Armlock on focus: The details you need to improve your submission in Jiu-Jitsu

August 16, 2023

Even as one of the most basic submissions in Jiu-Jitsu, the armlock is a fitting subject for both the first class of a beginner and deep study among masters of this position. The wealth of details, options, traps, and variations make the position one of the most lethal and fun in our sport.

Whether in the most basic or advanced style, we can highlight some fundamental premises of the position, details that'll strengthen the foundation of your armlock enough to improve upon its variations, making it an even safer option on the mats.

When taking the opponent's arm to align the submission, make sure that your feet are parallel to each other. Some of the more experienced fighters like to cross their legs to gain more safety, but at its most basic level, the armlock needs parallel legs and heels being used as a path to the feet.

Proper positioning of the knees is also a major aspect of the armlock. Adducting your knees not only locks your opponent's arm but also adds to the pressure when the elbow is extended to complete the submission. So, a quick recap: parallel feet push downwards while the knees press the opponent's elbow, increasing the pressure of the position.

With the move secured in the lower members, let's shift our focus to the arm under attack. After breaking through the defense grips of the opponent, it's time to extend the arm and seal the deal. The hyperextension we're looking for is that of the elbow ligaments, which should be positioned over the attacker's hip.

After this is done, the athlete on the offensive must ensure that the elbow itself is facing the hip, as one of the armlock defenses consists in spinning the arm to escape the submission. To avoid that, the attacker needs to dominate the opponent's thumb, using one of the hands to seize the wrist while the other locks the base of the thumb, pointing it in the opposite direction of the hip.

With all the pieces in the right place, all that's left is to stretch the legs, project the hip upwards, and pull until the opponent's arm is completely hyperextended, forcing them to tap out. It's worth noting that each person has some degree of resistance to this attack, some with more innate flexibility and others with less. Train your adjustments responsibly and don't be afraid to call upon your professor for help during practice. Study Jiu-Jitsu and improve every day!