BJJ Graph

Far Side Armbar | BJJ Submission Guide | BJJ Graph

Oct 25, 202510 min read

Far Side Armbar

bjjsubmissionarmbarjoint_lockcontrol

Required Properties for State Machine

Core Identifiers

  • Submission ID: S104
  • Submission Name: Far Side Armbar
  • Alternative Names: Far Side Arm Lock, Cross Armbar

State Machine Properties

Submission Properties

  • Success Probability: Beginner 35%, Intermediate 60%, Advanced 80% - core probability data
  • Execution Complexity: Medium - technical difficulty assessment
  • Energy Cost: Medium - physical demand of execution
  • Time Required: Short - duration of submission attempt
  • Risk Level: Medium - chance of position loss if failed

Physical Requirements

  • Strength Requirements: Medium for grip and control to isolate arm
  • Flexibility Requirements: Low for basic positioning
  • Coordination Requirements: High for precise arm isolation and hip movement
  • Endurance Requirements: Low for quick execution

State Machine Content Elements

⚠️ Safety Considerations

Injury Risks

Far side armbars can cause serious joint injuries if applied incorrectly:

  • Elbow Hyperextension (Severity: High, Recovery: 4-8 weeks; can cause ligament tears or permanent damage)
  • Elbow Dislocation (Severity: Critical, Recovery: 3-6 months; requires immediate medical attention)
  • Bicep/Tricep Tendon Strain (Severity: Medium, Recovery: 2-4 weeks; from resisting or sudden pressure)
  • Shoulder Impingement (Severity: Medium, Recovery: 2-6 weeks; from improper arm positioning during setup)

Application Speed

  • Apply submissions SLOWLY and progressively over 3-5 seconds minimum
  • Never “spike” or jerk the arm when initiating pressure
  • Gradually increase hip pressure to allow partner time to recognize the lock
  • Maintain constant awareness of partner’s tap signals throughout

Tap Signals

Partners must establish clear tap signals before training:

  • Verbal Tap: Saying “tap” loudly (essential if arm is trapped and can’t physically tap)
  • Physical Tap: Tapping partner’s body, mat, or own body with free hand (minimum 2 taps)
  • Emergency Signal: Rapid verbal “tap tap tap” or foot tapping if both hands are controlled

Release Protocol

When partner taps:

  1. Immediately stop hip pressure and release downward pull on arm
  2. Lower hips away from hyperextension angle
  3. Release wrist/elbow grip and allow arm to return to natural position
  4. Check partner’s elbow mobility and ask “Elbow okay?”
  5. Observe arm for any immediate swelling or inability to bend
  6. Return to neutral position and give partner 10-15 seconds to assess joint

Training Progression

  • Weeks 1-2: Positional control from side control/north-south only, no arm isolation
  • Weeks 3-4: Slow arm isolation drills with zero resistance (10% speed, partner taps to setup position)
  • Weeks 5-8: Add light defensive frames, practice reading resistance (40% speed, tap at 20% pressure)
  • Weeks 9-12: Realistic application with progressive pressure (60% speed, tap at 40-50% pressure)
  • Ongoing: Full speed only with experienced partners, never spike or jerk the joint

Partner Communication

  • Establish tap protocol before drilling, emphasize verbal tap if arm is trapped
  • Communicate elbow comfort during setup: “pressure okay?” or “elbow safe?”
  • Discuss partner’s elbow injury history to adjust pressure limits accordingly
  • Agree on maximum pressure for drilling (typically 40-60% of full extension)
  • Watch for partner’s facial expressions of pain - release immediately even without tap

Visual Execution Sequence

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

From a dominant top position such as Side Control, North-South, or Knee on Belly, you start by isolating the opponent’s far arm, which is the arm furthest from your body, using your near arm to control their wrist or elbow while pinning their torso with your chest or knee. Secure their far arm by trapping it against your body, often by hugging it to your chest or using an underhook to prevent their defensive movement. Transition your hips by stepping over their head with your near leg, positioning your body perpendicular to theirs, ensuring their arm is extended with the elbow aligned with your hip for maximum leverage. Drop your weight onto their chest or torso to pin them while simultaneously pulling their arm straight and lifting your hips to apply pressure on the elbow joint. Maintain control of their wrist and keep their thumb pointing upwards to ensure the correct angle of attack, applying steady pressure until the opponent submits due to the hyperextension of the elbow.

