Armbar from Back

Finishing from Back Mount

Key Steps

Step 1: Control and Arm Selection

• Establish a tight seatbelt grip around the opponent’s upper torso: one arm around the waist/shoulder, the other across the far shoulder.
• Decide which arm you will attack and keep the elbow close to your hip to prevent posting.

Step 2: Isolate the Arm

• Angle your hips slightly to bring the chosen arm across your torso.
• Use your inner thighs to trap the arm between your chest and hips, preventing an easy escape.

Step 3: Swing the Leg Over

• With the near leg, sweep the leg over the opponent’s head, guiding your shin across their neck to secure the arm.
• Plant the foot behind their head to help pin the arm and create the lever for the finish.

Step 4: Finish the Lock

• Squeeze your knees together and drive your hips upward to hyperextend the elbow.
• Control the opponent’s head with your grips to maintain pressure until the tap.

Application

• Gi vs No-Gi: In Gi, you can use grips on the collar or sleeve to enhance control; in No-Gi rely on grips around the arm and head and strong hip pressure.
• Step-by-step progression: establish back control, choose the arm, isolate, swing over, and finish with hip extension.
• Beginner-friendly? Generally not; requires solid back control, hip mobility, and timing, but can be learned with deliberate drill work.

Mistakes

• Failing to isolate the arm or losing the grip while switching sides.
• Not angling the hips or giving the opponent a post to push off.
• Allowing the head to turn away, creating space to escape.
• Neglecting hip pressure during the finish.

Tips

• Keep chest tight to the back and maintain a high seatbelt; the finish relies on leg placement and hip drive.
• Practice the sequence slowly: from back control, isolate, swing over, and finish in a controlled manner.
• Drill with a partner to develop the feel of the lever and the lock; this is a staple in jiu jitsu moves and bjj techniques.