SAFETY: Far Side Armbar from Side Control 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
What are the key principles for executing Far Side Armbar from Side Control?
- 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
What do you need before attempting Far Side Armbar from Side Control?
- 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
How do you execute Far Side Armbar from Side Control step by step?
- 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
How might your opponent defend against Far Side Armbar from Side Control?
- 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