Template: “From Side Control or similar, isolate far arm with near arm control. Trap arm against body, step over head with near leg. Position perpendicular, align elbow with hip. Drop weight to pin, pull arm straight, lift hips for elbow pressure until submission.”

Execution Steps (Numbered Sequence)

  1. Setup Requirements: Establish dominant position (Side Control, North-South, Knee on Belly)
  2. Initial Movement: Isolate opponent’s far arm using near arm to control wrist or elbow
  3. Opponent Response: Opponent may attempt to pull arm back or turn to defend
  4. Adaptation: Secure far arm by trapping against body with hug or underhook
  5. Positioning: Step over opponent’s head with near leg, align body perpendicular
  6. Pressure Application: Drop weight to pin torso, pull arm straight, lift hips for elbow pressure
  7. Completion: Maintain wrist control, ensure thumb up, apply steady pressure until submission

Key Technical Details

Critical elements that determine success:

  • Grip Requirements: Strong control of opponent’s wrist to prevent pull-back
  • Base/Foundation: Weight distribution to pin opponent’s torso effectively
  • Timing Windows: Execute when opponent’s far arm is exposed or overextended
  • Leverage Points: Hip alignment with elbow for maximum joint pressure
  • Common Adjustments: Adjust hip position and arm pull based on defensive reactions

Success Modifiers

Factors that increase/decrease probability:

  • Setup Quality: Security of far arm isolation and control (+/-20%)
  • Timing Precision: Executing when arm is exposed or overextended (+/-15%)
  • Opponent Fatigue: Reduced defensive strength over time (+/-5%)
  • Knowledge Test Performance: Understanding armbar mechanics (+/-10%)
  • Positional Control: Effectiveness of torso pinning and hip alignment (+/-10%)

Counter-Attack Analysis

Common Counters

Opponent responses with success rates:

  • Arm Pull-Back: Retracting arm to prevent isolation → Arm Defense (Success Rate: 30%, Conditions: early reaction)
  • Turn to Knees: Turning to turtle to escape pin → Turtle Position (Success Rate: 20%, Conditions: quick movement)
  • Hitchhiker Escape: Rotating thumb down to relieve pressure → Pressure Reduction (Success Rate: 15%, Conditions: correct angle)
  • Stack Defense: Stacking to disrupt hip alignment → Stack Defense (Success Rate: 10%, Conditions: strong base)
  • Bridge Escape: Bridging to create space → Position Disruption (Success Rate: 10%, Conditions: explosive movement)

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

Decision Logic for Opponent Behavior

If [far side armbar setup] is not fully secured:
- Execute [[Arm Pull-Back]] (Probability: 30%)

Else if [turn to knees] can escape pin:
- Execute [[Turn to Knees]] (Probability: 20%)

Else if [hitchhiker escape] relieves pressure:
- Execute [[Hitchhiker Escape]] (Probability: 15%)

Else if [stack defense] disrupts alignment:
- Execute [[Stack Defense]] (Probability: 10%)

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

Defensive Considerations

Common Threats During Attempt

Primary risks while attempting this submission:

  • Arm Retraction: Opponent pulls arm back to prevent isolation → Arm Defense (Threat Level: Medium)
  • Positional Escape: Opponent turns to knees or other position → Turtle Position (Threat Level: Medium)
  • Pressure Relief: Opponent uses hitchhiker escape → Pressure Reduction (Threat Level: Low)
  • Alignment Disruption: Opponent stacks or bridges → Stack Defense (Threat Level: Low)

Format: [[Threat Type]] → [[Resulting Position]] (Threat Level: X)

Defensive Strategies

Methods to mitigate threats:

  • Wrist Control: Maintain tight grip on wrist to prevent arm retraction
  • Torso Pinning: Use weight effectively to block turning or bridging
  • Hip Alignment: Keep hips aligned with elbow to counter pressure relief
  • Leg Positioning: Secure leg over head to limit stacking or escape movement
  • Adaptation Readiness: Be prepared to switch to other submissions or controls if armbar fails

Educational Content

Common Errors

1. Insufficient Arm Isolation Before Transition

Problem: Attempting to transition to armbar position before fully controlling the far arm, allowing opponent to retract it.

