Jiu Jitsu Armbar: Everything You Need to Know

The armbar is a jiu-jitsu submission move that hyperextends the elbow joints after creating rigid and tight arm control. You can achieve this arm joint lock from different BJJ positions, including the closed guard, side control, full mount, back mount, and so on.

The arm bar is a highly effective submission to overcome even more renowned and severe competitors in BJJ competitions. So, as a serious grappler, you should study the armbar hold from your early days on the mat to build a challenging attacking game.

This guide will help you comprehend, finish, or rediscover the armbar submission. It includes effective variations with setups, transitions, and other fantastic things. Stay tuned!

Armbar History: Who Created This Technique?

bjj armbar

Armbars became the submission choice for several Brazilian jiu-jitsu competitors like Rodolfo Viera, Alexandre RibeiroAndre GalvaoMarcus Almeida, and Rafa Mendes. So, you’re probably curious about who created the armbar submission.

There is no link between the BJJ armbar submission and its creator since it has existed for hundreds of years. However, this joint lock move is still used today, despite nobody knowing when it was initially used.

These days, several devoted competitors and coaches have developed many jiu-jitsu armbar variation techniques. Therefore, the armbar is often used in BJJ tournaments with a high success percentage.

BJJ Armbar Submission: Definition & Anatomy

The armbar is one of the essential submission techniques available to knowledgeable practitioners in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and mixed martial arts. It refers to the cross armlock and is most famous by the name Ude Hishigi Juji Gatame in Judo martial art. So, how does the arm bar work?

The armbar is a brutal lock submission that produces a hyperextension of the elbow. In addition, it requires precise control of the opponent’s arm to be applied appropriately. In this case, the opponent will be forced to tap out due to the unsupportable pain landing on his elbow joints.

Unfortunately, this arm submission might damage your elbow if you’re late tapping out or processing the proper escape. Here is why?

armbar anatomy

Arm Bar Jiu-Jitsu Setup: How to Do This Submission?

In Brazilian jiu-jitsu, you can use the armbar technique in gi and no-gi, which is a significant advantage.

A rigid arm lock is achievable a few steps after landing in a suitable position, such as the closed guard, mount, etc.

  1. Enter a suitable position, then control your opponent’s arm that you wish to attack. Also, don’t forget to control the opponent’s upper body (chest and head).
  2. Drive the controlled arm between your knees and close the distance.
  3. Maintain control of the opponent’s arm, and ensure that his elbow is lying across your hips.
  4. Use your full-body leverage by pulling your hips and the opponent’s wrist down. These movements extend the opponent’s elbow and force him to tap out. 
How to Do The ArmBar Submission

N.B: The armbar steps mentioned above may differ from one BJJ position to another. So, look at the technique variations coming in the following sections.

Jiu-Jitsu Armbar Variations

bjj armbar variations

The armbar is a fantastic submission with various variations that you should study and practice as much as possible. Moreover, it is achievable from multiple positions, including closed guardspider guard, mount, side control, and others.

In other words, you can get an arm bar hold practically from everywhere, which is why fighters enjoy this submission.

As a result, practicing some other variations will assist you in improving your overall jiu-jitsu performance. That is why you should look at the setups that follow. Have a good time!

Armbar from Closed Guard

The closed guard is one of the most essential and complex guards to learn and master. It’s a good position that gives you a variety of efficient sweeps and submissions, such as the armbar, triangle chokekimura lock, omoplata, etc.

Aside from that, the armbar from the guard position is one of the most fundamental and well-known submissions. So, you’re probably wondering how to do an armbar from the closed guard. 

The following steps will help set up the closed guard armbar without problems.

  1. Reach the closed guard, or if you’re already there, that’s nice.
  2. Choose one opponent’s arm to attack, then grip the wrist lightly so your opponent cannot detect your attack intent.
  3. Use your legs to break your opponent’s posture. Meanwhile, isolate the arm and use your free hand to control the target arm.
  4. Open your closed guard, then use your legs to shift your hips 90-degree angle within your opponent.
  5. Move your legs to control the opponent’s head and the others underneath his arm.
  6. Make sure that the attacked arm’s elbow is on your hips. And squeeze your legs to close the distance.
  7. Finish the closed guard by driving your hip up and the opponent’s wrist down.

