Spinning Armbar

⚠️ SAFETY: Spinning Armbar targets the Elbow joint. Risk: Elbow hyperextension with ligament damage (UCL/MCL tears). Release immediately upon tap.

The Spinning Armbar is a dynamic and versatile submission technique that targets the elbow joint through rotational movement. Unlike traditional static armbars, this technique involves spinning your entire body around the opponent’s arm to create a finishing angle, making it particularly effective when standard armbar entries are defended or unavailable. The spinning motion generates momentum that can overcome defensive postures and creates multiple entry points from various positions including mount, guard, scrambles, and standing situations. This submission requires precise timing, spatial awareness, and fluid hip movement to execute successfully. The technique’s effectiveness lies in its ability to catch opponents off-guard through the unexpected rotational attack vector, bypassing traditional armbar defenses that focus on preventing hip movement or protecting the arm statically. Mastery of the spinning armbar opens up offensive opportunities from seemingly neutral positions and creates a constant submission threat that keeps opponents defensive and reactive throughout the match.

Category: Joint Lock Type: Arm Lock Target Area: Elbow joint Starting Position: Multiple positions including mount, guard, and standing Success Rates: Beginner 30%, Intermediate 50%, Advanced 70%

Safety Guide

Injury Risks:

Injury	Severity	Recovery Time
Elbow hyperextension with ligament damage (UCL/MCL tears)	High	6-12 weeks with potential surgery
Elbow dislocation with capsular damage	CRITICAL	3-6 months with extensive rehabilitation
Shoulder strain from rotational torque during spin	Medium	2-4 weeks
Neck strain if opponent’s head is trapped during rotation	Medium	1-3 weeks

Application Speed: SLOW and progressive - 4-6 seconds minimum for the full rotation and extension

Tap Signals:

• Verbal tap (especially during rotation phase)
• Physical hand tap on opponent’s body or mat
• Physical foot tap on mat
• Any distress signal or loss of balance indication

Release Protocol:

1. Immediately stop all extension pressure on the elbow
2. Release leg pressure across opponent’s face and chest
3. Allow opponent’s arm to return to natural position without jerking
4. Roll away from the submission to create space
5. Check opponent’s elbow mobility and comfort before continuing

Training Restrictions:

• Never spike or snap the armbar during the spinning motion
• Never use competition speed in training - control the rotation carefully
• Always allow opponent to tap during the spin phase before full extension
• Never grip the wrist only - control above and below the elbow joint
• Avoid spinning if opponent’s base is compromised and they may land awkwardly

Key Principles

• Rotational momentum creates submission opportunities from defensive situations
• Hip positioning and alignment determine finishing angle effectiveness
• Control the arm at two points (wrist and above elbow) before spinning
• Maintain connection to opponent’s body throughout the rotation
• Legs must establish position before applying extension pressure
• Spatial awareness prevents landing awkwardly or losing the submission mid-spin
• Smooth circular motion is more effective than explosive jerking movements

Prerequisites

• Secure grip on opponent’s wrist or forearm with both hands before initiating spin
• Opponent’s arm must be isolated and separated from their body
• Clear rotational space with no obstacles or mat boundaries nearby
• Your hips positioned close to opponent’s shoulder for tight rotation radius
• Opponent’s posture broken or compromised to prevent them following your spin
• Your base stable enough to initiate rotation without losing balance
• Mental commitment to complete the full rotation in one fluid motion

