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.
From Position: Side Control (Top)
Key Attacking Principles
- Isolate the far arm by controlling the wrist and preventing hand clasping
- Create the proper angle by positioning your hips perpendicular to opponent’s shoulder
- Secure the arm across your chest/body before committing to the finish
- Use leg positioning to control opponent’s torso and prevent escapes
- Apply pressure through hip extension, not by pulling the arm
- Maintain tight connection between your chest and opponent’s captured arm
- Control the opponent’s head or near arm to prevent defensive turns
Prerequisites
- Dominant top position (side control, mount, north-south, or knee on belly)
- Control of opponent’s far wrist or forearm
- Opponent’s arm extended or creating a defensive frame
- Weight distribution preventing opponent from bridging or turning
- Clear path to rotate or adjust hips toward opponent’s head
- Opponent’s near arm controlled or neutralized to prevent hand clasping
Execution Steps
- Secure far arm control: From side control or mount, identify the opponent’s far arm (furthest from you). Grip the wrist firmly with your near hand, or cup behind the elbow if they’re framing. Your goal is to prevent them from pulling their arm back or clasping their hands together for defense. (Timing: 0-2 seconds)
- Break opponent’s defensive structure: Drive your weight forward and down to extend the opponent’s arm fully. If they’re framing against your neck or shoulder, use your free hand to swim under their arm or peel it across your body. The arm should be straightened and pulled across your chest at approximately shoulder height. (Timing: 2-3 seconds)
- 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 opponent’s arm should be positioned so their thumb points up and their tricep presses against your sternum. This grip prevents them from bending their arm to escape. (Timing: 1 second)
- Position your hips: Begin rotating your hips to create perpendicular alignment with the opponent’s shoulder. Your hips should be positioned near their head, with your body forming a ‘T’ shape relative to theirs. Maintain chest-to-arm connection throughout this movement. (Timing: 2-3 seconds)
- Establish leg control: Swing your near leg over the opponent’s head or face, or step it across to the far side of their body. Your far leg should base out for stability or hook under their far side for control. This leg positioning prevents them from turning into you or sitting up to escape. (Timing: 1-2 seconds)
- Secure the arm position: Adjust your grip to control the wrist with both hands if possible, or maintain one hand on the wrist and use your chest/shoulder to pin their tricep. The opponent’s thumb should point toward their feet, and their elbow should be facing upward (in the direction you’ll apply breaking pressure). (Timing: 1 second)
- Apply finishing pressure: Drive your hips forward and upward toward the ceiling while pulling the wrist toward your chest. The breaking pressure comes from hip extension, not arm strength. The opponent’s elbow hyperextends as your hips create a fulcrum point. Apply pressure slowly and progressively over 3-5 seconds, stopping immediately upon tap. (Timing: 3-5 seconds)
Possible Outcomes
| Result | Position | Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Success | game-over | 60% |
| Failure | Side Control | 25% |
| Counter | Closed Guard | 15% |
Opponent Defenses
- Clasping hands together (prayer defense) (Effectiveness: High) - Your Response: Attack the grip by peeling fingers, using your legs to torque their body, or transitioning to kimura/americana on the near arm before returning to far side armbar → Leads to Side Control
- Turning toward you to hide the arm (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Use your legs and hips to prevent the turn, or allow the turn and transition to back control or alternative submissions like the crucifix → Leads to Side Control
- Pulling the arm back toward their body (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Maintain firm grip on the wrist and use your body weight to keep the arm extended; if they succeed in bending it, transition to mounted position or other attacks → Leads to Side Control
- Bridging explosively to roll attacker over (Effectiveness: Low) - Your Response: Maintain heavy hip pressure and low center of gravity; use your legs to base out and prevent being rolled; their bridging often exposes the arm even more → Leads to Closed Guard
- Grabbing your gi or leg to create frames (Effectiveness: Low) - Your Response: These grips typically don’t prevent the finish if your position is sound; continue applying pressure and their grips will break as the armbar tightens → Leads to Side Control
Test Your Knowledge
Q1: What is the minimum time you should take to apply finishing pressure to the far side armbar in training? [SAFETY-CRITICAL] A: You should apply finishing pressure progressively over a minimum of 3-5 seconds in training. This slow, controlled application allows your training partner adequate time to recognize the danger and tap safely, preventing sudden hyperextension injuries to the elbow joint. Competition timing may be faster, but training should always prioritize partner safety.
Q2: Which direction should the opponent’s thumb point when you have the far side armbar properly positioned? A: The opponent’s thumb should point toward their feet (away from their head). This thumb position prevents the hitchhiker escape where they could rotate their arm and relieve pressure on the elbow. If the thumb points toward their head, they can more easily rotate and escape the submission.
