The Armbar: The Most Basic Move in Jiu Jitsu

One of the first things many students learn in JiuJitsu classes is executing and defending the armbar. In this article, we detail the steps for the attacker, along with counter techniques for the defender.

Jiu Jitsu is a martial art that emphasizes technique and leverage over brute strength. Among the various techniques, the armbar is considered one of the most fundamental moves. In this post, we will explore how to effectively execute the armbar from the guard position, as well as how to defend against it and counter the defense.

Executing the Armbar from Closed Guard

To begin, let’s focus on how to perform the armbar when your partner is inside your closed guard.

Step-by-Step Execution

1. Positioning: Start with your partner down inside your guard, ensuring your guard is closed.
2. Control the Posture: Use your legs to turn your body and bring one leg across to control your partner’s posture. This is crucial for breaking their balance.
3. Grip the Arm: Grab your partner’s wrist with a strong grip, positioning your hand above their elbow.
4. Pull the Elbow: Pull their elbow across your belly button, aligning it for the armbar.
5. Push Off the Hip: Push off your partner’s hip with your foot to create leverage, turning your body to control their posture further.
6. Final Position: Ensure their elbow is between your legs and directed towards you. Your pinky should be on their sternum, confirming the alignment.

Key Details to Remember

• Maintain a strong grip on the wrist and elbow.
• Ensure your body is turned correctly to maximize control.
• The pinky on the sternum is a good indicator that you are lined up properly for the armbar.

Defending Against the Armbar

When you feel your partner attempting to execute an armbar, it’s essential to react quickly to defend yourself.

Defensive Steps

1. Grab Your Bicep: As soon as you feel your partner grabbing your elbow and pinning your arm, grab your own bicep with your opposite hand.
2. Create a Figure 4 Position: Place your other hand on their thigh to create a figure 4 position, which helps protect your arm.
3. Stacking: To escape, apply pressure down with your chest and get on your toes. This action will help stack your partner, making it difficult for them to extend their legs and apply the armbar effectively.
4. Elbow Movement: Once you feel some pressure release from your arm, shimmy your elbow out and pull your arm free.

Important Tips

• Do not remain in the figure 4 position for too long; it is a temporary measure.
• Focus on stacking your partner to relieve pressure from your arm.

Countering the Defense

If you are the one attempting the armbar and your partner successfully defends, you can still counter their defense.

Counter Technique

1. Initial Setup: Start by gripping their wrist above the elbow and pulling it in towards your belly button.
2. Anticipate Defense: Recognize that your partner will likely defend against the armbar.
3. Forearm Positioning: Take your far arm and shoot it through until your elbow touches their elbow, grabbing your hip with your hand.
4. Turning and Grabbing: As your partner attempts to stack you, turn your body and reach for their far leg. Kick your leg to create space and secure the position.
5. Final Position: In this spider web position, one arm should be elbow to elbow, while the other is elbow to knee. Lean back to maintain control.

The armbar is a fundamental technique in Jiu Jitsu. Practitioners should be aware of how to use it as well as how to defend it, as it is one of the more common finishes in the sport.