Need more help!

In the following video, Giancarlo Bodoni shows you the proper steps for completing the basic armbar from a closed guard.

Source: Bernardo Faria BJJ Fanatics 

Armbar from Mount

how to do an armbar

The mount is one of the most dominant positions in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. It’s a valuable position that gives you a variety of efficient submission moves, such as the armbar, triangle choke, Americana, collar chokes, etc.

Getting an armbar from the mount position is significantly more impressive in finishing your opponent and, consequently, the BJJ or MMA fight. So, what is the best way to accomplish the mounted armbar?

The following steps will help set up the armbar from the full mount (Juji Gatame) without problems.

  1. Reach the full mount and secure your position (don’t get swept).
  2. Climb up over your opponent’s stomach to reach the high-mount position.
  3. Start looking for a cross-collar choke to force your opponent to react by extending his hands. Then, frame both opponents’ hands as they come up, using your knees.
  4. Grab the triceps of the same side of the attacked arm.
  5. Pull the attacked arm into your chest and secure it by bringing your same-sided knee closer to the opponent’s head.
  6. Bring your chest closer to the opponent’s chest and lean your weight into their trapped arm.
  7. Shift your body weight to the leg most outlying from the tapped arm. Meanwhile, you should bring your other leg up higher and around your opponent’s head.
  8. Drive your top leg over your opponent’s face, and secure it. Then, bring your lower leg up and shift your weight to create a 90-degree angle within your opponent.
  9. Close the distance and make the opponent’s arm tight to your chest.
  10. Finnish the mounted armbar by leaning back toward the ground and raising your hips to hyperextend your opponent’s elbow. 

Need more help!

In the following video, Coach John Danaher demonstrates the proper steps for completing an armbar from the mount in BJJ Gi and Nogi.

Source: Bernardo Faria BJJ

Armbar from Back Mount

The back mount, also called the back control, is a dominant position in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and other fighting disciplines. It’s a challenging position to outclass any adversary, even the extensive and severe fighters.

Since the back control can offer a variety of efficient submissions, such as the BJJ arm bar, chokes, etc.

As a result, getting an armbar from the back mount is a significantly impressive move to finish your opponent during a fight. So, how to do the back mount armbar (rear armbar)?

Taking a glance at the following video will give you the necessary steps to complete an armbar correctly from the back control. Have fun!

Source: The Grappling Academy

Armbar from Spider Guard

The spider guard is a kind of dynamic open guard in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. It occurs when you grip your opponent’s sleeves and have at least one foot controlling an opponent’s arm. Indeed, it allows you to off-balance on your way to some great sweeps.

In addition, the jiu-jitsu spider guard offers access to excellent and effective attacks, including the armbar, triangle choke, and other combinations to end a fight. So, how do you finish an arm bar from the spider guard position in jiu-jitsu?

Taking a glance at the following video will give you the necessary steps to complete a spider guard armbar correctly. Have fun!

Source: BJJ Fanatics

Armbar from Side Control

bjj armbar

Side control is one of the best dominant positions in BJJ grappling. After passing the opponent’s guard, a persistent practitioner will land at the side control position.

When there, he will have a plethora of submissions, including armbars, chokes, etc.

The side control armbar has many variations, which will probably help you end a fight. So, what steps are needed to finish this arm joint lock from side control properly?

In the following video, Lachlan Giles teaches the correct finishing of the far armbar from the BJJ side control. Have fun!

Source: Absolute MMA St Kilda – Melbourne

Arm bar from Butterfly Guard

The butterfly guard is an incredibly Brazilian jiu-jitsu guard position. It’s a kind of open guard position where the bottom player sits on the floor and controls his opponent with his shins and legs, which stand like a butterfly.

Indeed, the BJJ butterfly guard is the starting point for various submission techniques, such as the guillotine choke, leg locks, kneebars, triangles, armbars, and so on.

Many fighters like Marcelo Garcia, Jean Jacques Machado, Renzo Gracie, Nino Schembri, and Leonardo Santos love this guard type.

So, what are the necessary steps to finish an armbar from the butterfly guard position?

The following video will help you understand how to finish a butterfly guard armbar properly. Have fun!

