BJJ Graph

Arm Crush

Jun 15, 202510 min read

Arm Crush

bjjsubmissionjoint_lockarm_attackcompression

Required Properties for State Machine

Core Identifiers

  • Submission ID: SUB022
  • Submission Name: Arm Crush
  • Alternative Names: Arm Compression Lock, Bicep Crusher

State Machine Properties

Submission Properties

  • Success Probability: Beginner 30%, Intermediate 55%, Advanced 70% - core probability data
  • Execution Complexity: Medium to High - requires precise positioning and leverage
  • Energy Cost: Medium - demands controlled pressure and adjustment
  • Risk Level: Medium - potential for opponent escape or counter if mistimed
  • Execution Speed: Medium - must be applied with intent but controlled to avoid injury

Physical Requirements

  • Strength Requirements: Medium for applying compression pressure
  • Flexibility Requirements: Low to Medium for body positioning
  • Coordination Requirements: High for isolating arm and applying leverage
  • Endurance Requirements: Medium for maintaining control during resistance

State Machine Content Elements

Visual Execution Sequence

Detailed step-by-step description for clear movement sequence visualization:

From a dominant top position such as side control or mount, you isolate one of the opponent’s arms, typically pinning it to the mat or against their body with your knee or shin to prevent movement, while maintaining strong control over their torso with your upper body weight. You position your leg or knee over their isolated arm, targeting the bicep or elbow area, ensuring their arm is bent at an angle to expose the joint or muscle to compression. Using your body weight, you drive your shin or knee into their arm, creating a crushing pressure against the mat or their own body as a fulcrum, while securing their wrist or elbow with your hands to prevent escape. As the opponent reacts to the pain or pressure, you adjust your angle to maximize compression, often sliding your knee slightly to increase leverage, aiming to force a tap by compressing the bicep muscle or stressing the elbow joint. If successful, the submission results in a win; if they escape, you may need to transition back to a control position to prevent a scramble or counterattack.

Template: “From side control or mount, isolate opponent’s arm, pinning it with your knee or shin while controlling their torso. Position your leg over their bicep or elbow, drive shin into arm for crushing pressure against mat or body. Secure wrist or elbow with hands, adjust angle for maximum compression, force tap by stressing joint or muscle.”

Execution Steps (Numbered Sequence)

  1. Setup Requirements: Establish dominant position like side control or mount
  2. Arm Isolation: Pin opponent’s arm to mat or body with knee or shin
  3. Torso Control: Maintain upper body weight to limit opponent’s movement
  4. Leg Positioning: Place shin or knee over opponent’s bicep or elbow
  5. Compression Initiation: Drive body weight into arm for crushing pressure
  6. Grip Security: Hold opponent’s wrist or elbow to prevent escape
  7. Angle Adjustment: Slide knee or adjust position to maximize leverage
  8. Submission Finish: Force tap by increasing compression on joint or muscle

Key Technical Details

Critical elements that determine success:

  • Arm Isolation: Securely pin opponent’s arm to prevent movement
  • Compression Point: Target bicep or elbow with precise shin placement
  • Body Weight: Use torso and leg weight to drive crushing pressure
  • Grip Control: Hold wrist or elbow to maintain arm position
  • Leverage Adjustment: Shift angle to increase compression effectiveness

Success Modifiers

Factors that increase/decrease probability:

  • Arm Isolation Quality: Strength and control of arm pinning (+/-20%)
  • Opponent Resistance: Capitalizing on opponent’s attempt to free arm (+/-15%)
  • Compression Precision: Accurate targeting of bicep or elbow (+/-15%)
  • Body Weight Application: Effective use of weight for pressure (+/-10%)
  • Knowledge Test Performance: Understanding compression mechanics (+/-10%)

Counter-Attack Analysis

Common Counters

Opponent responses with success rates:

  • Arm Withdrawal: Pulling arm free before compression → Neutral Position (Success Rate: 45%, Conditions: early recognition)
  • Hip Escape: Shrimping to create space and escape → Guard Recovery (Success Rate: 40%, Conditions: quick reaction)
  • Bridge Defense: Explosive bridge to disrupt control → Scramble Position (Success Rate: 35%, Conditions: strong base)
  • Counter Submission: Attacking with wrist lock or counter hold → Submission Counter (Success Rate: 25%, Conditions: advanced skill)

Format: [[Counter Technique]] → [[Result State]] (Success Rate: X%, Conditions: [when applicable])

Decision Logic

If [arm isolation] is incomplete or recognized early:
- Execute [[Arm Withdrawal]] (Probability: 45%)

Else if [space] can be created quickly:
- Execute [[Hip Escape]] (Probability: 40%)

Else if [base] is strong for disruption:
- Attempt [[Bridge Defense]] (Probability: 35%)

Else [skill level] allows for counterattack:
- Attempt [[Counter Submission]] (Probability: 25%)

Else [optimal execution]:
- Accept submission (Probability: Success Rate - Modifiers)

Educational Content

Expert Insights

Commentary as if from recognized authorities:

  • John Danaher: “The arm crush is a powerful compression lock that exploits the vulnerability of the arm when isolated under body weight. The key is in the precise application of pressure through your shin, using the opponent’s own body or the mat as a fulcrum to maximize pain and control. This technique teaches critical principles of leverage and isolation that apply to all joint locks.”
  • Gordon Ryan: “In competition, the arm crush can be a hidden gem because it catches opponents off-guard when they focus on defending chokes or other attacks from top positions. I use it to force submissions quickly from side control, capitalizing on their trapped arm. The move demonstrates how compression can be as effective as hyperextension in submissions.”
  • Eddie Bravo: “Arm crush shows how compression attacks can diversify your submission game from dominant positions. It integrates well with systems like side control and mount, offering a painful option that most opponents aren’t prepared to defend. This technique is perfect for grapplers who like to experiment with unorthodox joint locks.”

Each insight should focus on one key technical or strategic element.

Common Errors

For knowledge test generation:

  • Error: Incorrect shin placement for compression

  • Why It Fails: Reduces pressure on target area, allowing opponent to resist

  • Correction: Ensure shin targets bicep or elbow joint precisely

  • Recognition: Opponent shows little discomfort or easily pulls arm free

  • Error: Insufficient arm isolation or control

  • Why It Fails: Allows opponent to withdraw arm or counterattack

  • Correction: Pin arm securely with knee or shin before applying pressure

  • Recognition: Opponent frees arm or initiates escape during setup

  • Error: Over-reliance on strength instead of leverage

  • Why It Fails: Tires you out and reduces submission effectiveness

  • Correction: Use body weight and angle adjustments for compression

  • Recognition: Submission attempt feels forced or lacks immediate impact

Timing Considerations

When to attempt this submission:

  • Optimal Conditions: When opponent’s arm is isolated and exposed
  • Avoid When: Opponent maintains strong defensive posture or arm control
  • Setup Sequences: After establishing dominant top position with arm trapped
  • Follow-up Windows: Must apply compression within 5-7 seconds to avoid escape

Prerequisites

Requirements before attempting:

  • Technical Skills: Understanding of arm isolation and compression mechanics
  • Physical Preparation: Core strength for maintaining top control
  • Positional Understanding: Control points in side control and mount
  • Experience Level: Intermediate to advanced - requires precision and control

Technical Assessment Elements

Knowledge Assessment Questions

5 technical questions with multiple choice answers:

  • Mechanical Understanding: “What creates the compression in an arm crush?”
  • Timing Recognition: “When is the optimal moment to apply the arm crush?”
  • Error Prevention: “What is the most common mistake in executing arm crush?”
  • Setup Requirements: “Which position is essential for isolating the opponent’s arm?”
  • Adaptation: “How do you adjust if the opponent starts to withdraw their arm?”

