### Armbar Technique The armbar, a classic and fundamental technique in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), is used to hyperextend the opponent's arm at the elbow joint. It can be applied from various positions, making it versatile and favored by practitioners. --- ### Japanese Name **Juji Gatame** --- ### Common Positions - **Bottom:** - Closed Guard - Half Guard - **Top:** - Mount - Side Control - Knee on Belly - North South - **Others:** - Back Mount --- ### Step-by-step Instructions: Armbar from Closed Guard 1. **Control the Wrist:** - With your legs wrapped around your opponent, grab one of their wrists using a grip similar to holding a baseball bat. 2. **Create an Angle:** - Using your free hand, hold onto your opponent's opposite side or collar to prevent them from posturing up, and pivot your hips to angle your body perpendicular to them. 3. **Adjust Leg Position:** - Slide your leg that is on the same side as the trapped arm up onto your opponent's back, making it difficult for them to posture. - Simultaneously, bring your other leg high under their armpit. 4. **Break the Posture:** - Bring your knees close to your chest and pull down with your legs to keep your opponent's posture broken. 5. **Secure the Arm:** - With your hand already controlling the wrist, use your other hand to cup and pull their elbow, ensuring you have a firm grip. 6. **Swing the Leg Over:** - Swing your free leg over your opponent's head, ensuring your knees are pinched tightly, creating a space where their arm is isolated. 7. **Apply Pressure:** - Execute the armbar by controlling their wrist with both hands and raising your hips off the ground as you pull back, leveraging your body weight to hyperextend their elbow. 8. **Finish The Submission:** - Maintain tension and pressure in the right direction. Your opponent should feel the vulnerability and may tap out to signal submission recognition. --- ### Key Tips for Effectiveness - **Maintain Control:** Keep consistent pressure on your opponent's head and arm to prevent them from posturing. - **Knees Together:** Focus on pinching your knees together to immobilize the opponent's arm and control their movement. - **Leverage**: Utilize your hips to extend rather than pulling with your arms alone. --- ### Safety - It's vital to practice the armbar with care, as over-extension may cause injury to your opponent's elbow. Always apply the pressure gradually and respect your partner's tapping. ---