Source: Gracie Barra HQ – California

Armbar from Knee on Belly

lucas lepri bjj

The knee on belly is an authoritarian position in BJJ martial arts that produces unsupportable pressure on the opponent’s stomach.

Nevertheless, it’s a good position that offers you a variety of efficient submission moves, such as the rolling armbar, baseball choke, etc.

Getting an armbar from the knee on the belly is a good step toward finishing a jiu-jitsu fight. But first, how do you armbar from the knee on belly position?

The following steps will help set up an armbar from the knee on belly position correctly.

  1. Reach the knee belly position if you pass your opponent’s guard or from the side control
  2. Force your opponent to use his hands by applying high pressure on the belly.
  3. Seize the opportunity to grip the opponent’s arm on the other side (preferably from the triceps). Then, pull it toward your chest while maintaining the dominant position.
  4. Turn by 180 degrees while controlling the attacked arm tightly.
  5. Use your legs to control both the opponent’s head and chest.
  6. Finish the submission by squeezing your legs and driving your hip up and the opponent’s wrist down.

Need more help!

The following video will teach you how to do the armbar variation from knee-on-belly in BJJ appropriately. Have fun!

Source: The Grappling Academy

Armbar from Turtle Position

the armbar

The turtle is advanced in the BJJ martial art to overpower your opponent. It allows access to the back mount and efficient submissions like the armbar, clock choked’arce chokeanaconda choke, and so on.

In another context, the turtle can prevent an opponent from taking side mount and altering a guard passing, among other things.

The armbar from the turtle can effectively finish a fight. So, how to armbar correctly from the jiu-jitsu turtle position?

Taking a glance at the following steps will help perform an armbar from the turtle position.

  1. Enter the top turtle position; you will be there when your opponent escapes the side control or knee-on-belly positions, among other scenarios.
  2. Control your opponent’s hips to prevent him from escaping the turtle position.
  3. Move near the opponent’s upper body while maintaining pressure.
  4. Find your way to control your opponent’s arm, and secure it.
  5. Slide over your opponent’s back, and meanwhile, bring one leg to hook his back and get the other knee to set aside your opponent’s head.
  6. Adjust the position to make the controlled arm so tight. Then, extend your body to bring the opponent’s arm tight to your chest.
  7. Finish the turtle armbar by pulling your hips toward the ground to extend the arm’s elbow. And here is the tap.

Need more help!

The following video will give the necessary details to complete the turtle armbar correctly in a Brazilian jiu-jitsu fight. Have fun!

Source: BJJ Fanatics

Otherwise, here are two other turtle armbar attack variations explained by Stephan Kesting. Happy learning!

Source: Stephan Kesting

Rubber Guard Armbar

The rubber guard armbar is another awesome jiu-jitsu armbar that should try. It’s one of the most dangerous submissions in BJJ grappling, as well as in mixed martial arts (MMA).

Awesome! So, what is the rubber guard?

The rubber guard is regarded as one of the most sophisticated guards in grappling, MMA, and the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

In fact, It’s a closed high guard system developed by Eddie Bravo at 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu.

Furthermore, this position necessitates being a flexible practitioner who understands how to manage his legs perfectly. Playing the rubber guard, on the other hand, is always a smart move.

Eddie Bravo’s rubber guard attacks system demonstrates that he is one of the most forward-thinking martial arts instructors in the world.

The Rubber Guard, on the other hand, is constantly being refined by jiu-jitsu and mixed martial arts practitioners.

Additionally, there are a plethora of submissions that you can perform from this guard variation including the armbar. As a matter of fact, how do you get an armbar from the rubber guard?

Throughout the next tutorial video, you’ll discover how to do the rubber guard armbar by Eddie Bravo.

Source: JiuJitsuMania

Straight Armbars

how to armbar

The straight armbar is one of the best arm bar variations in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and other martial arts. It’s a fantastic submission that you hyperextended the opponent’s elbow using your hands rather than your hips.

Otherwise, the straight armbar is achievable from many BJJ positions, including the mount, side control, etc. Therefore, how to do the straight armbar from the full guard?

The straight armbar from the guard is likewise the regular guard armbar, except you will attack the same-side arm, not the cross side.

So, glance at the following steps to complete a straight armbar from the full guard correctly. Have fun!

