Americana

⚠️ SAFETY: Americana targets the Shoulder joint (specifically glenohumeral joint and rotator cuff). Risk: Rotator cuff tear (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor). Release immediately upon tap.

The Americana, also known as the keylock or ude garami, is a fundamental shoulder lock that attacks the glenohumeral joint through external rotation and hyperextension. This submission is one of the first joint locks taught to beginners due to its mechanical simplicity and high-percentage nature from dominant positions like mount and side control. The Americana works by isolating the opponent’s arm at a 90-degree angle and applying rotational pressure that forces the shoulder joint beyond its natural range of motion. The technique’s effectiveness stems from leverage advantage rather than strength, making it accessible to practitioners of all sizes when executed with proper mechanics.

Historically, the Americana has been a staple of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competition and self-defense applications, particularly effective in gi and no-gi contexts. The submission creates a powerful control position before the finish, allowing the attacker to maintain dominant position even if the submission attempt fails. This dual-purpose nature makes it invaluable for positional advancement and securing finishes. The Americana also serves as an excellent entry point for understanding shoulder mechanics, which translates to more advanced submissions like the Kimura and omoplata.

From a strategic perspective, the Americana exemplifies positional control before submission. Practitioners learn to isolate the arm, control the wrist, and apply measured pressure while maintaining base and preventing escapes. The submission teaches essential concepts of leverage, angle creation, and systematic pressure application that form the foundation for more complex attacking sequences. Understanding the Americana deeply enhances overall submission awareness and defensive recognition.

Category: Joint Lock Type: Shoulder Lock Target Area: Shoulder joint (specifically glenohumeral joint and rotator cuff) Starting Position: Mount Success Rates: Beginner 45%, Intermediate 60%, Advanced 75%

Safety Guide

Injury Risks:

Injury	Severity	Recovery Time
Rotator cuff tear (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor)	High	3-6 months with physical therapy, possible surgical intervention
Shoulder capsule damage and labral tears	High	4-8 months, often requires surgery
AC joint separation or damage	Medium	6-12 weeks depending on grade
Glenohumeral joint dislocation	CRITICAL	3-6 months, high risk of chronic instability
Biceps tendon strain or tear	Medium	4-8 weeks for strain, 3-4 months for tear

Application Speed: SLOW and progressive - 3-5 seconds minimum from initial pressure to expected tap. In drilling, apply 10-20% pressure maximum.

Tap Signals:

• Verbal tap (saying ‘tap’ or any verbal signal)
• Physical hand tap on opponent or mat (minimum 2 taps)
• Physical foot tap on mat or opponent
• Any distress vocalization or unusual sound
• Slapping mat with free hand repeatedly

Release Protocol:

1. Immediately stop all rotational pressure on the shoulder
2. Release the figure-four grip on the wrist
3. Carefully lower the arm back to neutral position (do not drop suddenly)
4. Release control of the elbow and allow opponent to move freely
5. Check with partner verbally to ensure they are okay
6. If partner indicates pain, encourage them to keep shoulder mobile and seek medical attention if pain persists

Training Restrictions:

• Never spike, jerk, or apply sudden rotational force
• Never use competition speed or full pressure in training
• Always allow clear access to tap with free hand
• Stop immediately at any sign of discomfort (do not wait for tap in drilling)
• Never practice on partners with existing shoulder injuries without explicit permission and medical clearance
• Avoid repeated submissions on the same shoulder in a single training session

Key Principles

• Isolate the arm at approximately 90 degrees from the body to maximize leverage and minimize opponent’s defensive options
• Control both the wrist and elbow simultaneously using figure-four grip mechanics to prevent escape or rotation
• Maintain heavy chest pressure and base throughout the submission to prevent bridging or rolling escapes
• Apply rotational pressure toward the opponent’s head in a smooth arc rather than forcing straight down
• Keep your own elbows tight to your body to maximize leverage efficiency and prevent the opponent from straightening their arm
• Use incremental pressure increases to feel for resistance and allow partner time to tap safely
• Secure the position completely before applying finishing pressure - control precedes submission

