Americana from Side Control

  • BJJ
  • Side Control Attacks
  • fundamental
  • Side control
  • 3 steps

From side control, trap the near arm bent on the mat and figure-four it to attack the shoulder. Also known as the Keylock from side or the Figure-four armlock. Here is the exact breakdown from the DARCE app: 3 steps, the details that make it work, and the mistakes to avoid.

Step by step

  1. 01

    Side control

    Chest-to-chest with a cross-face and underhook, weight heavy.

    Americana from Side Control step 1 of 3: Side control
  2. 02

    Pin & figure-four the arm

    Pin their near wrist to the mat and thread your other arm under the elbow to grip your own wrist.

    Americana from Side Control step 2 of 3: Pin & figure-four the arm
  3. 03

    Lift the elbow

    Keep the wrist pinned, drag the hand toward the hip and lift the elbow to crank the shoulder.

    Americana from Side Control step 3 of 3: Lift the elbow

Key details

  • Keep the wrist flat on the mat as you figure-four.
  • Drag the hand toward their hip before lifting.
  • Keep your weight on their chest so they cannot turn in.

Common mistakes

  • Letting the wrist lift off the mat.
  • Losing chest pressure and letting them escape.
  • Lifting the elbow before painting the hand down.

Related techniques

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