Spinning Armbar

Subtle Arm Submission from Knee on Belly

Key Steps

Step 1: Setup and control

From knee on belly, pin the near arm with the top hand, keep your chest over their shoulder, and maintain constant knee pressure to limit their mobility.

Step 2: Create angle and isolate arm

Slide the knee toward their head, pivot your hips away, and press the trapped arm across your torso to create space for the finish.

Step 3: Spin and trap

Pivot on the supporting knee, swing the bottom leg across the opponent’s face to pin the arm, and secure the arm against your hip with a tight grip.

Step 4: Finish

Drop your hips, squeeze the legs, and extend the elbow by driving your hips forward to complete the submission while maintaining pressure.

Application

This is a high-level addition to jiujitsu moves and bjj techniques. It works in both gi and no-gi. Not beginner-friendly; progress from basic armbars and knee-on-belly control. How to use: (step-by-step) start from top, isolate the arm, rotate into the arc, and finish with controlled hip drive.

Mistakes

• Losing arm control during the spin
• Relaxing knee-on-belly pressure
• Telegraphing the hip rotation
• Letting the arm escape before finishing

Tips

• Practice slowly to build the angle
• Keep the elbow tight to your ribcage
• Maintain head over the shoulder for balance
• Secure a firm grip before the spin