Prerequisites

• Dominant top position established (mount, side control, or knee on belly)
• Opponent’s arm isolated and extended away from their body at approximately 90-degree angle
• Your chest weight distributed over opponent’s upper body to prevent bridging or shrimping escapes
• Opponent’s elbow controlled and pinned to the mat or their own body
• Clear figure-four grip established on opponent’s wrist with your forearm creating the lock
• Your base is stable with knees driven into opponent’s sides (from mount) or hip pressure applied (from side control)
• Opponent’s free hand is monitored or controlled to prevent defensive frames or grips

Execution Steps

1. Isolate and extend the target arm: From mount or side control, swim your hand under the opponent’s tricep and establish a deep grip on their wrist. Pull the arm away from their body at approximately 90 degrees, creating space between their elbow and torso. The opponent’s palm should be facing toward their own head. Maintain heavy chest pressure throughout this isolation to prevent them from pulling the arm back to their body or establishing defensive frames. (Timing: 1-2 seconds) [Pressure: Moderate]
2. Establish figure-four wrist control: Thread your other hand under their wrist and grab your own wrist, creating a figure-four configuration. Your bottom hand controls their wrist while your top hand reinforces by gripping your own wrist. The opponent’s hand should be trapped between your forearms. Ensure your grip is tight enough to prevent slipping but not so tight that you fatigue quickly. Your forearms should form a ‘C’ shape around their wrist. (Timing: 1 second) [Pressure: Firm]
3. Pin the elbow to create the fulcrum: Drive your chest weight down onto their upper arm, pinning their elbow to the mat (from mount) or to their own ribcage/body (from side control). This pinned elbow becomes the fulcrum for the lever arm that creates the shoulder lock. The opponent should feel pressure on their elbow but not pain at this stage. Ensure your own elbows are tucked tight to your sides to maximize mechanical advantage. (Timing: 1 second) [Pressure: Firm]
4. Adjust angle and prepare for rotation: Slightly adjust your body position to create the optimal angle for rotation. From mount, this may mean sitting slightly toward the trapped arm side. From side control, ensure your hips are heavy and your chest is covering their shoulder. The opponent’s hand should be positioned near their own head with the forearm perpendicular to the mat. Check that their elbow remains pinned and that you have solid base with your legs. (Timing: 1-2 seconds) [Pressure: Moderate]
5. Apply rotational pressure toward their head: Begin rotating their hand in a smooth arc toward the mat near their head, as if painting a rainbow from their waist toward their ear. The rotation should be steady and controlled, not sudden. Keep your elbows tight to your body and use your entire upper body to create the rotation rather than just arm strength. The opponent’s shoulder will begin to experience external rotation and hyperextension. Apply pressure incrementally, pausing to allow your partner to tap. (Timing: 2-3 seconds progressive) [Pressure: Moderate]
6. Maintain control and pressure until tap: Continue the controlled rotation while maintaining all other points of control: chest pressure, elbow pin, wrist grip, and base. The opponent should tap when their shoulder reaches the limit of its range of motion. Never crank suddenly or force through resistance. If you feel significant resistance or hear any popping sounds, release immediately. Upon receiving the tap, follow the release protocol carefully to avoid injury during the release phase. (Timing: 1-2 seconds to tap) [Pressure: Firm]
7. Controlled release and position maintenance: Upon tap, immediately stop rotational pressure but maintain positional control. Slowly guide their arm back to neutral position before releasing the figure-four grip. Keep your chest heavy to maintain mount or side control. Check verbally with your partner that they are okay. Use this controlled release as an opportunity to reinforce safe training practices and build trust with training partners. (Timing: 2-3 seconds release) [Pressure: Light]

