Did you know that armbarring is meant to injure your opponents elbow joint? However, when performed with enough force and using the proper technique, it is possible to break the radius and ulnar bones in your opponent’s forearm. The armbar technique is one that demonstrates the utility and versatility of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ). Here are some tips on how to effectively execute this core BJJ move. Searching for free jiu jitsu classes in Raleigh? Call Gracie today to learn more.
Whether you are initiating your armbar from the mount or the guard, using proper technique is a must. Understanding that you are using the largest muscles in your body against your opponent’s smaller muscles is key to executing your armbar properly. Your back, gluteals, lats, and hamstrings are working against your opponent’s bicep. Their forearm becomes a lever against their bicep, and when the armbar is applied to the forearm, the bicep is overpowered and the hinge between the two, or the elbow of your opponent, will snap and break.
The secret to a successful armbar lies in the combination of fluidity and control of your opponent’s arm, just above the elbow joint. The large leg motions necessary and the various points of control that are needed make executing an armbar difficult. Even if your opponent leaves their arm wide open for an attack, the armbar can be hard to execute in a short period. Repeated flow drills can help make the armbar easier to hit when live rolling. In a real-life sparring scenario, multi-limb coordination is essential for control of your opponent.
To perform an armbar from the guard, you will need to have your opponent in the guard and apply an armbar to their right arm. Pull your opponent’s arm to the right and gain control of it just above the elbow with your right hand. Place your left hand on your opponent’s left shoulder and pull your opponent down slightly. It is important to note that your arm should be directly under your opponent’s chin. Uncross your legs and plant your right foot firmly on the ground. Your weight should be distributed between your left shoulder and your right foot. Swing your hips to the right to create enough room to move your left foot to your opponent’s right hip. Redistribute your weight to your right shoulder and left foot. Swing your hips again to position yourself nearly sideways on your opponent. Push their chin up with your left forearm and swing your left leg under your opponent’s neck. Apply the armbar by pinning your opponent’s arm to your chest and raising your hips. For a more substantial hold, squeeze your knees together slightly.
To perform the armbar from the mounted position wait until your opponent straightens their arms, and place your right hand on your opponent’s chest between their arms. Isolate the arm you want to perform the armbar on by taking your left arm around the outside of your opponent’s right arm and place it on your right hand. Put all your weight on your hands and hop to your feet. Placing all your weight on your opponent’s chest, swing your left foot around the top of your opponent’s head and sit down next to your opponent. Aim to be as close as possible to their right shoulder. You are now in the perfect position to apply the armbar. Control your opponent’s arm and lay back, raise your hips off the ground, and apply the lock.
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