Why it happens: Practitioners rush to finish position without establishing secure control, anxious to complete the technique quickly.

Correction: Establish firm wrist control and pin the far arm against your body before any hip movement. Ensure opponent cannot pull arm back by trapping it with chest pressure or underhook.

Result if uncorrected: Opponent pulls arm free during transition, escaping the submission and potentially reversing position or recovering guard.

2. Poor Hip Alignment with Elbow Joint

Problem: Hips positioned too far from opponent’s elbow, reducing leverage and pressure application.

Why it happens: Focus on controlling upper arm instead of proper hip placement relative to the joint being attacked.

Correction: Position your hip directly against opponent’s elbow joint, creating a fulcrum. Ensure shoulder-to-hip alignment creates maximum leverage on the elbow.

Result if uncorrected: Weak armbar pressure that opponent can resist with strength, reducing success rate dramatically and wasting energy.

3. Failing to Control Opponent’s Torso

Problem: Not pinning opponent’s chest or torso effectively, allowing them to turn, bridge, or escape.

Why it happens: Over-focus on the arm being attacked while neglecting base control and weight distribution.

Correction: Maintain heavy chest pressure or knee pressure on opponent’s torso throughout the setup. Use body weight to pin them to the mat.

Result if uncorrected: Opponent turns into you, stacks, or bridges to escape, losing the submission and potentially the dominant position.

4. Incorrect Thumb Position (Thumb Down)

Problem: Allowing opponent’s thumb to rotate downward instead of keeping it pointed upward.

Why it happens: Lack of awareness about proper arm alignment for joint lock effectiveness.

Correction: Actively maintain opponent’s thumb in the upward position throughout the technique. This ensures proper elbow alignment and prevents hitchhiker escape.

Result if uncorrected: Opponent can relieve pressure by rotating their arm (hitchhiker escape), significantly reducing armbar effectiveness.

5. ⚠️ DANGER: Explosive Hip Extension

Problem: Jerking or spiking hips explosively to finish the armbar without progressive pressure.

Why it happens: Frustration with slow progress or competition mindset during training, attempting to force the tap.

Correction: Apply hip pressure progressively over 3-5 seconds, increasing pressure incrementally. Never spike or jerk the joint.

Result if uncorrected: SERIOUS ELBOW INJURY - hyperextension, ligament tears, or dislocation. Can cause 4-8 weeks to 6+ months recovery time. This is the most common cause of training injuries in armbar techniques.

6. ⚠️ DANGER: Continuing Pressure After Tap

Problem: Maintaining or increasing pressure after partner has tapped, not releasing immediately.

Why it happens: Delayed reaction time, focus on technique rather than partner safety, or not feeling/hearing the tap.

Correction: Develop sensitivity to tap signals. Release ALL pressure immediately upon any tap - verbal or physical. Watch for partner’s free hand tapping continuously.

Result if uncorrected: Unnecessary elbow injury to training partner, breach of trust, potential expulsion from academy. Joint damage occurs very quickly once hyperextension begins.

7. Insufficient Weight Distribution During Setup

Problem: Not distributing body weight effectively across opponent’s torso, leaving them mobile.

Why it happens: Poor understanding of weight distribution and balance during transition phase.

Correction: As you step over head, momentarily distribute weight across their chest. Then settle weight strategically: some on torso, some on attacking position.

Result if uncorrected: Opponent can roll, turn to their knees, or escape to turtle, losing the submission entirely.

Expert Insights

Commentary as if from recognized authorities:

  • John Danaher: “The Far Side Armbar is a high-percentage attack

Graph View

Backlinks