Attacking with the Americana from top position provides a high-percentage submission opportunity when the opponent’s arm can be isolated and controlled. The Americana (ude garami) is a fundamental shoulder lock applied most commonly from mount, side control, or knee-on-belly positions. The technique relies on securing a figure-four grip configuration where one hand controls the opponent’s wrist while the other hand grasps your own wrist, creating a closed loop that allows rotational pressure to be applied to the shoulder joint. Success requires proper isolation of the arm, maintenance of top pressure to prevent escape, and controlled application of the submission to avoid injury while forcing the tap. Understanding proper Americana mechanics, setup opportunities, and common defensive reactions allows top players to finish this submission at all skill levels while maintaining positional dominance if the submission is defended.
Position Definition
- Top player controls bottom player’s arm in figure-four configuration with wrist grip established and own wrist secured to create closed loop of control
- Top player maintains pressure on bottom player’s shoulder and torso through strategic weight distribution, preventing bridge escape while maintaining submission angle
- Bottom player’s wrist is controlled and forearm is being rotated toward their head with progressive pressure, creating shoulder joint stress that forces defensive response or tap
Prerequisites
- Ability to isolate opponent’s arm from dominant top positions
- Understanding of figure-four grip mechanics
- Knowledge of safe submission application to prevent injury
- Awareness of common Americana defenses and counters
- Proper weight distribution to maintain base during submission
Key Offensive 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
Available Attacks
Americana → Won by Submission
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 45%
- Intermediate: 60%
- Advanced: 75%
Mount to Armbar → Armbar Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 30%
- Intermediate: 45%
- Advanced: 60%
Kimura from Mount → Kimura Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 35%
- Intermediate: 50%
- Advanced: 65%
Transition to High Mount → High Mount
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 40%
- Intermediate: 55%
- Advanced: 70%
Gift Wrap → Gift Wrap
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 25%
- Intermediate: 40%
- Advanced: 55%
Consolidate Mount → Mount
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 50%
- Intermediate: 65%
- Advanced: 80%
Decision Making from This Position
If opponent’s arm is isolated and extended away from body:
- Execute Secure Figure-Four and Finish Americana → Won by Submission (Probability: 75%)
- Execute Transition to Armbar if Defended → Armbar Control (Probability: 60%)
If opponent is hand fighting and preventing figure-four grip:
- Execute Increase Shoulder Pressure and Re-attack → Americana Control (Probability: 55%)
- Execute Switch to Kimura → Kimura Control (Probability: 65%)
If opponent successfully pulls arm close to body:
- Execute Transition to Armbar → Armbar Control (Probability: 60%)
- Execute Return to Mount Control → Mount (Probability: 75%)
Optimal Submission Paths
Direct Americana finish
Mount → Isolate Arm → Figure-Four Grip → Americana Finish → Won by Submission
Americana to Armbar chain
Mount → Americana Attempt → Opponent Defends → Armbar Transition → Won by Submission
Americana to Kimura switch
Americana Control → Opponent Hand Fights → Switch to Kimura → Won by Submission
Success Rates and Statistics
| Skill Level | Retention Rate | Advancement Probability | Submission Probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner | 60% | 45% | 45% |
| Intermediate | 75% | 60% | 60% |
| Advanced | 85% | 75% | 75% |
Average Time in Position: 10-20 seconds (finish quickly or transition)
Expert Analysis
John Danaher
The Americana represents one of the fundamental shoulder locks in grappling, offering excellent mechanical advantage from dominant top positions. The key to successful Americana application is complete arm isolation before attempting the figure-four grip. Many practitioners rush to the grip without properly controlling the arm position, resulting in easy defenses. Once you have isolated the arm perpendicular to the opponent’s body, the figure-four should be secured with your hand gripping your own wrist, not interlacing fingers which creates a weaker structure. Apply rotational pressure progressively, always maintaining base to prevent bridge escapes. If defended, the Americana naturally chains to armbar or kimura transitions.
Gordon Ryan
The Americana is one of my favorite submissions from mount because it’s so reliable when done correctly. Most people make the mistake of trying to force it when the arm isn’t properly isolated. I wait for the moment when their arm extends, then I lock it up fast. The submission itself should be smooth - you’re rotating their forearm toward their head, not cranking it violently. In competition, if someone defends the Americana well, I immediately switch to armbar or back to mount control. Don’t waste energy fighting a losing battle.
Eddie Bravo
The Americana is fundamental but we don’t emphasize it as much in 10th Planet compared to other submissions. It’s solid from mount in gi, but in no-gi people can slip out easier. When I do use it, I make sure the arm is completely isolated first. The beauty of the Americana is how it opens up other attacks - if they defend by pulling their arm in, you’ve got an easy armbar. If they try to bridge, you can transition to gift wrap or take the back. Use it as part of a chain, not just a single attack.