Better Arm-bar defense options

**AlphaFoxtrot51** · Posted On: 9/15/2011 1:23pm

I'm just curious about gaining a different perspective on defeating the straight arm-bar. The technique I currently use works decently, but feels like it can only work at the last second before the submission is set.

Currently, the way I get out is turning my thumb down towards the mat, rolling over that shoulder, and then immediately going to side control.

Thoughts?

**danniboi07** · Posted On: 9/15/2011 1:41pm

I love using that one, but seasoned rollers will know to keep your thumb held. Since you're asking for a basic straight armbar, they'll have one leg over your face. Toss that leg behind your head and sit up or into them quick to get inside a guard. Better than being in an armbar position.

**Res Judicata** · Posted On: 9/15/2011 1:41pm

Do you mean juji-gatame? From which position? And are you referring to the hitch-hiker escape?

**judoka_uk** · Posted On: 9/15/2011 1:44pm

As you're likely to get a lot of BJJ perspectives I'll give you a Judo angle as its probably a little closer to Sambo.

One I use if they get to the position with one arm in, but haven't straightened it.

Is to try and minimise the space that the inserted arm has. The more space tori can create the less defensive capability you will have. By flattening my arm as close to my chest as possible.

I grip my own lapel.

Then using my free hand grip uke's leg nearest to my hip.

I prefer to grip the ankle, but use whatever you can. Gripping the gi trousers is less effective than gripping the leg itself.

Push their leg in between your own legs

And lock it up.

The next stage requires timing and a little bravery.

As uke attempts to lean back and apply the armbar shrimp into them and slip your elbow out below the line of their crotch

Continue to shrimp and draw your elbow down to the mat and into your body.

Release their leg that you had trapped with your legs and with the hand now on top of their leg. Use that to continue shrimping in, switch your hips and stack them to pass to a hold down/ side control.

If you're feeling extra awesome or confident at this point,

As your elbow just dips below their crotch line and thus out of danger flip them the middle finger as you pull your arm fully clear.

**Killbot** · Posted On: 9/15/2011 1:46pm

That's what we call a hitchhiker.

Try this.
For no-gi, just keep your hands clasped.

**Res Judicata** · Posted On: 9/15/2011 1:53pm

Originally Posted by judoka_uk

As you're likely to get a lot of BJJ perspectives I'll give you a Judo angle as its probably a little closer to Sambo.

One I use if they get to the position with one arm in, but haven't straightened it.

Is to try and minimise the space that the inserted arm has. The more space tori can create the less defensive capability you will have. By flattening my arm as close to my chest as possible.

I grip my own lapel.

Then using my free hand grip uke's leg nearest to my hip.

I prefer to grip the ankle, but use whatever you can. Gripping the gi trousers is less effective than gripping the leg itself.

Push their leg in between your own legs

And lock it up.

The next stage requires timing and a little bravery.

As uke attempts to lean back and apply the armbar shrimp into them and slip your elbow out below the line of their crotch

Continue to shrimp and draw your elbow down to the mat and into your body.

Release their leg that you had trapped with your legs and with the hand now on top of their leg. Use that to continue shrimping in, switch your hips and stack them to pass to a hold down/ side control.

If you're feeling extra awesome or confident at this point,

As your elbow just dips below their crotch line and thus out of danger flip them the middle finger as you pull your arm fully clear.

That's part of why we're taught to scoop the far arm and cross the feet behind it. (I can hear the BJJ boos from here ...)

***WhiteShark*** · Posted On: 9/15/2011 1:59pm

Honestly the best armbar defense is awareness and getting your elbow to the mat. As soon as they get close to the armbar I just shrug my shoulder and drive my elbow to the mat. Unless they have total control over me (in which case I'm screwed anyway) that works 90% of the time.

**gregaquaman** · Posted On: 9/15/2011 2:05pm

Originally Posted by Killbot

That's what we call a hitchhiker.

Try this.
For no-gi, just keep your hands clasped.

ours is similar but without the leg and we do a figure four to defend the arm bar. We do wind up in full guard though

**Res Judicata** · Posted On: 9/15/2011 2:07pm

Originally Posted by WhiteShark

Honestly the best armbar defense is awareness and getting your elbow to the mat. As soon as they get close to the armbar I just shrug my shoulder and drive my elbow to the mat. Unless they have total control over me (in which case I'm screwed anyway) that works 90% of the time.

That's good advice. And, of course, best defense is no be there. You screwed up a while ago if you're flattened out in that position.

**Killbot** · Posted On: 9/15/2011 2:56pm

Originally Posted by gregaquaman

ours is similar but without the leg and we do a figure four to defend the arm bar. We do wind up in full guard though

Yeh, this is as close to what I learned as I could find. We generally end up in a scramble, or if you do it right, you can come out into side control if you swicth your legs out towards the end.