Execution Steps

1. Secure arm control: Establish a firm two-handed grip on the opponent’s arm - one hand controlling the wrist and the other gripping above the elbow or on the triceps. Pull the arm across your centerline to isolate it from their body and create the initial separation needed for the spin. Ensure your grip is tight and your elbows are pulled in close to maintain control throughout the rotation. (Timing: 1-2 seconds for grip establishment) [Pressure: Firm]
2. Break opponent’s posture: Use your grip to pull the opponent forward and off-balance, breaking their defensive posture. If in guard, open your guard and place your feet on their hips or shoulders to create distance while maintaining arm control. If from mount or top position, shift your weight to compromise their base. This postural disruption is critical to prevent them from following your rotation and escaping. (Timing: 1 second) [Pressure: Moderate]
3. Initiate the spin: Begin rotating your body toward the side of the controlled arm by pivoting on your shoulder and hips. Keep the opponent’s arm pinned tightly to your chest as you spin, using your legs to push off their body or the mat for momentum. Your head should lead the rotation while your hips follow in a circular path around the opponent’s arm. Maintain constant tension on the arm throughout the spin to prevent them from yanking it free during the rotation phase. (Timing: 2-3 seconds for complete rotation) [Pressure: Firm]
4. Land in armbar position: Complete the rotation by landing with your back on the mat, the opponent’s arm extended across your body, and their thumb pointing upward. Your legs should immediately swing into position with one leg across their chest and the other over their face or neck. Your hips should be elevated and positioned close to their shoulder, with their arm trapped between your thighs. Ensure your knees are pinched together to prevent arm withdrawal. (Timing: 1 second to establish position) [Pressure: Firm]
5. Adjust for optimal angle: Fine-tune your position by scooting your hips closer to the opponent’s head and ensuring their thumb points directly up to the ceiling. Your legs should create a strong pinch around their shoulder and head to prevent rotation or escape. Pull their wrist toward your chest while keeping their elbow centered on your hip crease. Your knees should be tight together and your feet hooked if possible to maximize control. (Timing: 1-2 seconds) [Pressure: Firm]
6. Apply extension pressure: With position secured, lift your hips toward the ceiling while pulling their wrist toward your chest. The extension should be smooth and progressive, applying pressure to the elbow joint in a controlled manner. Keep your knees pinched and your legs active to prevent escape attempts. Increase pressure gradually until the tap comes, never jerking or spiking the submission. Monitor their body language for signs of resistance or submission throughout the process. (Timing: 2-4 seconds progressive pressure) [Pressure: Maximum]

Opponent Defenses

• Opponent grabs their own gi or hand to create a defensive frame (Effectiveness: High) - Your Adjustment: Break the grip by prying their fingers apart before initiating the spin, or use the spin itself to break their grip through rotational force. Alternatively, attack the opposite arm or switch to a different submission.
• Opponent follows your rotation by rolling with you (Effectiveness: High) - Your Adjustment: Increase the speed of your spin to outpace their roll, or use your free leg to create a barrier against their body rotation. You can also transition to a triangle or omoplata if they overcommit to following your movement.
• Opponent stacks you during the spin by driving forward (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Adjustment: Use the stacking pressure to accelerate your rotation in the opposite direction, or abandon the spin and transition to a different attack like a triangle or sweep. Keep your legs active to prevent them from consolidating the stack.
• Opponent pulls their arm back aggressively during the spin (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Adjustment: Tighten your grip and keep their arm glued to your chest throughout the rotation. Use your legs to push off their body for additional rotational speed, completing the spin before they can fully retract the arm.
• Opponent postures up strongly before you can initiate the spin (Effectiveness: High) - Your Adjustment: Use sweeps, off-balancing techniques, or transitions to break their posture first. Attack with different submissions to force reactions that compromise their posture, creating opportunities for the spinning armbar entry.