Q3: What is the primary source of breaking pressure in the far side armbar, and why is this biomechanically important? A: The primary source of breaking pressure should be hip extension and upward drive, not pulling with the arms. This is biomechanically important because your hips and core generate much more force than your arms, creating a more effective submission. Additionally, hip-driven pressure is easier to control and apply progressively, making it safer for training while being more difficult for opponents to resist.
Q4: How should you respond if your opponent clasps their hands together in prayer defense against your far side armbar attempt? [SAFETY-CRITICAL] A: When opponent clasps hands in prayer defense, you have several options: systematically peel their fingers apart by isolating and breaking individual grips; use your legs and body torque to stress their grip until it breaks; transition to attacking their near arm with kimura or americana; or transition to mount/other positions. Never use sudden explosive force to break the grip as this can cause finger or wrist injuries.
Q5: What critical safety protocol must you ensure before finishing the far side armbar in training? [SAFETY-CRITICAL] A: Before finishing the far side armbar in training, you must ensure that your training partner has at least one hand free and accessible to deliver a tap signal. If both their hands are trapped or controlled in a way that prevents tapping, you must adjust your position or release enough pressure to allow tap access. Additionally, you should apply pressure slowly and progressively, watching for any tap signal including verbal taps or distress sounds.
Q6: Why is perpendicular hip positioning important for the effectiveness of the far side armbar? A: Perpendicular hip positioning (creating a ‘T’ shape with your body relative to opponent’s) is crucial because it maximizes leverage on the elbow joint by creating the proper angle of attack. When your hips are positioned near their head at a 90-degree angle, your hip drive creates direct hyperextension force on the elbow. Poor angle reduces leverage, making the submission weaker and easier to defend against, while proper positioning allows even smaller practitioners to finish larger opponents.
Q7: What are the two most severe injury risks associated with far side armbar, and what causes them? [SAFETY-CRITICAL] A: The two most severe injury risks are elbow hyperextension with ligament damage and elbow dislocation. Elbow hyperextension occurs when excessive force is applied to the joint beyond its normal range of motion, typically from jerking, spiking, or applying pressure too quickly. Elbow dislocation is caused by extreme hyperextension or torquing while the arm is locked, especially if the opponent resists explosively or the practitioner applies sudden force. Both injuries are prevented by slow, progressive pressure application and immediate release upon tap.
Q8: What anatomical structure does the far side armbar attack, and at what angle does maximum breaking pressure occur? A: The far side armbar attacks the elbow joint by hyperextending it beyond its natural range of motion. The elbow is a hinge joint designed to bend in one direction only, and maximum breaking pressure occurs when the arm is fully straightened with the elbow pit facing upward toward your hips. The fulcrum point is created by your hip bones pressing against the back of the opponent’s elbow while you control the wrist and apply downward pressure, creating leverage that the joint cannot resist.
Q9: Your opponent begins to posture up and stack you during the far side armbar finish - what adjustment prevents escape? A: When being stacked, immediately angle your body away from the opponent by pivoting on your hips, creating a diagonal line with your body rather than staying perpendicular. Bring the leg that was across their face down to their hip to prevent them from driving forward. Keep the wrist controlled close to your chest and squeeze your knees together to maintain arm isolation. If stacking continues, consider transitioning to a belly-down armbar position or switching to triangle if their head drops low enough.
Q10: What is the point of no escape in the far side armbar, and how do you recognize when you’ve passed it? A: The point of no escape occurs when you have achieved three conditions: the arm is fully isolated across your chest with their elbow above your hip line, your legs are properly controlling their body (one across the face/chest, one hooking or blocking their far hip), and you have begun hip extension with their thumb pointing toward their feet. At this point, any defensive movement they make typically worsens their position. You recognize it by the feeling of complete control where the opponent’s struggles create no meaningful space or positional improvement.
Q11: What grip adjustments should you make during the finishing sequence of the far side armbar? A: During the finishing sequence, transition from initial wrist control to a two-on-one grip near the wrist for maximum control, keeping your elbows tight to your body. Pull the wrist toward your chest rather than away from your body. If finishing in gi, grip the sleeve near the wrist for additional control. Ensure your forearms create a shelf that prevents the arm from bending at the elbow. The grip should be firm but not so tight that it prevents you from feeling the submission progress and controlling the speed of application.
Q12: In competition, what finishing strategies increase your success rate with the far side armbar? A: In competition, success rate increases with several strategies: attack the armbar as part of a chain rather than isolated, so defensive reactions to other threats expose the arm; secure grips before fully committing to the rotation to prevent last-second defenses; use constant hip pressure even during the setup to exhaust the opponent’s defensive energy; finish by driving hips up rather than pulling down on the arm for stronger leverage; and if the first attempt fails, immediately transition to another attack rather than forcing the same submission, then return to the armbar when the opponent’s defenses reset.