Opponent Defenses

• Keeping arm glued to body with defensive frames (Effectiveness: High) - Your Adjustment: Use progressive pressure and weight distribution to gradually extend the arm. Consider transitioning to other attacks like the armbar or gift wrap to create reactions, then return to the Americana when they extend to defend. Alternatively, attack the far arm to draw their attention away from the near side.
• Grabbing own gi pants, belt, or creating a gable grip to prevent arm isolation (Effectiveness: High) - Your Adjustment: Apply heavy cross-face pressure and shoulder pressure to break their grip strength. Use your body weight rather than trying to muscle the grip break. Consider transitioning to mount to armbar or Ezekiel choke, forcing them to release their defensive grip to address the new threat.
• Bridging explosively to create space or attempt to roll (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Adjustment: Anticipate the bridge by maintaining wide base and posting with your free hand. As they bridge, ride the movement and step over to technical mount or S Mount, which provides better angle for the Americana while neutralizing their bridging power. Lower your hips and widen your base preventatively.
• Straightening the trapped arm forcefully to prevent the 90-degree angle (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Adjustment: If they successfully straighten the arm, transition immediately to straight armbar mechanics or switch to a Kimura by reversing your grip. Use their straightening force against them by following the movement and attacking the extended arm. Do not fight strength with strength.
• Using free hand to push your head, create frames, or strip grips (Effectiveness: Low) - Your Adjustment: Control the free hand by trapping it with your knee (from mount), using head position to pin it, or establishing a gift wrap position. If their push creates distance, maintain the Americana grip and follow their movement while keeping pressure constant. Consider transitioning to crucifix position if you can trap both arms.

Common Mistakes

• Mistake: Applying sudden jerking or spiking motion during the finish [CRITICAL DANGER]
  • Consequence: High risk of severe rotator cuff tear, labral damage, or shoulder dislocation with potential for permanent injury
  • Correction: Apply smooth, progressive pressure over 3-5 seconds minimum. Think ‘painting a rainbow’ with their hand rather than forcing it down. Pause at resistance to allow tap.
• Mistake: Releasing chest pressure and base while attempting the submission [Medium DANGER]
  • Consequence: Opponent can easily bridge, roll, or escape, resulting in lost position and potentially ending up in opponent’s guard or worse
  • Correction: Keep chest heavy throughout the entire sequence. Your weight distribution should be 70% on their upper body. Maintain wide base with knees driven into their sides from mount or hip pressure from side control.
• Mistake: Failing to pin the elbow before applying rotational pressure [Low DANGER]
  • Consequence: The submission loses effectiveness as the opponent can rotate their entire arm, distribute pressure across the shoulder girdle, and potentially escape or counter
  • Correction: Ensure the elbow is completely pinned to the mat or their body before beginning rotation. The pinned elbow is the fulcrum - without it, you have no lever arm and no submission.
• Mistake: Using arm strength alone rather than body weight and positioning [Low DANGER]
  • Consequence: Rapid fatigue, loss of leverage advantage, and opportunity for stronger opponents to muscle out of the submission or reverse position
  • Correction: Keep your elbows tight to your sides and use your entire upper body rotation to create the submission. Your arms should maintain the figure-four shape while your torso does the work. Think ‘whole body rotation’ not ‘arm curl.’
• Mistake: Allowing the opponent’s hand to point away from their head during setup [Low DANGER]
  • Consequence: The angle becomes wrong for shoulder lock mechanics, pressure disperses ineffectively, and the opponent can easily defend or escape by rolling their shoulder
  • Correction: Ensure their palm faces toward their own head throughout the submission. The proper angle creates external rotation - if their hand points away, you’re creating internal rotation which is much weaker and ineffective.
• Mistake: Gripping too high on the opponent’s wrist or hand [Low DANGER]
  • Consequence: The grip can slip during pressure application, reducing control and potentially losing the submission entirely as they pull free
  • Correction: Grip directly on the wrist bones (radius and ulna) rather than the hand. Your figure-four should trap their wrist between your forearms, creating a secure vice that cannot slip during rotation.
• Mistake: Continuing to apply pressure after feeling or hearing popping in the shoulder [CRITICAL DANGER]
  • Consequence: Catastrophic shoulder injury including dislocation, complete rotator cuff tears, or labral destruction requiring surgical repair
  • Correction: Any popping, clicking, or grinding sensation requires immediate release of all pressure. These sounds often indicate structural damage is occurring. Release immediately and check partner’s condition. Never assume popping is normal.

