Better Arm-bar defense options

***jnp*** · Posted On: 10/09/2011 11:16pm

Originally Posted by BKR

If I let myself (or the other guy is so good) that they have my arm solidly, I'm going to tap. Both my elbows and shoulders are so sensitive they hurt like hell with even mild pressure (from being armbarred so much,mostly from teaching students how to do armbars).

I don't use the hitchhiker escape either.

**BKR** · Posted On: 10/09/2011 11:20pm

Originally Posted by jnp

I don't use the hitchhiker escape either.

I've tried it, it works as a demo type thing (for me), but for me I just tap. My young students with flexible joints can do it, though. My elbows were never that flexible anyway.

**DKJr** · Posted On: 10/10/2011 1:42am

Originally Posted by jnp

I don't use the hitchhiker escape either.

Bad for the elbows imo, but it works. A lot of Atos guys use it and I've used it to escape black belts armbars. I'm also partial to the proactive escapes, such as staying square to your opponent, bridging your hips and tucking your elbow when they try to get their angle, etc. Yet sometimes it's unavoidable its a stage 4 armbar escape though, not your first option.

Although I've had the counter happen and holy balls does your elbow snap, crackle, and pop.

**ChenPengFi** · Posted On: 10/10/2011 1:44am

As a 40+ BJJ noob i appreciate that input but could you folks humor my ignorance and expound a bit?
Is the hitchhiker simply ineffective for the most part or just risky in training?

I ask because it seems that when i've used it in class the higher belts are just flowing with it but could at any time tighten up and shut it down easily.
That said, this is of course also true for the rest of my repertoire.

**DKJr** · Posted On: 10/10/2011 1:50am

Originally Posted by ChenPengFi

As a 40+ BJJ noob i appreciate that input but could you folks humor my ignorance and expound a bit?
Is the hitchhiker simply ineffective for the most part or just risky in training?

I ask because it seems that when i've used it in class the higher belts are just flowing with it but could at any time tighten up and shut it down easily.
That said, this is of course also true for the rest of my repertoire.

No not at all ineffective. Just risky in the pain popping ouch sense. I only do it in comps or with people I trust not to break my arm.

**Team Python** · Posted On: 10/10/2011 2:42pm

Originally Posted by ChenPengFi

As a 40+ BJJ noob i appreciate that input but could you folks humor my ignorance and expound a bit?
Is the hitchhiker simply ineffective for the most part or just risky in training?

I ask because it seems that when i've used it in class the higher belts are just flowing with it but could at any time tighten up and shut it down easily.
That said, this is of course also true for the rest of my repertoire.

As long as your wrist is turned toward the same direction as your head the armbar is ineffective and will allow you time to escape. The trick is to turn your wrist before the full extension.

You must also bridge high and keep the opposite arm close towards your body before you roll out which a lot of people forget to do.

**beardedtaco** · Posted On: 10/10/2011 4:30pm

I'd like to ask all you experienced folks.

To counter the hitchhiker ( we call it the "last resort" escape at our gym ), I turn their thumb slightly towards their feet instead of the traditional thumb to the ceiling. Is this ok to do at the higher level or does it lead to problems ?

I would ask my coach, but I'm on injury leave which always makes my mind go 100 miles an hour obsessing over this stuff.

You must also bridge high and keep the opposite arm close towards your body before you roll out which a lot of people forget to do.

Thanks for the tip, I think I might be guilty of this.

**Team Python** · Posted On: 10/10/2011 5:41pm

Originally Posted by beardedtaco

I'd like to ask all you experienced folks.

To counter the hitchhiker ( we call it the "last resort" escape at our gym ), I turn their thumb slightly towards their feet instead of the traditional thumb to the ceiling. Is this ok to do at the higher level or does it lead to problems ?

I would ask my coach, but I'm on injury leave which always makes my mind go 100 miles an hour obsessing over this stuff.

Thanks for the tip, I think I might be guilty of this.

You always turn your thumb towards the same direction your head is pointing to never towards your feet. If you turn your thumb the wrong way you can't not roll over and escape.

**beardedtaco** · Posted On: 10/11/2011 1:11am

Team Python.

Sorry, misunderstanding.

If you turn your thumb the wrong way you can't not roll over and escape.

That's what I mean. I do this to the person who I am trying to armbar so that they can't attempt the roll out.

**Team Python** · Posted On: 10/11/2011 1:52am

Originally Posted by beardedtaco

Team Python.

Sorry, misunderstanding.

That's what I mean. I do this to the person who I am trying to armbar so that they can't attempt the roll out.

To stop them from rolling and to apply the armbar you just keep the thumb pointing up. Hold the wrist like you would hold a baseball bat for the best control.