Intro to the Armbar — How the Elbow Lock Works and Common Mistakes
The all-purpose submission beginners learn first. Why hip position is 90% of the armbar, where it shows up from mount and guard, and the etiquette of applying it slowly.
The armbar (an elbow joint lock) is one of the first submissions jiu-jitsu beginners learn. It straightens your opponent's arm and puts pressure on the elbow joint, and since it shows up from almost anywhere, you need to know the basic principle.
Principle
Trap your opponent's arm between your legs, glue your hips right up to their elbow, then lift their wrist. The elbow is pressured in the direction of extension, and the tap comes. The key isn't strength, it's hip position.
Where does it show up?
- From mount, when your opponent pushes you away
- From closed guard
- As a variation from the back when your opponent defends
Common beginner mistakes
- Hips too far: if your hips are away from the elbow, it'll never straighten. Keep them tight.
- Loose legs: press down on their chest and head with your legs so they can't sit up.
- Yanking it: go slow. Crank it fast and your partner gets hurt and you lose position too.
When you hit an armbar in sparring, never yank it. Give your partner time to tap. Slowly, with control: that's the etiquette of a good grappler.