Grappling ・ Joint lock ・ Mount / Guard

Armbar

A joint lock that hyperextends the elbow. Trap one arm between your legs, lie back perpendicular to your opponent and use your hips as the fulcrum. Known in judo as juji-gatame.

Steps

1. Isolate one of your opponent's arms and hug it tight to your chest with both hands.
2. Pivot your hips close to their shoulder so their arm sits between your thighs.
3. Throw one leg over their face or neck and the other across their chest, pinning them down.
4. Squeeze your knees together, turn their thumb up and lie back.
5. Lift your hips slowly, using them as the fulcrum to straighten the elbow.

Key points

• Keep your hips glued to their shoulder. Any gap lets the elbow slip out.
• Keep the thumb pointing up so the elbow joint faces your hips.
• Pinch your knees together so they cannot turn or sit up.

Defense

• Clasp your hands together before the arm is straightened.
• Push the leg off your face and turn into your opponent (hitchhiker escape).
• Stack your weight onto them to take away the angle for their hips.