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Armbar from Back | BJJ Submission Guide | BJJ Graph

Oct 25, 20258 min read

Armbar from Back

bjjsubmissionjoint_lockback_attack

⚠️ SAFETY NOTICE

This submission can cause ELBOW DISLOCATION, hyperextension injuries, and ligament damage if applied improperly.

  • Injury Risks:
    • Elbow dislocation (acute, requires medical reduction)
    • Elbow hyperextension (ligament damage, 4-8 weeks recovery)
    • UCL (ulnar collateral ligament) tear (Tommy John injury, months to repair)
    • Bicep tendon strain from rapid extension
  • Application Speed: SLOW and progressive. 3-5 seconds minimum from hip elevation to tap.
  • Tap Signals: Verbal “tap”, physical tap with free hand/feet on opponent or mat
  • Release Protocol:
    1. Lower hips immediately to release pressure
    2. Release arm control gently
    3. Allow arm to return to natural bent position
    4. Check partner for elbow discomfort
  • Training Requirement: Beginner to intermediate with instructor supervision
  • Never: Apply explosive hip pressure or force arm past natural extension range

Remember: Your training partner trusts you with their elbow integrity. Respect the tap immediately and never “spike” the armbar.

Required Properties for State Machine

Core Identifiers

  • Submission ID: SUB072
  • Submission Name: Armbar from Back
  • Alternative Names: Juji-Gatame from Back Control, Arm Lock from the Back

State Machine Properties

Submission Properties

  • Success Probability: Beginner 40%, Intermediate 55%, Advanced 70%
  • Execution Complexity: Medium to High - requires technical transition and control
  • Energy Cost: Medium - demands grip strength and hip control
  • Time Required: Medium - 8-12 seconds including position transition
  • Risk Level: Medium - position loss possible during transition

Physical Requirements

  • Strength Requirements: Medium for grip control and hip pressure
  • Flexibility Requirements: Medium for leg positioning and hip mobility
  • Coordination Requirements: High for simultaneous arm control and position change
  • Endurance Requirements: Medium for maintaining control during extension

Visual Execution Sequence

From Back Control with hooks in and seatbelt grip established, you identify an opportunity when the opponent defends the rear naked choke by pulling your choking arm forward or creating hand fighting scenarios. You release your rear-side hook and swing that leg over the opponent’s face while simultaneously capturing their defending arm across your centerline, controlling their wrist with both hands. Your hips shift to the side and you fall back toward the mat, pulling the opponent’s arm straight while positioning their thumb upward to prevent rotation. Your legs squeeze together with your opponent’s trapped arm between them, their elbow positioned over your hip line, and you elevate your hips upward creating hyperextension pressure on their elbow joint. Your opponent experiences intense pressure in their elbow, recognizing the joint is being forced beyond its natural range, and taps repeatedly on your leg or the mat. You immediately lower your hips to release pressure, relax your leg squeeze, and gently release arm control while checking your partner’s elbow integrity.

Execution Steps

SAFETY REMINDER: Apply pressure SLOWLY over 3-5 seconds. Watch for tap signals continuously. Monitor partner’s elbow extension carefully.

Step-by-Step Execution

  1. Initial Setup (Position Phase)

    • Maintain back control with hooks in and seatbelt control
    • Opponent defends choke by pulling arm or hand fighting
    • Safety check: Ensure partner can tap with at least one limb

  2. Arm Isolation (Capture Phase)

    • Capture opponent’s defending arm across your centerline
    • Both hands control their wrist firmly
    • Keep arm extended and thumb pointing up
    • Partner check: Verify arm is captured but no pressure yet

  3. Leg Transition (Movement Phase)

    • Release rear-side hook (leg nearest opponent’s back)
    • Swing that leg over opponent’s face
    • Maintain arm control throughout movement
    • Speed: SMOOTH transition to prevent escape

  4. Hip Positioning (Alignment Phase)

    • Fall to your back/side pulling opponent’s arm straight
    • Position opponent’s elbow over your hip line
    • Squeeze legs together with knees tight
    • Ensure thumb points upward (prevents rotation)