Common Mistakes

• Mistake: Releasing arm control during the rotation phase [Medium DANGER]
  • Consequence: Opponent yanks their arm free mid-spin, completely escaping the submission and often achieving a dominant position
  • Correction: Maintain constant tension on the arm by keeping it pinned tightly to your chest throughout the entire rotation. Your grip should never loosen even momentarily during the spin.
• Mistake: Spinning without breaking opponent’s posture first [Low DANGER]
  • Consequence: Opponent easily follows your rotation and escapes, or worse, passes your guard during your spinning attempt
  • Correction: Always break their posture before initiating the spin using off-balancing, foot placement on hips, or grip manipulation. Only spin when they are compromised and cannot follow your movement.
• Mistake: Landing with insufficient leg control after the spin [Low DANGER]
  • Consequence: Opponent can extract their arm easily or roll out of the submission before you establish the finishing position
  • Correction: Immediately establish leg position as you complete the rotation. Your legs should land across their chest and face simultaneously with your back hitting the mat. Practice the complete motion as one fluid sequence.
• Mistake: Applying extension pressure before the rotation is complete [CRITICAL DANGER]
  • Consequence: Creates dangerous torque on the elbow joint at awkward angles, significantly increasing injury risk even with slow application
  • Correction: Complete the full rotation and establish proper position before applying any extension pressure. The arm should be aligned correctly with thumb up before finishing. Never extend during the spin itself.
• Mistake: Spinning too slowly or hesitantly [Low DANGER]
  • Consequence: Telegraphs your intention and gives opponent time to defend, follow your movement, or counter with their own technique
  • Correction: Commit fully to the rotation once initiated. The spin should be one decisive, fluid motion that generates enough momentum to complete the transition before opponent can react. Practice the timing and speed through drilling.
• Mistake: Gripping only the wrist without controlling above the elbow [Medium DANGER]
  • Consequence: Opponent can roll their arm and rotate out of the submission, or bend their elbow to create escape space
  • Correction: Always establish a two-point grip - one hand on the wrist and one hand above the elbow or on the triceps. This prevents arm rotation and maintains control throughout the technique.
• Mistake: Jerking or spiking the armbar after landing from the spin [CRITICAL DANGER]
  • Consequence: Causes sudden hyperextension of the elbow joint, potentially resulting in ligament tears or dislocation before opponent can tap
  • Correction: Apply extension pressure smoothly and progressively over 3-4 seconds minimum. The tap will come from proper position and gradual pressure, not explosive force. Control and patience are essential.

Variations

Spinning Armbar from Closed Guard: From closed guard bottom, control opponent’s arm across your body and break their posture by pulling them forward. Open your guard and place your feet on their hips, then spin underneath them while maintaining arm control. This is one of the most common entries and works well when opponent attempts to posture up aggressively. (When to use: When opponent has strong posture in closed guard and is resistant to traditional armbar entries. Particularly effective against opponents who base out wide with their arms.)

Spinning Armbar from Mount: From mount, isolate one of opponent’s arms by controlling the wrist and driving your knee up near their head on that side. Step over their head with your far leg and spin your body toward their legs while keeping their arm trapped. Complete the rotation by sitting back into armbar position. Often set up by threatening the Americana or transitioning from high mount. (When to use: When opponent defends traditional mount armbars by keeping elbows tight or when you need a dynamic finish from a controlling position. Excellent against defensive guard players who are good at defending static mount attacks.)

Spinning Armbar from Standing: From standing position, secure a grip on opponent’s arm with both hands (common in clinch situations or after grip fighting). Pull their arm extended while stepping in close, then drop your weight and spin underneath their arm as you fall. Your rotation brings you to your back with their arm trapped for the finish. Requires excellent timing and commitment. (When to use: In scramble situations, during takedown attempts, or when both competitors are standing and grip fighting. Particularly effective as a counter to certain takedown entries or when opponent overextends with a reaching grip.)

Rolling Spinning Armbar from Turtle: When opponent is in turtle position, control their far arm and thread your legs underneath their body. Roll forward over your own shoulder while maintaining arm control, using the momentum to complete the spin and land in armbar position. This variation combines a forward roll with the spinning mechanics. (When to use: When attacking turtle position and opponent is defending by keeping their arms tight. The rolling motion creates unexpected attack angles and can catch defensive turtles by surprise.)

Spinning Armbar from Failed Triangle Attempt: If your triangle choke attempt is defended by opponent posturing up or stacking you, maintain control of their arm and use your legs to push off their body as you spin underneath. The failed triangle provides excellent arm isolation and the defensive posture creates space for the spin. Transition smoothly between the two attacks. (When to use: When triangle choke is defended but you still have strong arm control. This variation is particularly effective because opponents defending triangles often focus on head position and forget about arm vulnerability.)

