Armbar: Hyperextending the Elbow Joint for Submission
The armbar, also known as juji-gatame, is a joint lock submission that hyperextends the opponent's elbow by isolating the arm between the attacker's legs and hips. It is one of the most fundamental and high-percentage submissions in all of grappling and has ended countless fights across every level of combat sports. A properly applied armbar forces a tap out or risks serious ligament and joint damage.
Origins and Usage
The armbar has ancient origins in Japanese jujitsu and judo, where it has been a cornerstone technique for over a century. It was further refined and popularized through Brazilian jiu-jitsu and eventually became one of the most recognizable submissions in modern mixed martial arts.
The technique can be executed from numerous positions including guard, mount, and side control, making it one of the most versatile submissions in a fighter's arsenal. Mastery of the armbar is considered essential for any serious grappler.
In Underground Fighting
In underground fighting where grappling is allowed, the armbar is a fight-ending weapon. Without the protective oversight of athletic commissions, fighters who fail to tap in time risk permanent damage to the elbow joint, including torn ligaments and dislocated joints.
The bare-handed nature of many underground bouts makes grip fighting more intense, as fighters can more easily control the wrist and forearm to finish the submission. Experienced underground grapplers often chain the armbar together with other attacks like the triangle choke and kimura.
Related Terms
- Kimura -- Shoulder lock submission that often chains with the armbar
- Triangle Choke -- Leg choke that frequently sets up armbar attempts
- Tap Out -- The act of submitting to escape a locked armbar
See Also
- Full Mount -- A dominant position from which armbars are commonly attacked
- Guard -- Bottom position offering armbar opportunities