Variations

Americana from Side Control: From side control, isolate the near arm by swimming under the tricep and establishing the figure-four grip. Use your chest to pin their elbow to their own ribcage rather than the mat. Your hips should be heavy and your weight distributed to prevent their bridge. The rotation angle is slightly different from mount - you’ll rotate their hand toward their own face rather than toward the mat near their head. This variation is particularly effective when transitioning from north-south or when opponent is defending mount escapes. (When to use: When you have established side control with good chest pressure and the opponent’s near arm is extended or defending. Particularly effective against opponents who use frames, as you can attack the framing arm directly.)

Americana from Knee on Belly: From knee on belly position, drop your knee off the belly and transition weight to side control while simultaneously grabbing the near wrist. The Americana setup from here is identical to side control, but the initial knee on belly position often causes the opponent to extend their arms in defense, creating the perfect entry. This variation is fast and catches opponents off guard during the transition. Maintain connection with your knee on their hip or thigh to prevent them from turning into you. (When to use: When opponent extends their arm to push against your knee on belly or to prevent you from advancing to mount. The transition timing is crucial - attack the Americana as you shift weight, not after you’ve settled into static side control.)

Americana from North-South: From north-south position, isolate the far arm by reaching across their body and establishing wrist control. Your chest pins their head and upper body, while your arm threads under their elbow. The figure-four grip is established similarly, but you’ll need to adjust your body angle slightly toward their legs to create the proper rotation angle. This variation is excellent when opponent is defending side control by turning into you, as north-south neutralizes their turning defense. (When to use: When transitioning between side controls or when opponent turns to their side to defend. The north-south position provides excellent control and prevents most escapes while setting up the Americana on the far arm.)

Modified Americana from Scarf Hold (Kesa Gatame): From scarf hold position, control the near arm by trapping it between your arm and body. Instead of the traditional figure-four, you may use a straight armlock grip on their wrist while controlling their elbow with your hip pressure. Apply rotation by lifting their wrist while keeping elbow pinned. This variation is more common in judo and submission wrestling but extremely effective in no-gi contexts. The control is tighter but requires precise angle management. (When to use: When you’ve secured scarf hold and the opponent’s near arm is trapped. Particularly effective in no-gi where traditional grips are harder to maintain. Also useful when opponent is defending traditional Americana grips by keeping their arm close to their body.)

Reverse Americana (Kimura Direction from Americana Position): If opponent successfully defends the traditional Americana by turning their hand away from their head, immediately switch to a Kimura by reversing your grip and rotating their arm in the opposite direction (toward their back). This variation demonstrates the interconnection between shoulder locks and the importance of being able to flow between submissions. The grip transition must be smooth to maintain control throughout the switch. (When to use: When opponent actively defends the Americana rotation by turning their hand away. Rather than fighting their defensive rotation, use their movement to enter the Kimura. This demonstrates the principle of using opponent’s defense to enter new attacks.)

Test Your Knowledge

Q1: What is the primary anatomical structure being attacked in the Americana submission? A: The Americana primarily attacks the glenohumeral joint (shoulder joint) through external rotation and hyperextension, placing stress on the rotator cuff muscles (particularly supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and teres minor), the shoulder capsule, and associated ligaments. The submission creates rotational force that exceeds the joint’s natural range of motion.

Q2: Why is it CRITICAL to pin the opponent’s elbow before applying rotational pressure in the Americana? A: Pinning the elbow creates the fulcrum for the lever arm mechanism that makes the Americana effective. Without a pinned elbow, the opponent can rotate their entire arm to distribute pressure across the shoulder girdle, eliminating the focused joint lock. The pinned elbow ensures that rotational pressure is concentrated on the glenohumeral joint rather than being dispersed. This is fundamental to the mechanical efficiency of the submission.