Test Your Knowledge

Q1: What are the two critical points of control on the opponent’s arm before initiating a spinning armbar? A: You must control both the wrist (for directional control and prevention of hand retraction) and a point above the elbow such as the triceps or upper forearm (to prevent arm rotation and maintain alignment throughout the spin). Controlling only the wrist allows the opponent to rotate their arm and escape, while controlling only above the elbow gives them the ability to pull the arm back to their body. Two-point control is essential for maintaining the submission throughout the dynamic rotational movement.

Q2: Why must you break the opponent’s posture before initiating the spinning motion, and what happens if you skip this step? A: Breaking the opponent’s posture is critical because it prevents them from following your rotation and escaping the submission. If their posture is strong and their base is stable, they can simply turn their body with you as you spin, maintaining a neutral position or even improving their position to pass your guard. By compromising their posture first through off-balancing, grip manipulation, or foot placement on their hips, you ensure they cannot react quickly enough to follow your spin. This postural disruption creates the necessary time and space window for you to complete the rotation and establish the finishing position before they can defend.

Q3: At what point in the spinning armbar sequence should extension pressure be applied to the elbow joint, and why is timing critical for safety? [SAFETY-CRITICAL] A: Extension pressure should ONLY be applied after the complete rotation is finished and you have landed in proper armbar position with the opponent’s arm correctly aligned (thumb pointing up) and your legs established across their chest and face. Applying extension pressure during the spin itself or before proper alignment is achieved creates dangerous torque on the elbow joint at awkward angles, significantly increasing the risk of ligament damage or dislocation. The rotation phase is purely positional - no pressure should be applied until you are stationary in the finishing position. This separation between the dynamic movement and the submission finish is essential for training safety.

Q4: What is the proper tap release protocol for the spinning armbar, particularly regarding the rotational forces involved? [SAFETY-CRITICAL] A: Upon receiving a tap signal, immediately stop all extension pressure on the elbow and cease any continued rotational movement. Release the leg pressure across the opponent’s face and chest, allowing their arm to return naturally to a neutral position without jerking or pulling. Roll away from the submission to create space and allow the opponent to assess their arm and elbow mobility. Because the spinning armbar involves rotational force and momentum, it’s particularly important to ensure the opponent can safely exit the position without their arm being torqued or twisted during the release. Check with your partner before continuing training to ensure no strain or discomfort remains from the submission attempt.

Q5: How does rotational momentum contribute to the effectiveness of the spinning armbar compared to static armbar entries? A: Rotational momentum creates several key advantages: it generates force that can overcome grip defenses and postural resistance that would stop static entries; it attacks from an unexpected angle that bypasses traditional armbar defenses focused on preventing hip movement; it allows you to transition from positions where static armbars are unavailable or defended; and it creates submission opportunities during dynamic exchanges and scrambles where positional control is not yet established. The continuous motion makes it difficult for opponents to time their defenses because the attack is constantly changing angles. However, this same momentum requires precise control to ensure safety - the dynamic nature means the practitioner must be highly aware of position and timing to avoid applying pressure during the rotation phase.

Q6: What specific adjustments must be made if the opponent attempts to follow your rotation during the spinning armbar? A: If the opponent follows your rotation, you have several adjustment options: increase the speed of your spin to outpace their ability to follow; use your free leg to create a barrier against their body that prevents them from rotating with you; redirect your momentum to complete a full 360-degree rotation and reset; or abandon the spinning armbar entirely and transition to alternative attacks like triangle, omoplata, or sweeps that capitalize on their compromised position while following your movement. The key is recognizing their counter-rotation early enough to make these adjustments before you land in an inferior position. This is why breaking posture before the spin is so important - properly broken posture makes following your rotation nearly impossible for the opponent.

Q7: Why is it dangerous to grip only the wrist when attempting a spinning armbar, and what injury risk does this create? [SAFETY-CRITICAL] A: Gripping only the wrist during a spinning armbar allows the opponent to rotate their entire arm within your grip, potentially escaping the submission entirely. More importantly from a safety perspective, if you maintain only wrist control while applying rotational force and extension pressure, you can create dangerous torque on the elbow joint while the upper arm and shoulder rotate in the opposite direction. This can cause spiral fractures, ligament damage, or joint capsule injuries because the force is not being distributed properly across the joint. Two-point control (wrist and above the elbow) ensures the entire arm structure moves as one unit during the rotation, keeping the joint properly aligned and making the submission both more effective and significantly safer for training.

