The armbar from closed guard is one of the most fundamental submissions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Perfect for beginners, it’s a powerful technique that teaches essential principles like breaking posture, controlling your opponent, and applying a clean finish.
If you’re just starting out in BJJ, learning how to execute the armbar from closed guard will provide you with a strong foundation for both submissions and overall guard play. Let’s dive into the step-by-step process and some key tips to help you succeed.
What is the Armbar from Closed Guard?
The armbar is a joint lock that targets the elbow. By controlling your opponent’s arm and isolating it between your hips and legs, you can apply pressure to hyperextend the elbow joint, forcing your opponent to tap out.
Step-by-Step Breakdown: The Armbar from Closed Guard
Step 1: Establish a Strong Closed Guard
- Start in closed guard, with your legs wrapped tightly around your opponent’s waist.
- Keep your opponent’s posture broken by pulling them toward you with your arms and legs. If their posture is too upright, it will be harder to set up the armbar.
Step 2: Control the Target Arm
- Identify which arm you want to attack. Grab their wrist with one hand while placing your other hand on the back of their tricep or elbow to keep their arm bent and controlled.
- Pull their arm across your centerline, aiming to move their elbow to the middle of your chest.
Step 3: Secure the Position with Your Legs
- While controlling their arm, use your legs to keep them close to you. Squeeze your thighs together to maintain control.
Step 4: Create an Angle
- Place your foot on their hip on the same side as the arm you’re attacking.
- Use this foot to pivot your body, turning your torso perpendicular to theirs. Your head should move slightly to the side of their torso, giving you the angle needed for the armbar.
Step 5: Control Their Head
- Swing your other leg up and across the back of their neck. This step is crucial for keeping their posture broken and ensuring they can’t escape.
Step 6: Lock the Armbar
- Bring your attacking leg over their face, locking it in place. Your legs should now form a tight structure that isolates their arm.
- Squeeze your knees together to trap their arm securely.
Step 7: Finish the Submission
- Grab their wrist with both hands, ensuring their thumb points upward.
- Lift your hips while pulling their arm downward to apply pressure to their elbow joint.
- Go slow to avoid injuring your training partner—tap out signals come quickly with this submission!
Key Details for Beginners
- Break Their Posture First:
A strong opponent will try to keep their posture upright. Always prioritize breaking their posture before attempting the armbar. - Control the Arm:
The armbar relies on isolating the arm. If they can pull it free or create space, the technique will fail. - Create a Tight Angle:
Turning your body perpendicular to theirs makes it easier to secure the arm and apply the submission. - Knees Together, Hips High:
Squeeze your knees together throughout the submission and lift your hips to generate the necessary pressure.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the Angle: Beginners often try to finish the armbar without pivoting their hips. This makes it easier for your opponent to defend.
- Loose Leg Control: If your legs aren’t tight around their upper body, they’ll escape before you can finish the submission.
- Rushing the Finish: Go slow when applying the pressure. This prevents injuries and helps you focus on proper technique.
Why Beginners Should Master the Armbar from Closed Guard
The armbar from closed guard is more than just a submission—it teaches foundational concepts like grip control, posture breaking, and body positioning. Mastering this technique early on will help you build confidence in attacking from the guard and pave the way for learning more advanced submissions.
Drill to Build Confidence
To make this technique second nature, drill it regularly with a partner. Start slowly, focusing on each step, and gradually increase the speed as you get more comfortable. Once you’ve nailed the details, practice it in live rolls to see how it works in a real grappling scenario.
The armbar is a timeless submission that will serve you throughout your BJJ journey. Start practicing today, and you’ll be tapping out opponents in no time! 🥋