BJJ Graph

Americana Control

Dec 09, 20255 min read

Americana Control represents a dominant shoulder lock position in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu where the attacker secures a figure-four grip on the opponent’s arm, controlling the wrist with one hand while applying rotational pressure behind the elbow with the other. This position is most commonly achieved from mount, side control, or other top positions where the opponent’s arm can be isolated. The Americana (also called ude garami in judo) creates a powerful mechanical advantage through the figure-four configuration, allowing the top player to apply controlled shoulder rotation that can force a tap or lead to positional advancement. From the bottom perspective, defending the Americana requires immediate recognition, proper hand fighting, and explosive escape attempts before the submission is fully locked. Understanding both perspectives - defensive survival and offensive finishing - is essential for complete mastery of this fundamental submission control position.

Key Principles

  • Americana control requires isolating the opponent’s arm before applying the figure-four grip

  • Bottom player must prevent the figure-four grip through immediate hand fighting

  • Top player uses body weight to pin the shoulder while rotating the forearm

  • Americana is a positional control that can lead to submission or sweeps

  • The position creates a high-risk scenario for the bottom player requiring urgent escape

Top vs Bottom

 BottomTop
Position TypeDefensiveOffensive
Risk LevelHighLow
Energy CostHighMedium
TimeShortShort

Key Difference: Figure-four grip creates submission threat

Playing as Bottom

→ Full Bottom Guide

Key Principles

  • Never allow opponent to complete the figure-four grip on your arm

  • Keep trapped arm close to body to prevent isolation

  • Use free hand to break opponent’s grip before lock is secured

  • Bridge explosively to create space and disrupt shoulder pressure

  • Tap immediately if shoulder is fully extended to prevent injury

  • Escape priority: prevent grip → break grip → bridge and escape → tap

Primary Techniques

Common Mistakes

  • ❌ Attempting to muscle out of locked Americana

    • Consequence: Severe shoulder injury, potential rotator cuff tear
    • ✅ Correction: Tap immediately if the lock is fully extended - protecting your health is paramount

  • ❌ Allowing arm to be isolated away from body

    • Consequence: Makes Americana setup inevitable
    • ✅ Correction: Keep elbows tight to body when mounted or in side control

  • ❌ Using only one hand to defend against figure-four grip

    • Consequence: Insufficient strength to prevent lock completion
    • ✅ Correction: Use both hands immediately to break or prevent opponent’s grip

  • ❌ Static defense without hip movement

    • Consequence: Allows opponent time to perfect submission angle
    • ✅ Correction: Combine hand fighting with explosive bridge and hip escape

  • ❌ Waiting too long to tap when caught

    • Consequence: Shoulder injury requiring months of recovery
    • ✅ Correction: Tap the moment you feel shoulder joint reaching its limit

Playing as Top

→ Full Top Guide

Key Principles

  • Isolate the arm completely before attempting figure-four grip

  • Control the wrist firmly with proper hand positioning

  • Use body weight to pin opponent’s shoulder to the mat

  • Rotate forearm toward opponent’s head in controlled manner

  • Maintain strong base to prevent sweeps during submission attempt

  • Be prepared to transition if opponent defends successfully

Primary Techniques

Common Mistakes

  • ❌ Attempting Americana without proper arm isolation

    • Consequence: Opponent easily defends and may create sweep opportunity
    • ✅ Correction: Ensure arm is fully extended away from opponent’s body before attempting grip

  • ❌ Losing base while applying submission

    • Consequence: Opponent bridges and reverses position
    • ✅ Correction: Maintain wide base with knees and keep weight distributed properly

  • ❌ Applying Americana too quickly or explosively

    • Consequence: Risk of injuring training partner’s shoulder
    • ✅ Correction: Apply controlled, progressive pressure and give partner time to tap

  • ❌ Continuing Americana attempt when opponent has strong defense

    • Consequence: Waste energy and potentially lose mount position
    • ✅ Correction: Be ready to transition to armbar, kimura, or consolidate mount

  • ❌ Gripping opponent’s wrist incorrectly

    • Consequence: Weak control allows opponent to escape figure-four
    • ✅ Correction: Grip wrist with thumb pointing toward opponent’s fingers for maximum control

  • Mount - Primary attacking position for Americana

  • Side Control - Common position for Americana attacks

  • Kimura Control - Related shoulder lock control position