Training Progressions

Technical Understanding and Visualization (1-2 weeks)

• Focus: Study the mechanics of the spinning armbar without any physical execution. Watch demonstrations, understand the rotational path, identify critical control points, and visualize the complete sequence from entry to finish. Discuss safety considerations including when pressure should never be applied and common injury mechanisms.
• Resistance: None
• Safety: Understanding that the rotation and extension are two separate phases, with extension only applied after proper position is established. Learn to recognize the difference between positional control and submission pressure.

Static Position Drills (2-3 weeks)

• Focus: Practice establishing the final armbar position without the spinning entry. Start with partner already in position and practice leg placement, hip alignment, and proper arm control. Work on the finishing mechanics with extremely slow, controlled pressure to understand the feel of a correctly positioned armbar.
• Resistance: Zero resistance
• Safety: Partner must tap early and often as you learn proper pressure application. Focus on maintaining thumb-up alignment and progressive pressure over 5-7 seconds minimum. Never spike or jerk the submission.

Slow Motion Spinning Drills (3-4 weeks)

• Focus: Practice the spinning motion in slow motion with a fully cooperative partner who maintains their arm extended and does not resist. Break the movement into distinct phases: grip establishment, posture break, initiation of spin, rotation, landing, position adjustment. Complete the full sequence multiple times without applying any finishing pressure.
• Resistance: Zero resistance
• Safety: Focus entirely on smooth, controlled rotation without any extension pressure at any point. Partner should provide feedback on grip tightness and whether they feel safe throughout the movement. Stop immediately if balance is lost or position feels awkward.

Integrated Spinning with Controlled Finish (4-6 weeks)

• Focus: Combine the spinning entry with the finishing position, but maintain slow execution speed. Partner provides zero resistance during the spin but maintains realistic defensive posture before the entry. Practice completing the full technique including the finish, but apply pressure extremely slowly and release immediately upon tap.
• Resistance: Mild resistance
• Safety: Partner must tap early before full extension. Practitioner must demonstrate ability to stop pressure immediately upon tap. If any jerking or uncontrolled movement occurs, return to previous phase until smoothness is restored.

Realistic Resistance Training (2-3 months)

• Focus: Partner provides realistic resistance including grip fighting, postural defense, and attempts to follow your rotation. Practice timing the entry based on opponent reactions and windows of opportunity. Increase speed of execution gradually but maintain controlled finishing pressure. Begin to recognize when the spinning armbar is available versus when other techniques are more appropriate.
• Resistance: Realistic resistance
• Safety: Both partners must understand and respect tap signals during dynamic movement. Partner should tap during the rotation phase if they feel their arm is unsafe, even before the finish is established. Practitioner must be able to abort the technique mid-rotation if position becomes compromised or unsafe.

Full Speed Integration and Sparring (Ongoing)

• Focus: Execute the spinning armbar at full speed during positional sparring and live rolling. Integrate the technique into your overall game, recognizing opportunities during scrambles, from various positions, and as part of submission chains. Develop the ability to transition to other attacks if the spinning armbar is defended.
• Resistance: Full resistance
• Safety: Maintain training-speed finishing pressure even during full resistance practice. The entry can be fast, but the finish must remain controlled. Respect taps immediately and check with partner if any position felt unsafe. Continue to distinguish between competition application and training safety protocols.

From Which Positions?