  1. Reach the full guard position.
  2. Use both arms to control one opponent’s arm, wrist, and elbow.
  3. Break your opponent’s posture.
  4. Make a shrimp move to move your hips near the opponent’s side of the controlled arm.
  5. Isolate the opponent’s arm properly while you’re securing the control.
  6. Move your top leg across the opponent’s back, where the knee will crack down on the nearside shoulder of your opponent. And your lower leg has to have a foot on the opponent’s far side hip.
  7. Squeeze your knees together.
  8. Bring the opponent’s arm and wrist up, then secure it between your shoulder and neck.
  9. Move your arms up to land on the opponent’s elbow and clasp them together using a gable grip.
  10. Finish the straight armbar by driving your arms to hyperextend the opponent’s elbow and force him to tap out. 

Need more help!

The following video will give precise details on doing the straight armbar from the full guard. 

Source: Chewjitsu

Otherwise, another incredible straight armbar variation is included, including the mount and side control.

Straight armbar from mount

Source: Howcast

Straight armbar from side control

Source: Roger Gracie TV

Straight armbar from closed guard

Source: Jiu Jitsu Brotherhood

Flying Armbar

Boys Practicing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

The flying armbar move stands among the foremost spectacular submission techniques in mixed martial arts and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

It’s a quick, savage, and effective submission when performed correctly.

But, If you cannot do it properly, you will cause an undesirable injury. So, be prudent when you make these acrobatic moves. So, how to perform a flying armbar correctly?

Looking at the following steps will help adequately set up a flying armbar from the standing position.

  1. Make sure you’re winning the hand fighting and distance managing while standing.
  2. Be the fighter who ties his opponent up, one arm around the head, the 2nd overwrapping his arm.
  3. Use the action-reaction principle to cause an explosive opponent’s reaction. For example, you can snap down your opponent’s neck to cause a reaction.
  4. While your opponent tends to regain balance, you must bring your foot and jump with one leg over the controlled arm toward the opponent’s face.
  5. Keep the controlled arm’s wrist tight to your chest and slide it down.
  6. Finish the jiu-jitsu standing flying armlock by driving your hips up to create a hyperextension of the opponent’s elbow.

Need more help!

The following video demonstrates the necessary steps for the BJJ standing properly flying armbar variation. Have fun!

Helicopter Armbar

The helicopter armbar movement is among the most impressive submission techniques in BJJ martial arts.

It is a rapid, brutal, spectacular armlock submission that, when executed correctly, may be very effective.

Now, you may wonder who was the first fighter to try the helicopter armbar.

Braulio Estima, Gracie Barra’s black belt, was the first BJJ fighter who tried the helicopter armbar.

Aside from that, like the other submissions, the helicopter armbar requires robust control over your jiu-jitsu adversary. So, how to finish this technique accurately?

There are several ways to get into the helicopter armbar, including the open guard or De La Riva guard. Here are the necessary steps to properly set up the helicopter armbar from the DLR guard position.

  1. Reach the DLR guard position and secure the position.
  2. Load the opponent’s weight over you until he’s floating over you. But make sure that your hips are underneath your opponent.
  3. Rock backward, roll your opponent’s weight onto your feet, and lift them.
  4. While the opponent’s weight loads above you, unhook your De La Riva hook, pull the controlling arm towards you, and convey the unhooked foot around your opponent’s head.
  5. Simultaneously, tap the opposite foot on the opponent’s hip to make a rotation.
  6. Your opponent should fall under the armbar position if all is done correctly. 
  7. Finish the helicopter armbar.

Need more help!

The following video will give the necessary details to complete the helicopter armbar appropriately in a Brazilian jiu-jitsu fight. Have fun!

Source: The Grappling Academy

Reverse Armbar

The reverse armbar is among those sneaky and effective variations you should know.

There are numerous entrances to this powerful jiu jitsu submission, including the closed guard and butterfly guard, to name a few examples.

Otherwise, the reverse armbar can be extremely useful in certain situations, such as getting some cool sweeps or transitioning to other positions.

This is one of the reasons why so many fighters enjoy these techniques: It’s practical and provides them with many options.

If you’re wondering how to do the reverse armbar, you’ve come to the right place.

The following are two fantastic reverse armbar variations you should try to learn.

