### Americana Arm Lock The Americana is a classic submission technique commonly used in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, often executed from dominant positions such as side control or mount. #### Positions Most Commonly Used From: - **Side Control** - **Mount** #### Step-by-Step Instructions: ##### From Side Control 1. **Establish Control** - Secure side control over your opponent by pinning their shoulders and hips. - Ensure their far-side arm is tucked under your body or controlled. 2. **Isolate the Near-side Arm** - Shift your body to increase your weight on their chest and grab their far-side wrist with your top hand, maintaining a firm control. - Use your elbow to pin their near-side arm (the one closer to you) to the ground; this is crucial to isolate the limb. 3. **Secure the Wrist-Control** - Slide your other hand (from underneath their far-side arm) over to their wrist closest to you. - Grab their wrist with a thumbless grip (gable grip) to prevent escape. 4. **Create a Figure Four Grip** - Slide the controlling hand under their arm as you drive your own arm under, forming a 'U' shape. - Lock your hand around your wrist, using a thumbless grip, forming a figure four with your arms. 5. **Finish the Submission** - Keeping your elbow pinned to the mat, gently lift their elbow using your bicep while simultaneously sliding their wrist down towards their hip. - This motion should create tension on their shoulder joint, leading to a tap if applied gradually. ##### From Mount 1. **Tight Control** - Control your opponent's upper body, ensuring your knees are tight against their ribs. - Position your chest over your opponent's head for increased pressure and control. 2. **Isolate the Arm** - As your opponent pushes against your chest with an arm, use your opposite arm to push through and pin their wrist to the mat. - Maintain pressure using your head to ensure they remain pinned. 3. **Achieve the Grip** - Once the wrist is secured and flat, slide your free hand under their elbow. - Secure your grip using the figure four, ensuring your opponent cannot retract their arm. 4. **Apply the Lock** - Drive their wrist towards their hips while lifting their elbow. - Ensure their shoulder is immobilized by maintaining downward pressure using your shoulder. - Increase pressure gently until a tap is achieved. #### Tips: - **Control Over Speed**: The Americana relies on steady control rather than explosive speed. - **Thumb-less Grip**: Using a grip without your thumb minimizes escape opportunities. - **Focus on Joint Mechanics**: The torque should primarily affect the shoulder joint—avoid violent or jerking motions to ensure safety. The Americana arm lock provides a versatile and effective submission option, especially when your opponent is more focused on defending different attacks, such as those to the neck or torso.