Why the Armbar from Back Control is a Must-Know Submission
In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), controlling the back is one of the most dominant positions, offering multiple paths to victory. Among them, the armbar stands out as a high-percentage finish that can catch even seasoned opponents off guard. Black belt Cesar Lima shares his refined approach to isolating and attacking the arm directly from back control. This move is versatile across grappling arts like MMA, submission grappling, and no-gi wrestling, making it essential for fighters at any level.
Whether you're a white belt building fundamentals or a competitor refining your game, mastering this armbar enhances your back attack arsenal. It emphasizes leverage, timing, and control—key elements in live rolling or competition. Pair it with proper gear like a durable BJJ gi or rash guards from Apollo MMA to stay comfortable during intense sessions.
Prerequisites: Securing Back Control
Before launching the armbar, ensure rock-solid back control. Cesar Lima starts with both hooks in, seatbelt grip established (one arm over the shoulder, one under the armpit), and your chest glued to the opponent's back. This prevents escapes and sets up the attack.
Pro Tip: In MMA or no-gi scenarios, use a body triangle instead of hooks for deeper control, especially against explosive strikers transitioning to the cage.
Step 1: Isolate the Target Arm
Begin by breaking the opponent's posture. With your seatbelt grip, pull down on their far shoulder while pushing their near elbow across their body using your underhook arm. This exposes the target arm (the one on the side you're attacking).
- Grip the opponent's wrist with your same-side hand (if attacking their right arm, use your right hand).
- Feed your other hand through to grab behind their tricep, securing a two-on-one grip.
This isolation is crucial—opponents often defend by hugging their chest, so disrupt that posture early.
Step 2: Off-Balance and Sweep to North-South
With the arm controlled, shrimp your hips slightly to create space. Release your bottom hook and swing your leg over their head, positioning your knee near their neck. Simultaneously, pull their isolated arm across while lifting with your free leg to off-balance them.
Cesar emphasizes explosiveness here: Drive your shoulder into their ribcage to flatten them chest-down. Your body now aligns in a north-south position over their hips, with the arm trapped between your legs.
Common Mistake to Avoid: Don't rush the leg swing—opponents can roll away if you're not controlling their posture. Practice this slowly with a training partner wearing quality compression shorts to feel the grip without slipping.
Step 3: Secure the Armbar Grip and Bridge
Once in position, squeeze your knees together to trap the arm. Place your attacking-side foot on their hip to block escapes, and hook your other foot inside their thigh for control.
- Grab your own wrist or forearm for the figure-four lock.
- Position your elbow on their head to pin it down.
Now, bridge your hips explosively upward while pulling the arm toward your chest. Rotate your pinky side down to hyper-extend the elbow joint.
Training Variation: In Muay Thai or kickboxing grappling exchanges, this setup flows seamlessly from clinch breaks, adding a submission threat to your stand-up game.
Step 4: Finishing Adjustments Against Resistance
Defensive opponents may stack or post their free hand. Counter by:
- Walking your hips backward to extend the arm further.
- Using your elbow to drive their head away from the trapped arm.
- If they roll toward you, maintain chest pressure and follow with a hip escape.
Cesar Lima demonstrates tapping out a resisting partner by methodically increasing pressure without compromising control. Aim for the perfect angle where the elbow hyperextends naturally.
Step 5: Transitions and Follow-Ups
If the armbar doesn't finish immediately, chain to alternatives:
- Triangle: Switch hips and feed the arm into a triangle setup.
- Bow and Arrow Choke: Release the arm and transition back to a collar grip choke.
- Rear Naked Choke: Reset hooks if they defend everything.
This fluidity keeps pressure on, wearing down defenses in long rolls or MMA rounds.
Drilling and Progression Tips
- Solo Drills: Shadow the movements on a heavy bag or dummy to groove the hip swivel.
- Partner Drills: Start static from back control, progress to live resistance at 50% speed.
- Competition Application: Scout opponents who turtle— this armbar exploits weak back defenses.
Gear Recommendations for Back Attacks
Reliable equipment amplifies your training:
- Rash Guards & Spats: Prevent gi burns and improve grip during shrimps.
- Mouthguards & Headgear: Protect during live sparring mishaps.
- Fingerless Grappling Gloves: Enhance wrist control without restricting feel.
Browse Apollo MMA's collection for premium options tailored to grapplers.
Real-World Applications Across Combat Sports
- BJJ Tournaments: Devastating from back take in gi or no-gi.
- MMA: Neutralizes wrestlers post-takedown, opening guard passes.
- Wrestling: Adds submission threat to riding time.
- Submission Grappling: High finish rate in ADCC-style rulesets.
Refine your back attacks today—consistency turns techniques into instincts.
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