Variants and Adaptations

Different versions for various scenarios:

  • Side Control Variant: Applied from side control with knee on arm
  • Mount Variant: Applied from mount with shin across arm
  • Half Guard Top Variant: Applied during transition from half guard
  • No-Gi Specific: Modified grips for control without gi
  • Self-Defense: Quick application for restraint in real-world scenarios

Training Progressions

Skill development pathway:

  • Solo Practice: Positioning and shin placement without partner
  • Cooperative Drilling: Partner allows arm isolation for technique development
  • Resistant Practice: Partner provides progressive resistance to setup
  • Sparring Integration: Attempt during live rolling from top positions
  • Troubleshooting: Identify and correct issues with compression or control

Audio & Narration Elements

Action Descriptions

Dynamic language for TTS narration:

  • Movement Verbs: Isolate, pin, drive, crush, adjust, secure
  • Spatial References: Arm pinned, shin over bicep, elbow target
  • Pressure Dynamics: Crushing pressure, body weight, joint stress
  • Reaction Descriptions: Opponent discomfort, forced tap, controlled finish

Coaching Commentary

Real-time instruction and feedback:

  • Setup Cues: “Isolate their arm and pin it with your knee or shin”
  • Execution Guidance: “Drive your shin into their bicep with body weight”
  • Adaptation Prompts: “Adjust your angle if they resist, increase pressure”
  • Completion Confirmation: “Maintain control until they tap or escape”

Technical Specifications

Animation Keyframes

For potential visual development:

  • Starting Position: Top control with arm isolated
  • Transition Points: Shin placement, compression drive, angle adjustment
  • Finishing Position: Submission win or escape to neutral
  • Alternative Outcomes: Failed attempt leading to scramble or guard recovery

Biomechanical Analysis

Scientific movement breakdown:

  • Force Vectors: Downward pressure through shin into arm
  • Leverage Ratios: Shin as fulcrum against mat or opponent’s body
  • Range of Motion: Minimal joint movement, focused on compression
  • Power Generation: Body weight and core for sustained pressure

Validation Checklist

Every submission file must include:

  • All required properties with specific numeric values
  • Detailed visual execution sequence (minimum 4 sentences)
  • Complete numbered execution steps (minimum 6 steps)
  • At least 3 common counters with success rates
  • Decision logic for opponent behavior
  • Expert insights from all three authorities
  • Minimum 3 common errors with corrections
  • 5 knowledge test questions with answers
  • Timing considerations and prerequisites
  • Safety considerations emphasized

Example Implementation

See Armbar Finish for a complete example implementing all standard requirements.

Notes for Developers

This standard ensures:

  • Consistent submission data for state machine implementation
  • Probability calculations with modifier systems
  • Rich content for comprehensive technical documentation
  • Educational value through expert analysis
  • Technical depth for authentic understanding
  • Structured decision analysis patterns
  • Knowledge assessment integration
  • Safety emphasis for injury prevention

Updates to this standard should be reflected across all submission files to maintain consistency and educational value.

  • Bicep Slicer - Similar compression attack on arm
  • Americana - Alternative arm lock from top positions
  • Side Control - Common starting point for this submission
  • Mount - Alternative dominant position for setup

Competition Applications

  • IBJJF Rules: Legal at all belt levels, classified as joint lock
  • No-Gi Competition: Effective with modified control setups
  • Self-Defense: Useful for restraint or control in real-world scenarios
  • MMA Applications: Applicable with caution due to striking risk

Historical Context

Arm crush is a modern submission in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, often used in no-gi and MMA contexts, showcasing the evolution of compression-based joint locks. It highlights BJJ’s focus on using body weight and leverage for effective submissions beyond traditional hyperextensions.

Safety Considerations

  • Controlled Pressure: Apply compression gradually to avoid sudden injury
  • Joint Awareness: Avoid excessive force on elbow to prevent damage
  • Partner Communication: Ensure opponent can tap or signal discomfort
  • Training Environment: Use in controlled settings with proper mats
  • Release Timing: Be prepared to release immediately upon tap or signal

Position Integration

Common arm crush combinations:

Training Applications

  • Submission Development: Essential for diversifying arm attack arsenal
  • Competition Preparation: Effective for forcing taps from top control
  • Control Training: Builds skills in isolating limbs for attacks
  • Pressure Application: Encourages use of body weight for submissions

Graph View

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