Using The Arm Bar to Get The Tap.

The arm bar is one of the joint locks used in mixed martial arts competition and submission wrestling tournaments.

This joint lock is performed by placing your legs across the opponent’s chest, with one of his arms between your thighs and with the elbow joint against your hips. From that position the opponent’s arm is grabbed with your arms and his forearm is placed on your chest. To lock the arm, you will simply lean back and arch your hips at the same time. This creates intense pressure in the elbow joint and forces the tap. If the man does not tap out, he risks torn ligaments and tendons in the elbow joint. In some cases the arm bar may result in a broken bone if the opponent does not submit.

Although it is typically applied in the way described above, it should be noted that there are many, many variations of this technique.

Just as there are numerous ways to perform this technique, there are many ways to set it up. The most common of which is from the guard or from the mount.

Here is an instructional video demonstrating how to perform this arm lock from the full guard.

Now for a video showing the set up from the mount. Performing the technique is Brazilian Jujitsu Black Belt, David Meyer.

This video shows the joint lock being performed from an Arm Wrap Position by Jujitsu Black Belt, David Meyer.

Without a doubt the most exciting version of this technique is the flying arm bar. Here is a video teaching you one of the ways to do this amazing technique.

Give these techniques a shot the next time you hit the mat. Adding these into your arsenal of joint locks will be sure to improve your game.