Armbar
The armbar is a joint lock that straightens and hyperextends the opponent's elbow by trapping the arm between your legs and lifting your hips. It is the most universal submission in BJJ, available from almost every position.
Browse Armbar flowcharts in ExploreControl before the finish
A clean armbar is about controlling the arm and the head before you ever extend. Pinching your knees, keeping the thumb pointed up, and stopping the opponent from stacking or hitchhiking the elbow out is what separates a finish from a scramble.
Armbars everywhere
From closed guard, mount, and the back the armbar shares its setups with the triangle and the omoplata, so defending one usually opens another. That makes it a natural node in a submission chain rather than a single attack.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my opponent keep escaping the armbar?
Most escapes come from a loose grip on the arm or a gap that lets them stack you or rip the elbow free. Keep your knees pinched, control the wrist with the thumb up, and clear their defensive grip before you bridge into the finish.
What positions can you armbar from?
Almost all of them: closed and open guard, mount, side control, and the back. Its setups overlap with the triangle and omoplata, so they chain together.
Is the armbar safe to drill?
Yes, when finished slowly. Extend gradually and give your partner time to tap, since the elbow has little margin once the arm is straight.
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