The Far Side Armbar is a family of straight-arm elbow locks that isolate and hyperextend the opponent’s far (top-side) arm from dominant pins such as side control, mount, knee-on-belly, and north-south.
Safety
Far Side Armbar targets the Elbow joint (hyperextension). Primary risk: Elbow hyperextension (ligament damage). Tap early; release immediately on the tap. Full safety guide ↓
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.
What positions can you finish from?
| From Position | Seat | Success | Play as Attacker | Play as Defender |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Side Control | Top | 58% | Attack → | Defend → |
Mechanical variations (how the choke is finished)
- Far Side Armbar from Side Control: Classic entry where you control opponent from side control, isolate their far arm as they frame, then rotate your hips toward their head while trapping the arm to your chest. (When to use: When opponent is defending tightly in side control and using their far arm to create frames or distance)
- Far Side Armbar from Mount: From high mount, bait opponent to push with their far arm, catch it, then lean back and rotate your hips to apply the armbar without dismounting fully. (When to use: When mounted opponent tries to push you away or create frames with extended arms)
- Far Side Armbar from North-South: From north-south position, control opponent’s far arm and slide your body toward the trapped arm side, using your legs to control their body while establishing the armbar. (When to use: When transitioning through north-south or when opponent turns away from traditional side control attacks)
- Step-Over Far Side Armbar: After isolating the arm, step your near leg completely over opponent’s head to establish traditional armbar position with better control and leverage. (When to use: When you have excellent control and opponent is not defending hand position; provides maximum finishing power)
- Belly-Down Far Side Armbar: Instead of sitting back, rotate to your belly while maintaining arm control, using your body weight to apply downward pressure on the shoulder while extending the elbow. (When to use: When opponent is defending the traditional armbar finish or when in no-gi where sliding into position is difficult)
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