Q3: What is the minimum application time for an Americana in training, and what injuries can occur if sudden force is applied? [SAFETY-CRITICAL] A: The minimum application time should be 3-5 seconds of progressive, smooth pressure from initial rotation to expected tap. Sudden or jerking force can cause severe rotator cuff tears, labral tears, shoulder capsule damage, or even glenohumeral dislocation - all of which may require surgical intervention and result in 3-6 months recovery time or permanent shoulder instability. Progressive pressure allows the partner to recognize the submission and tap safely.

Q4: If you hear or feel popping or clicking in the opponent’s shoulder during an Americana, what should you do immediately? [SAFETY-CRITICAL] A: Immediately release ALL pressure on the shoulder, release the figure-four grip, and carefully return the arm to neutral position. Popping or clicking often indicates structural damage is occurring (labral tear, capsule damage, or beginning dislocation). You must stop instantly and check your partner’s condition verbally. Never continue pressure or assume the popping is normal. Partner safety always takes absolute priority over completing the submission.

Q5: What is the correct direction of rotation for the Americana from mount, and why is the angle important? A: From mount, rotate the opponent’s hand in a smooth arc toward the mat near their head, as if ‘painting a rainbow’ from their waist toward their ear. The opponent’s palm should face toward their own head throughout the rotation. This angle creates external rotation of the shoulder joint, which is the weakest direction for the shoulder’s range of motion. If the hand points away from their head, you create internal rotation which is much stronger and ineffective for the submission.

Q6: What are the proper grip mechanics for the figure-four wrist control in the Americana? A: The figure-four grip involves threading one hand under the opponent’s wrist and gripping your own wrist, creating a reinforced lock. Your bottom hand controls their wrist directly on the wrist bones (radius and ulna), not on the hand. Your top hand grips your own wrist to reinforce and prevent slipping. The opponent’s wrist should be trapped between your forearms, creating a secure vice. Your forearms form a ‘C’ shape around their wrist. The grip should be firm enough to prevent slipping but not so tight that you fatigue quickly.

Q7: What are the key differences in Americana execution from mount versus side control positions? A: From mount, the elbow is pinned to the mat and rotation is toward the mat near their head with chest weight distributed over their torso. From side control, the elbow is pinned to their own ribcage or body, and rotation is toward their face. Mount provides better base and allows more direct downward pressure, while side control requires more hip pressure and careful angle management. From mount, your knees drive into their sides for base; from side control, your hips are heavy and chest covers their shoulder. Both require maintaining pressure throughout, but weight distribution and rotation angles differ.

Training Progressions

Week 1-2: Technical Understanding and Mechanics (First 2 weeks of learning)

• Focus: Learn proper grip mechanics, elbow pinning, and rotation angle without any resistance. Partner remains completely still while you establish position, grips, and understand the movement pattern. Emphasis on feeling the correct angle and understanding shoulder anatomy.
• Resistance: Zero resistance
• Safety: No pressure applied to shoulder - only positioning and grip practice. Partner should feel no discomfort. Focus on recognizing the setup position and proper hand placement. Discuss anatomy and injury risks explicitly.

Week 3-4: Slow Execution with Communication (Weeks 3-4)

• Focus: Execute complete Americana with 10-20% pressure maximum while partner provides verbal feedback about pressure levels and discomfort. Practice tap recognition and immediate release protocol. Partner begins light defensive movement (pulling arm back, bridging gently) to create realistic but controlled scenarios.
• Resistance: Mild resistance
• Safety: Establish clear communication protocols. Partner must verbalize discomfort levels (‘I feel pressure,’ ‘That’s getting tight,’ etc.). Practice release protocol multiple times. Apply pressure over 5-7 seconds minimum. Stop at first sign of discomfort.

Week 5-8: Position Integration and Problem Solving (Weeks 5-8)

• Focus: Practice Americana from multiple positions (mount, side control, knee on belly). Learn to maintain position while setting up submission. Partner provides realistic defensive frames and grips. Drill transitions between Americana attempts and other attacks (armbar, Kimura) when defenses succeed.
• Resistance: Realistic resistance
• Safety: Maintain slow application speed (3-5 seconds minimum). Focus on control before submission - never sacrifice position for the finish. Practice recognizing when angle is wrong and resetting rather than forcing. Emphasize that control matters more than tap.

