Americana (Keylock)

Shoulder Lock from Full Mount

Key Steps

Step 1: Control the arm

From the full mount, establish heavy hips and frame. Pin the opponent's near wrist to your chest with your near hand and secure the elbow with your opposite hand to prevent sweeping or turning out.

Step 2: Isolate and angle

Keep the grip locked and slide the trapped arm across their torso toward the far hip, maintaining tight control of the wrist. Your elbows stay close to your body to limit their movement.

Step 3: Create leverage

Switch to a secure two-handed grip around the forearm, if needed, and pull the elbow toward your hip while keeping the wrist pinned. This isolates the shoulder and begins the torque.

Step 4: Finish the lock

Rotate the forearm outward, turning the hand and wrist so the elbow points away from the body. Maintain constant pressure on the shoulder joint and finish when your opponent taps.

Application

From full mount

Stay heavy with compact posture, use your hips to pin them, and apply the step-by-step sequence to isolate the arm. This is a fundamental jiu jitsu moves technique suitable for both gi and no-gi. Beginner-friendly with a focus on safe, controlled execution; follow a step-by-step approach for best results in bjj techniques.

Mistakes

Common mistakes

• Losing the wrist control as they bridge or roll; arms escaping.
• Lifting hips too high, reducing control.
• Grabbing too far from the elbow or losing the isolation.

Tips

Details

• Base and posture matter: widen the base, keep hips low, and head neutral.
• Practice slowly with a resistant partner to build mechanics before increasing pressure.