Mastering the Back Attack: Bruno Malfacine's Effortless Armbar Transition
In the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), controlling the back is one of the most dominant positions, offering a plethora of submission opportunities. No-gi grappling, a staple in MMA and modern submission wrestling, amplifies the need for slick transitions that catch opponents off-guard. Enter Bruno Malfacine, a 13-time IBJJF World Champion and pioneer in lighter weight divisions. His super slick armbar setup from the back exemplifies precision engineering in grappling—fluid, deceptive, and devastating.
This technique shines in scenarios where your opponent defends the traditional rear-naked choke (RNC) aggressively, forcing you to adapt. Malfacine's approach leverages body positioning, grip fights, and torque to isolate the arm without losing back control. Whether you're training for BJJ tournaments, MMA rounds, or submission-only events, integrating this into your arsenal can elevate your finishing rate from top positions.
Starting Position: Securing the Back
Begin with a textbook back take in no-gi. You've hooked one or both legs inside, your chest glued to their spine, and your choking arm snaked under their chin or controlling the far shoulder. The seatbelt grip—over-the-shoulder with one arm, under the armpit with the other—provides the foundation. Malfacine emphasizes keeping your hips low and tight to prevent escapes.
Pro Tip for MMA Fighters: In a cage environment, this position translates seamlessly during transitions from wrestling exchanges. Use your free hand to block takedown attempts or control posture as you circle to the back.
Step 1: Bait the Defense and Switch Grips
As your opponent turtles or frames against the RNC attempt, they often push your choking arm away with their near-side hand. This is your cue. Malfacine waits for that push, then instantly releases the seatbelt on the choking side. Swing that arm over their defending forearm, trapping it against their body.
Now, post your head on the opposite side of their head to drive their posture down. Your other arm (the seatbelt arm) slides deeper under their armpit, palm up, to reinforce control. The key here is asymmetry—don't mirror grips; create torque by offsetting your pressure.
Common Mistake to Avoid: Rushing the switch leads to posture recovery. Be patient; let their defense create the opening.
Step 2: Isolate the Arm with Hip Pressure
With the arm trapped, explode your hips upward while pulling their elbow across their body. Malfacine uses a 'windshield wiper' motion with his legs: the near leg hooks their thigh, the far leg drives across. This rolls their hips, exposing the arm.
Grip their wrist with your near hand (thumb inside for no-gi security), and cup their tricep with the other. Pinch your elbows together to stretch the limb straight. Your chest pressure keeps their shoulders pinned.
Gear Insight: No-gi rash guards with grippy fabrics (like those from Hayabusa or Venum) enhance your seatbelt hold without slipping, crucial for maintaining control during dynamic entries.
Step 3: The Slick Entry—Elevate and Rotate
Here's the magic: Instead of forcing a traditional armbar climb, Malfacine elevates his hips just enough to slide under their isolated arm. Keep your trapping leg (the one hooked inside) firm to block rollouts.
Rotate your body 90 degrees toward their head side. Your head goes shoulder-to-shoulder with theirs, freeing space for the armbar frame. Post your outside leg high on their hip, knee to the mat, creating a fulcrum.
Wrestling Crossover: This entry mirrors arm drags in freestyle wrestling, making it intuitive for MMA athletes blending disciplines.
Step 4: Lock and Finish with Torque
Once under the arm, secure the figure-four grip: your attacking arm's bicep cups their elbow, forearm across their chest. The other hand grabs behind their head or grips your own wrist for reinforcement.
Drive your hips skyward while arching your back. Malfacine stresses squeezing your knees together for additional squeeze pressure. If they stack, counter by walking your hips away and pulling their arm down.
Finishing Variations:
- For Flexibility-Challenged Grapplers: Use the 'Americana assist' by twisting their shoulder before hip elevation.
- MMA Adaptation: In a fight, transition to a mounted armbar if they explode out, preserving top control.
Troubleshooting Common Defenses
- Opponent Hides the Arm: Force it out with a forearm slice across their face as you grip switch.
- They Roll to Guard: Your low hips and leg hooks prevent this; chain to a leg lock if they persist.
- Stacking Pressure: Elevate explosively and shrimp out—speed beats strength here.
Malfacine's genius lies in economy of motion: no wasted energy, every action chains to the next. Drilling this 10-15 reps per side weekly builds muscle memory for live rolls.
Why This Works Across Combat Sports
- BJJ No-Gi: Ideal for ADCC-style rulesets where back attacks dominate.
- MMA: Chains perfectly from sprawls or clinch breaks.
- Submission Grappling: High-percentage finisher against elite defenders.
- Kickboxing/Wrestling Hybrids: Use as a counter to single-leg defenses.
Training Drills to Internalize the Setup
1. Shadow Drill: Solo, flow through grips and hip movements 5 minutes nonstop. 2. Partner Resistance: Start mutual, add defense layers progressively. 3. Positional Sparring: Back control only, aim for armbar finishes. 4. Gear Integration: Train in competition rash guards and shorts to simulate slipperiness.At Apollo MMA, stock up on premium no-gi essentials like moisture-wicking rash guards from Sanabul or grip-enhanced shorts from Rival to optimize your sessions. Browse our collection for gear that supports slick transitions like Malfacine's.
Final Thoughts: Elevate Your Game
Bruno Malfacine's armbar isn't just a move—it's a philosophy of opportunistic dominance. By mastering this setup, you'll turn defensive reactions into submission gold. Hit the mats, drill relentlessly, and watch your back game transform. Stay slick, stay submitted.
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