Week 9-12: Situational Sparring and Timing (Weeks 9-12)

• Focus: Begin positional sparring from mount and side control with goal of securing Americana against progressive resistance. Partner defends intelligently but allows submission if setup is clean. Work on creating reactions and combinations. Learn to recognize high-percentage opportunities versus forced attempts.
• Resistance: Realistic resistance
• Safety: Continue slow application in live training. Learn to differentiate between drilling and sparring intensity - even in sparring, shoulder locks require controlled application. Never spike or jerk. If you miss the opportunity, reset and try again rather than forcing.

Month 4-6: Competition Preparation and Advanced Timing (Months 4-6)

• Focus: Integrate Americana into overall game plan from dominant positions. Practice against increasingly skilled opponents who defend expertly. Learn to chain Americana with other submissions and transitions. Develop ability to recognize and capitalize on momentary openings during dynamic exchanges.
• Resistance: Full resistance
• Safety: Even at full resistance, maintain controlled application. In competition, apply quickly but smoothly - never spike. Know your partner’s flexibility and injury history. Some training partners may have previous shoulder injuries requiring extra caution. Always discuss limitations before intense training.

Ongoing Refinement and Teaching (Month 6+)

• Focus: Develop deep understanding of mechanical variations, individual body type adjustments, and ability to teach the technique safely to others. Explore connections to entire shoulder lock family (Kimura, omoplata, etc.). Understand Americana’s role in overall positional hierarchy and submission chains.
• Resistance: Full resistance
• Safety: As you become proficient, your responsibility for partner safety increases. Model proper application speed and control for junior practitioners. Develop sensitivity to feel when partner is in danger before they tap. Understand that mastery includes knowing when NOT to finish the submission in training.

From Which Positions?

• Mount
• Side Control
• Knee on Belly
• North-South
• Kesa Gatame
• Kuzure Kesa-Gatame
• Modified Scarf Hold
• High Mount
• S Mount
• Modified Mount

Related Submissions

• Kimura
• Kimura from Mount
• Kimura from Side Control
• Kimura from North-South
• Armbar from Mount
• Armbar from Side Control
• Straight Armbar
• Americana from Mount
• Americana from Side Control
• Americana Variations
• Reverse Kimura
• North-South to Kimura
• Kimura Variations
• Arm Triangle
• Ezekiel from Mount

Additional Related Content

• Mount - Primary attacking position - provides excellent base and control for Americana execution with chest pressure and weight distribution advantages
• Side Control - Alternative attacking position - allows Americana on near arm with hip pressure replacing chest pressure for elbow pin
• North-South - Transitional position - enables Americana on far arm when opponent turns to defend side control, provides excellent control for shoulder lock mechanics
• Knee on Belly - Entry position - opponent’s defensive arm extensions create immediate Americana opportunities during transition to side control
• Kimura - Sister submission - attacks same joint (shoulder) with reverse rotation; practitioners often flow between Americana and Kimura based on opponent’s defensive hand positioning
• Armbar from Mount - Alternative attack from same position - when opponent defends Americana by straightening arm, immediate transition to armbar becomes available
• Kimura from Mount - Combination attack - if opponent turns their hand away from head to defend Americana, reverse grip and enter Kimura mechanics
• Kimura from Side Control - Positional combination - both attacks available from side control; switching between them based on opponent’s arm positioning creates submission dilemmas
• Straight Armbar - Follow-up submission - when opponent defends Americana by straightening arm forcefully, transition to straight armbar mechanics on the extended limb
• Gift Wrap - Control position for entry - gift wrap isolates the arm and creates perfect Americana setup from mount or back control variations
• S Mount - Advanced position - provides superior angle for Americana when opponent begins to defend by turning or bridging from standard mount
• Omoplata - Related shoulder attack - different mechanism but targets same joint complex, often chained together in shoulder lock systems

