
