Armbar

Elbow Joint Lock from Full Mount (Submission)

Key Steps

Setup

• From the full mount, establish a solid base with knees tight and hips low. Control the trapped arm by pinning the wrist to your chest with your near-side hand. In Gi, you can grip the sleeve to help secure; in No-Gi, use a firm grip on the wrist.

Isolation

• Keep the elbow tight to your hip. Shift your hips slightly to create space, then swing your far leg over the opponent's head to begin the lever. Your posted leg stabilizes the torso.

Finish

• Cross your ankles behind the head or around the arm to form a secure line. Sit back and drive your hips upward/forward to extend the elbow while maintaining control of the wrist. Hold until tap.

Application

Gi and No-Gi

• Gi: use sleeve/collar grips to control the arm and prevent frames; No-Gi: rely on wrist control and triceps grip. Both aim to isolate the elbow and apply pressure.

Safety and control

• Tap early if the opponent shows discomfort; avoid jerky movements and keep your own joints protected.

Mistakes

Common grips and alignment

• Arm too high or elbow away from hip; poor hip angle.

Posture and hip pressure

• Not driving hips or not controlling the wrist; allow the arm to peel free.

Leg positioning

• Failing to secure the leg wrap; loose figure-four leads to escapes.

Tips

Beginner-friendly progressions

• Start with controlled, slow hip rotations from mount to feel the leverage.

How to drill safely

• Drill with a cooperative partner focusing on control and taps.

How to defend counter moves

• Keep elbows tight, postures on hips, and practice escapes from mount.