SAFETY: Far Side Armbar targets the Elbow joint (hyperextension). Risk: Elbow hyperextension (ligament damage). Release immediately upon tap.
The Far Side Armbar is a high-percentage finishing technique targeting the opponent’s far arm (the arm furthest from you) when controlling from top positions like side control, mount, or north-south. This submission exploits the opponent’s defensive frames by isolating the extended arm and applying hyperextension pressure to the elbow joint. The far side armbar is particularly effective because it attacks the arm that opponents naturally use to create distance and prevent transitions, making it a fundamental component of submission chains from dominant positions.
Unlike near-side armbars which require significant position changes, the far side armbar can often be secured with minimal positional adjustment, making it a reliable finishing option when opponents are defending tightly. The technique leverages body weight, hip positioning, and leg control to isolate the targeted limb while maintaining top pressure. Success depends on proper grip control, angle creation, and the ability to prevent the opponent from defending by clasping their hands together.
This submission appears frequently in both gi and no-gi competition at all levels, often as part of systematic attack sequences that force opponents into defensive dilemmas. When combined with other submissions like the kimura, americana, or transition to mount, the far side armbar becomes even more potent as it capitalizes on the opponent’s defensive reactions to create finishing opportunities.
Category: Joint Lock Type: Arm Lock Target Area: Elbow joint (hyperextension) Starting Position: Side Control From Position: Side Control (Top) Success Rate: 58%
Safety Guide
Injury Risks:
| Injury | Severity | Recovery Time |
|---|---|---|
| Elbow hyperextension (ligament damage) | High | 4-8 weeks for moderate sprains, 3-6 months for severe tears |
| Elbow dislocation | CRITICAL | 3-6 months with potential for permanent instability |
| Bicep tendon strain from resistance | Medium | 2-4 weeks |
| Shoulder strain from torquing during setup | Medium | 2-6 weeks |
Application Speed: SLOW and progressive - 3-5 seconds minimum from control to tap. Never snap or jerk the submission.
Tap Signals:
- Verbal tap (saying ‘tap’ or any verbal signal)
- Physical hand tap (on partner or mat)
- Physical foot tap (on partner or mat)
- Any distress signal or unusual sound
Release Protocol:
- Immediately release hip pressure and stop extending the arm
- Open your legs if using leg control over the body
- Return opponent’s arm to neutral position slowly
- Allow opponent to recover and reset before continuing
- Check with partner verbally that they are okay
Training Restrictions:
- Never spike, jerk, or apply sudden explosive force to the submission
- Never use competition speed or pressure in training rolls
- Always ensure partner has clear access to tap with at least one hand
- Stop immediately at any sign of discomfort or unusual joint sound
- White and blue belts should practice at 30-50% speed only
Outcomes
| Result | Position | Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Success | game-over | 60% |
| Failure | Side Control | 25% |
| Counter | Closed Guard | 15% |
Attacker vs Defender
| Attacker | Defender | |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Execute and finish | Escape and survive |
| Key Principles | Isolate the far arm by controlling the wrist and preventing … | Keep elbows connected to your torso and avoid extending the … |
| Options | 7 execution steps | 4 defensive options |
Playing as Attacker
Key Principles
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Isolate the far arm by controlling the wrist and preventing hand clasping
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Create the proper angle by positioning your hips perpendicular to opponent’s shoulder
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Secure the arm across your chest/body before committing to the finish
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Use leg positioning to control opponent’s torso and prevent escapes
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Apply pressure through hip extension, not by pulling the arm
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Maintain tight connection between your chest and opponent’s captured arm
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Control the opponent’s head or near arm to prevent defensive turns
Execution Steps
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Secure far arm control: From side control or mount, identify the opponent’s far arm (furthest from you). Grip the wrist firm…
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Break opponent’s defensive structure: Drive your weight forward and down to extend the opponent’s arm fully. If they’re framing against yo…
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Trap the arm to your body: Once the arm is extended, clamp it tightly to your chest by squeezing your elbow to your ribs. The o…
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Position your hips: Begin rotating your hips to create perpendicular alignment with the opponent’s shoulder. Your hips s…
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Establish leg control: Swing your near leg over the opponent’s head or face, or step it across to the far side of their bod…
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Secure the arm position: Adjust your grip to control the wrist with both hands if possible, or maintain one hand on the wrist…
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Apply finishing pressure: Drive your hips forward and upward toward the ceiling while pulling the wrist toward your chest. The…
Common Mistakes
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Releasing chest pressure on the arm too early
- Consequence: Opponent can bend their arm and escape before you establish full control
- Correction: Maintain tight chest-to-arm connection throughout the entire setup; never let their arm bend until the submission is fully locked
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Applying sudden jerking or spiking motion to finish
- Consequence: HIGH RISK of elbow dislocation, ligament rupture, or severe hyperextension injury
- Correction: Always apply pressure progressively over 3-5 seconds minimum; use smooth hip extension rather than explosive yanking
-
Poor hip positioning (not perpendicular to opponent)
- Consequence: Weak leverage and easy escape for opponent; submission lacks finishing power
- Correction: Ensure your hips are positioned near opponent’s head with your body forming a clear ‘T’ shape; adjust before applying pressure
Playing as Defender
Key Principles
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Keep elbows connected to your torso and avoid extending the far arm into vulnerable framing positions
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Clasp hands immediately when you feel wrist control being established to buy time and prevent arm isolation
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Turn toward the attacker rather than away to deny the perpendicular angle needed for the finish
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Bridge and create hip movement during the attacker’s transition phase when their base is most compromised
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Monitor the attacker’s hip position constantly since perpendicular alignment signals imminent danger
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Use grip fighting on your own arm (grabbing your bicep, lapel, or shorts) to prevent full extension
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Stay calm and systematic rather than panicking with explosive pulls that accelerate elbow hyperextension
Recognition Cues
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Attacker grips your far wrist or cups behind your far elbow while maintaining top pressure from side control or mount
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Attacker begins driving your far arm across your body toward their chest, straightening it against your resistance
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Attacker’s hips start rotating toward your head, shifting from parallel alignment to perpendicular positioning
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Attacker’s near leg begins stepping over your head or face while their weight shifts off your hips
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You feel your far arm being clamped tightly against the attacker’s chest with their elbow squeezing to their ribs
Escape Paths
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Clasp hands and turn into attacker to collapse the perpendicular angle, then work back to side control bottom and recover guard
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Hitchhiker escape by rotating thumb toward head and spinning body to relieve pressure, recovering to turtle or top position
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Bridge and roll over the trapped arm side during the attacker’s transition phase to reverse into their guard
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Stack the attacker by driving forward if they sit back, collapsing their leg control and recovering top pressure
From Which Positions?
Match Outcome
Successful execution of Far Side Armbar leads to → Game Over
All submissions in BJJ ultimately converge to the same terminal state: the match ends when your opponent taps.