Reverse armbar from guard

Throughout the above video, you’ll get more information on how to do the reverse armbar from the closed and butterfly guard. Source: Stephan Kesting

Reverse armbar from mount

The above video will give you more information on how to do the reverse armbar from the mount position in BJJ No-Gi. Source: MMA Leech

Inverted Armbar

The inverted armbar is yet another amazing armbar variation that can help you improve your BJJ attack system if you are already proficient in it.

However, it is one of the most underappreciated armbar variations by many fighters in BJJ tournaments.

The technique is primarily used by No-gi grapplers and is most often entered from the closed guard.

As a result, a beginner Jiu-Jitsu practitioner will undoubtedly have a good time learning and applying this effective armbar variation.

If you’re wondering to learn more about the reverse armbar, you’ve come to the right place.

In the next video, Fabio Gurgel teaches you how to perform an inverted armbar from the guard.

Source: Stephan Kesting

Jiu Jitsu Armbar Escapes

Countering a submission, like the armbar, can be a significant step toward gaining an advantage over your opponent and maybe winning the fight.

Although, a successful escaping process depends on numerous elements, including the ability to implement the right moves at the right timing, among other things.

Here are some helpful armbar escapes that you should learn to improve your BJJ game so far. Enjoy the process and take notes. 

Armbar Escape from the Guard

Source:

Armbar Escape from Mount

Source: Chewjitsu

Armbar Escapes By Stephan Kesting

Source: Stephan Kesting

Armbar Escapes By Andre Galvao

Source: Atos Jiu-Jitsu H.Q

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Armbar Injury

jiu jitsu armbar techniques

The armbar submission provokes an elbow’s hyperextension, which can cause massive elbow pain.

“Hyperextended elbows occur when the elbow joint moves outside its normal range of motion. The injury can be painful and can take several weeks to heal.” According to Medical News Today

So, you’re probably wondering how to heal your elbow after armbar.

In the following video, you’ll get fantastic advice and tips to reduce pain and heal your elbow after a severe armbar submission.

Source: SPARK Physiotherapy

Armbar Submission In MMA

Armbars are among the best effective submissions in mixed martial arts. Otherwise, many MMA fighters have proven the efficiency of the armbar move, including Ronda Rousey and many others. 

Enjoy these five fantastic armbar MMA submissions in ONE Championship

Source: ONE Championship

Conclusion

The armbar is one of the excellent submissions in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, MMA, and other martial arts. So, it can be helpful for you to end a fight; therefore, you should understand how does an armbar work?

The armbar is an essential Brazilian jiu-jitsu submission that hyperextends the elbow joints after creating strict and tight arm control.

Otherwise, the armbar technique has several variations since it’s reachable from many positions and can be done differently. So, you’re probably wondering about the best armbar variations you should learn. 

The closed guard armbar, mounted armbar, side control armbar, and straight Armbars are among the best armbar technique variations you should learn.

I hope this post will help you improve your overall BJJ performance by including excellent armbar techniques in your attacking game. As a result, you’ll be able to conquer more BJJ opponents in the most competitive tournaments.

Let us know: What is your favorite armbar variation?

Related: The triangle choke is one of the most excellent attacks you should add to your BJJ arsenal. This firm chokehold is a must-know for any serious practitioner. Click here to learn more!

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is an Armbar in Fighting?

The armbar is a grappling submission that causes elbow joint hyperextension after creating tight arm control.

What Does an Arm Bar Do?

The arm bar is a submission hold used in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and mixed martial arts. It is a joint lock that applies pressure to the elbow joint while holding the opponent’s wrist and stretching your hips. 

Consequently, an armbar stretches the opponent’s elbow, causing him to tap out and perhaps inflicting pain and injury.

What Damage Can an Armbar Do?

When used with enough power, an armbar may cause elbow joint injury. The elbow’s hyperextension can lead to ligament tears, dislocations, or fractures.

Depending on the degree of the injury, medical treatment and rehabilitation may be required. Therefore, while the armbar is a formidable submission hold, it should only be used in training and competition in under-regulated and safe settings.

Can You Break Someone’s Arm with an Armbar?

I’ve never seen an armbar break someone’s arm in Brazilian jiu-jitsu or MMA. But on the other hand, an armbar can cause significant damage to the elbow joints due to hyperextension.