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)