Expert Insights

• Danaher System: The Americana is fundamentally a submission built upon the principle of leverage dominating over strength, which makes it one of the most democratizing techniques in grappling - size and strength matter far less than positional control and mechanical understanding. The critical insight that separates effective Americana execution from ineffective attempts lies in understanding that the submission occurs in three distinct phases: isolation of the limb, establishment of the fulcrum through elbow pinning, and controlled rotation through the weakest plane of shoulder motion. Many practitioners fail because they attempt to combine these phases or rush through them, particularly the second phase. The elbow pin is non-negotiable - without it, you have no lever arm and therefore no mechanical advantage regardless of your grip strength. From a safety perspective, the Americana teaches us that shoulder joints are particularly vulnerable to rotational stress because the glenohumeral joint prioritizes mobility over stability. This anatomical reality demands that we apply progressive pressure over several seconds rather than explosive force. The systematic approach to the Americana involves establishing dominant position first, isolating the arm second, securing grips third, and only then considering the finish. This hierarchy ensures that even if the submission fails, you maintain superior position. The Americana also serves as an excellent teaching tool for understanding how submissions create reactions that lead to other submissions - when they defend the Americana by straightening the arm, they create the armbar; when they turn the hand away, they create the Kimura. This interconnectedness is fundamental to developing a systematic submission game.
• Gordon Ryan: In competition, the Americana is one of those submissions that works at the highest levels not because it’s complicated, but because it’s mechanically sound and capitalizes on the universal human tendency to defend by extending the arms. I’ve finished numerous high-level opponents with the Americana from mount because they’re so focused on preventing the armbar or back take that they forget about the ‘basic’ shoulder lock. The key competitive insight is that you need to make the Americana part of a system, not an isolated technique. From mount, I’m constantly threatening armbars, Ezekiel chokes, and back takes, which forces my opponents to post their hands and create frames - that’s when the Americana becomes available. The setup speed in competition is much faster than in training, but the finish itself must still be controlled because if you blow out your opponent’s shoulder in a match, you might win that battle but you’re creating an enemy who will study your game obsessively for revenge. More importantly, you damage the reputation of the sport and your own reputation as a professional. The competition-specific detail that many miss is that the Americana from side control is often higher percentage than from mount at elite levels because most high-level grapplers have excellent mount defense, but side control creates more opportunities to attack the arms due to the pin. I’ve also found that the transition from knee on belly to the Americana catches people completely off guard because they’re worried about the knee on belly itself. In training versus competition, there’s a massive difference - in training, I apply the Americana over 4-5 seconds and often release before the tap just to show I had it. In competition, I apply it over 2-3 seconds and hold until tap, but I never spike it. The goal is to win, not to injure.
• Eddie Bravo: The Americana is such a fundamental submission that people often overlook the creative setups and variations that make it devastating from unconventional positions. At 10th Planet, we emphasize the Americana from the truck position, from lockdown when they try to smash pass, and even from rubber guard variations when we can trap their posting arm. The traditional approach focuses on mount and side control, which is fine, but the Americana’s mechanics work from anywhere you can isolate an arm and create that figure-four lock. What’s interesting from a no-gi perspective is that the Americana actually becomes more reliable because gi grips allow opponents to defend longer by grabbing their own lapel or belt. In no-gi, once you establish that figure-four on bare skin, it’s much harder for them to maintain defensive grips. The innovation mindset asks: where else can we create the Americana mechanics? I’ve taught variations from half guard when they’re smashing and posting their hand, from turtle when you can control their posting arm, and even from standing positions when transitioning to ground control. The safety culture at 10th Planet is something I take extremely seriously because we do a lot of leg locks and shoulder locks. I constantly remind students that these submissions can end careers and friendships if applied recklessly. We have a rule: if you’re not sure about your control, don’t go for the finish. The Americana should make your partner tap from the pressure, not from panic or injury. I’ve seen too many injuries from people treating training like competition. In the gym, the Americana is a control position that happens to have a submission - you’re building mastery of the position, not collecting taps. The creative application comes from understanding that anywhere you can establish control, isolate an arm at 90 degrees, pin the elbow, and create that figure-four, you’ve got Americana mechanics available.