Armbar from Guard

  • BJJ
  • Submissions
  • fundamental
  • Closed guard
  • 4 steps

Isolate an arm, swing a leg over the head and extend the hips to attack the elbow. Also known as the Juji-gatame or the Straight armlock. Here is the exact breakdown from the DARCE app: 4 steps, the details that make it work, and the mistakes to avoid.

Step by step

  1. 01

    Control posture in guard

    Break the opponent down and grip the arm you intend to attack at the wrist and triceps.

    Armbar from Guard step 1 of 4: Control posture in guard
  2. 02

    Trap the arm & angle off

    Clamp their arm to your chest, pivot your hips perpendicular and climb your knees high into their armpit.

    Armbar from Guard step 2 of 4: Trap the arm & angle off
  3. 03

    Swing the leg over the head

    Drive one knee across their back and swing the other leg over their head, clamping both knees together.

    Armbar from Guard step 3 of 4: Swing the leg over the head
  4. 04

    Fall back & raise the hips

    Lie back, pinch the knees, keep the thumb pointing up and lift your hips into the elbow to finish.

    Armbar from Guard step 4 of 4: Fall back & raise the hips

Key details

  • Pinch your knees tight together, a gap lets them pull the elbow free.
  • Control their wrist with the thumb pointing up so the elbow bends the wrong way.
  • Get your hips perpendicular to their body before you fall back.

Common mistakes

  • Crossing your feet, which loosens the hold and slows the finish.
  • Letting the head leg ride high and giving up control of the shoulder.
  • Yanking the arm without first elevating the hips into the joint.

Related techniques

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