Straight Armbar

From Knee on Belly to Elbow Joint Lock

Key Steps

Setup and control

• From knee-on-belly, select the arm you will attack. In Gi, grip the sleeve or wrist with the near hand to anchor; in No-Gi, grip the wrist securely and keep the elbow tight to your body.
• Pin the arm to your chest with the far hand to prevent bending and maintain control.

Isolation and angle

• Swing the attacking leg across the torso to trap the arm between thigh and hip; keep the elbow elevated and the wrist controlled.
• Adjust hip angle away from the trapped elbow to increase leverage while avoiding shoulder strain.

Finishing the lock

• Bring the leg over the head to tighten the extension; then drive the hips back while pulling the wrist toward your hip to finish the arm lock with a straight elbow.

Application

• This submission is common in both Gi and No-Gi contexts; it teaches how to convert top control into a finish; it's intermediate and can be taught step-by-step; how to drill safely.

Mistakes

• Not controlling the wrist; arm can bend; poor hip rotation; losing the angle.

Tips

• Keep the elbow in line with the shoulder; compress the arm with your thighs; communicate with your partner; work on safe and controlled finishes.