  5. Pressure Initiation (Execution Phase)

    • Begin elevating hips slowly and progressively
    • Pull wrist toward your chest
    • Maintain leg squeeze for stability
    • Speed: SLOW progressive pressure over 3-5 seconds
    • Critical: WATCH FOR TAP continuously

  6. Submission Recognition & Release (Finish/Safety Phase)

    • FEEL FOR TAP: Hand tapping your leg/mat, foot tapping mat, verbal “tap”
    • RELEASE IMMEDIATELY:
      • Lower hips to mat instantly
      • Release leg pressure
      • Let arm return to bent position gently
    • Post-submission: Ask “elbow okay?”, check for extension discomfort

Total Execution Time in Training: Minimum 3-5 seconds from hip elevation to tap.

Expert Insights

John Danaher Perspective

“The armbar from back control represents an elegant application of systematic attack theory. When your opponent defends the choke by bringing their arms forward, they inadvertently create the exact condition required for arm isolation - the arm must cross your centerline to fight your hands. The mechanical principle is identical to all armbars: create a straight line with their arm, position the elbow over your hip as a fulcrum, and elevate your hips to create hyperextension leverage. The transition itself must be executed with technical precision - releasing the rear hook while maintaining arm control requires coordination. In training, your goal is to achieve perfect position where the submission is inevitable, not to finish explosively. Release immediately upon tap.”

Gordon Ryan Perspective

“The armbar from back is one of my highest percentage finishes because opponents are so focused on defending the choke that they don’t see it coming. I set it up by threatening the rear naked choke repeatedly until their hands come forward to defend - that’s when I capture the arm. The key is maintaining arm control during the transition; if they pull their arm back during the leg swing, you lose the submission. In competition, the finish is fast once I have position. In training, I take my time and let partners feel the position before applying pressure. Your training partners need their elbows for decades - treat them with respect.”

Eddie Bravo Perspective

“From back control, I’m always hunting submissions. The armbar is huge because when they defend your choke, boom, their arm is right there. In 10th Planet, we drill the transition constantly because it’s technical - you need to keep the arm locked while moving your leg. The thumb has to point up or they’ll hitchhiker out. Once you have position, the finish is easy - just lift your hips and wait for the tap. Here’s the deal though: this submission can wreck elbows fast. I’ve seen it happen when people get excited and spike their hips. Don’t be that person. Set it up clean, transition smooth, finish controlled.”

Common Errors

Error: Losing Arm Control During Transition

  • Consequence: Allows opponent to pull arm back and escape submission attempt entirely
  • Correction: Maintain tight two-handed wrist control throughout transition
  • Recognition: If you feel arm slipping during leg swing, reset position

Error: Incorrect Thumb Position

  • Consequence: Enables hitchhiker escape where opponent rotates out of submission
  • Correction: Always ensure thumb points upward toward ceiling
  • Recognition: Check thumb direction before applying pressure

Error: Elbow Not Over Hip Line

  • Consequence: Reduces leverage dramatically, submission becomes low-percentage
  • Correction: Elbow should be directly over or slightly above hip bones
  • Recognition: If submission feels weak, check elbow positioning

DANGER: Spiking Hips

  • Consequence: No time for partner to tap before hyperextension occurs
  • Correction: Elevate hips progressively over 3-5 seconds in training
  • Recognition: This can cause permanent elbow damage requiring surgery

DANGER: Ignoring Tap Signals

  • Consequence: Partner already submitted - continued pressure causes injury
  • Correction: LOWER HIPS IMMEDIATELY upon any tap signal
  • Recognition: This is the most serious error in BJJ

Training Progressions

  1. Phase 1 (Week 1-2): Study mechanics without partner, no live application
  2. Phase 2 (Week 3-4): Slow practice with zero resistance, 10+ seconds per rep
  3. Phase 3 (Week 5-8): Progressive resistance, tap at 30-40% pressure
  4. Phase 4 (Week 9-12): Realistic defense, recognize opportunities
  5. Phase 5 (Week 13-16): Light rolling integration with safety emphasis
  6. Phase 6 (4+ months): Live application with absolute safety priority

Competition Applications

  • IBJJF Rules: Legal at all belt levels in gi and no-gi
  • Strategic Use: High-percentage finish when choke is defended
  • Tournament Impact: Common competition finish from dominant back position

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