• Closed Guard
• Open Guard
• Mount
• Spider Guard
• Armbar Control
• Scramble Position
• Triangle Control
• Standing Guard
• Turtle
• Overhook Guard

Related Submissions

• Armbar Finish
• Armbar from Guard
• Armbar from Mount
• Rolling Armbar
• Triangle Choke
• Omoplata
• Kimura
• Flying Armbar
• Straight Armbar
• Belly Down Armbar
• Armbar from Side Control
• Far Side Armbar
• Triangle from Guard
• Omoplata from Guard
• Baratoplata

Additional Related Content

• Rolling Armbar - Similar dynamic entry mechanics with rotational movement
• Flying Armbar - Another explosive armbar variation requiring timing and commitment
• Triangle to Armbar - Common transition when triangle is defended, leading to spinning armbar
• Mount to Armbar - Traditional setup position for spinning armbar from top
• Triangle Setup - Creates arm isolation that can lead to spinning armbar entry
• Omoplata to Sweep - Alternative dynamic attack from similar positions
• Armbar Defense - Understanding common defenses improves spinning armbar timing
• Hip Movement - Fundamental principle enabling effective spinning mechanics
• Guard Retention - Essential for maintaining position during spinning entries from guard
• Submission Chains - Spinning armbar functions as part of multi-attack sequences
• Action and Reaction - Core principle for timing spinning entries based on opponent responses
• Scramble Position - Dynamic environment where spinning armbar opportunities emerge

Expert Insights

• Danaher System: The spinning armbar represents a critical evolution in armbar methodology, transforming a static finishing position into a dynamic entry system. The key to understanding this technique lies in recognizing that the rotation itself is not the submission - rather, it is a positional transition that creates the submission opportunity. Too many practitioners conflate the spinning motion with the finishing mechanics, leading to both technical inefficiency and safety issues. The spin must be executed with complete arm control maintained throughout the rotational phase, requiring a two-point grip structure that prevents any arm rotation or withdrawal during the movement. From a safety perspective, it is absolutely essential that no extension pressure be applied to the elbow joint during the rotational phase itself - the spin is purely positional, and pressure is only introduced once you have achieved proper alignment in the finishing position. The biomechanical advantage of the spinning armbar lies in its ability to bypass traditional defensive structures that focus on preventing hip movement under the arm, instead creating a completely different attack vector through rotational momentum. This technique should be introduced only after students demonstrate mastery of static armbar mechanics and understand the critical distinction between dynamic positional transitions and controlled submission finishes.
• Gordon Ryan: The spinning armbar is one of those techniques that looks flashy but actually serves a highly practical function in competition - it catches people when everything else is defended. I use it primarily as a backup plan when my standard armbar entries are being shut down or when I’m in a scramble and need to capitalize on a brief window of arm control. The key difference between training and competition application is commitment level - in competition, once you decide to spin, you have to commit fully and complete the rotation fast enough that they can’t follow you or pull their arm back. In training, you need to drastically slow down the finish even though the entry can be fast. What makes the spinning armbar effective at high levels is that most people defend armbars by focusing on their head position and preventing your hips from getting under their arm - the spin completely bypasses those defenses by attacking from the opposite direction. I particularly like using it from mount when someone is doing a good job defending by keeping their elbows tight - I can isolate one arm, step over, and spin before they realize what’s happening. The safety aspect that’s non-negotiable is that you finish slow in training but can finish fast in competition - your training partners need to trust that you understand that difference or they won’t give you the opportunities to practice it.
• Eddie Bravo: The spinning armbar is all about creating chaos that works in your favor, man. In 10th Planet system, we love techniques that thrive in scrambles and dynamic situations because that’s where the magic happens - when both people are moving and reacting, that’s when unconventional attacks land. What I teach my students is that the spinning armbar isn’t just one technique, it’s a concept you can apply from everywhere. You can spin from guard, from mount, from standing, from failed triangle attempts - anywhere you have arm control and space to rotate. The key is making the spin explosive enough that they can’t follow you, but controlled enough that you land in a good position. One thing that’s crucial from a safety standpoint, especially with lower belts, is understanding that the spin itself isn’t the submission - you’re not trying to hurt them during the rotation. The injury happens if you’re jerking and yanking while you spin, or if you land and immediately crank without checking your position. We drill this technique a lot at slow speed first because the timing and spatial awareness takes time to develop. The innovation aspect is combining the spinning armbar with other 10th Planet positions like rubber guard or lockdown - you can create these crazy chains where you’re attacking multiple submissions and using the spin as a transition between them. But safety has to be the foundation of all that creativity, because if your training partners get hurt, you don’t have anyone to train with and you can’t develop the technique in the first place.