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Positional
Submission · fundamental

Armbar from mount

An elbow lock from mount, for when your opponent reaches out to push you off or attack. One of the fundamental techniques in BJJ.

Flow map
1 in · 1 out
Starting position
TopMount
You are hereArmbar from mountSubmission
Where it leads
Match overTap
Prerequisites
  • Mount, with your knees above their elbows
  • Their arm is extended or within reach: they're pushing or trying to attack
  • Quick reactions: the armbar window is short
Mechanics · 5 steps
I
Isolate the arm: both your hands on one of theirs
Isolating the arm is the foundation. Pull the wrist toward you and grab around the elbow or biceps with your other hand so it can't slip out. Keep the whole arm tight to your torso.
II
Turn your hips and swing your leg over their face fast, on the side of the trapped arm
The leg across the face stops their head and torso from turning. Without it they can escape by turning into you and pulling the arm out.
Correctness test ·Your leg should pass close to their face. Otherwise they have room to escape.
III
Sit down, then lie back. Their arm stays between your thighs
Dropping your hips puts your hip right under their elbow. Your legs squeeze tight around the arm and pin them to the mat.
IV
Drive your hips up and pull the wrist down
Opposing forces on the elbow create the lever. Hips up plus wrist down means a tap, or an injury.
V
Their thumb points up
With the hand turned this way, the elbow is at its weakest and can't defend. Any other way and they can escape or block the lock.
Defenses · if he… then you…
Opponent
They clasp their hands and turn in toward you
Your response
Break the grip or just hold the position: clasped hands won't save the elbow forever. Work your hands up toward their head and keep attacking the grip until it gives.
Opponent
They turn onto their side and come up, trying to walk out
Your response
Keep the arm locked with both legs and follow the rotation: the armbar works at any angle.
Common mistakes
Swinging the leg over the face too slowly
Gives them time to defend, turn and escape.
Letting your elbows go loose against your thighs
The isolated arm slips free and they pull out of the lock.
Hips not under the elbow
Weak leverage: they can hold out or escape.
DRILLS · IMPROVEMENT EXERCISES
Section in development. Plan: for each technique/position I'll add solo or partner drills to strengthen your movement patterns and timing.