Jan 18, 2025
by Joshua Willis

Essential Arm and Shoulder Lock Submissions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Techniques

Jan 18, 2025
by Joshua Willis

Arm and shoulder locks are essential techniques in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), representing the art's emphasis on technical precision and superior control over an opponent’s extremities. These submissions specifically target the elbow, shoulder, or wrist joints, compelling a submission through applied pressure that leads to pain or the risk of injury. Mastering arm and shoulder lock submissions is critical not only for enhancing one’s technical repertoire but also for ensuring dominance in varied positions, including transitions from the closed guard. Developing proficiency in these techniques contributes significantly to a practitioner’s overall effectiveness on the mat, as it fosters adaptability and strategic execution during encounters.

With influences stemming from its judo heritage and incorporating elements from wrestling and sambo, BJJ presents a diverse array of arm and shoulder lock submissions. Practitioners can initiate these locks through foundational moves such as the armbar, progressing to more intricate submissions like the omoplata. Each technique necessitates a blend of skill, strategy, and precise timing to be successfully implemented against an opponent. Additionally, wearing a quality rash guard can enhance grip and provide comfort during these grappling exchanges.

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1. Monoplata

Type: Gi and No-Gi
Notable Practitioners: Marcelo Garcia

The Monoplata is a shoulder lock that utilizes the practitioner’s legs to trap the opponent’s arm and apply pressure to the shoulder joint. It’s often initiated from mount or ¾ mount but has versatility across various positions.

Key Positions:

Mount

Spider Guard

Failed Triangle

Guard Passing

Details:

Requires precise leg positioning to trap the opponent’s arm securely.

Effective as a follow-up to failed triangle or armbar attempts.

2. Americana

Type: Gi and No-Gi
Also Known As: Figure Four Armlock

The Americana targets the opponent’s shoulder by bending the arm upwards, creating a “figure four” grip to control their wrist and elbow. A foundational technique, it is one of the first submissions taught in BJJ.

Key Positions:

Mount
Side Control
Closed Guard
Kesa Gatame (Scarf Hold

Details:
Simplicity makes it effective at all skill levels.
Works well against opponents trying to push away or frame.

3. Kimura

Type: Gi and No-Gi
Notable Practitioners: Masahiko Kimura

Also Known As: Double Wrist Lock, Gyaku Ude-Garami

The Kimura is a shoulder lock that uses a figure-four grip to force the opponent’s arm behind their back. It’s named after judoka Masahiko Kimura, who famously broke Hélio Gracie’s arm with this submission in 1951.

Key Positions:

Closed Guard
Side Control
North-South
Z-Guard
Back Control

Details:

Can transition into sweeps or other submissions when resisted.
Highly versatile and effective in both gi and no-gi settings.

4. Armbar

Type: Gi and No-Gi
Notable Practitioners: Braulio Estima, Dave Camarillo, Karel Pravec

The Armbar is a classic BJJ submission targeting the elbow joint by hyperextending the arm. It’s highly versatile and can be performed from virtually any position.

Key Positions:

Closed Guard
Mount
S-Mount
Side Control
Back Control
Turtle

Standing (Flying Armbar)

Details:

One of the first submissions taught in BJJ, making it a staple for all practitioners.
Combines well with sweeps and transitions.

5. Cutting Armbar

Type: Gi and No-Gi
Also Known As: Reverse Armbar

The Cutting Armbar is a variation of the traditional armbar that uses the practitioner’s head and shoulder to trap the opponent’s arm while finishing with pressure on the triceps.

Key Positions:

Closed Guard
Butterfly Guard
Side Control
Mount

Details:

Ideal for opponents who defend against traditional armbars.
Relies on strong knee and shoulder pressure.

7. Omoplata

Type: Gi and No-Gi
Notable Practitioners: Clark Gracie

The Omoplata is a shoulder lock where the practitioner uses their legs to trap and rotate the opponent’s arm beyond its normal range of motion.

Key Positions:

Closed Guard
Spider Guard
Half Guard

Notable Variations:

Marceloplata: A finish popularized by Marcelo Garcia when the opponent blocks the bottom leg.
Baratoplata: Effective when the opponent hides their arm.
Tarikoplata: A variation targeting a bent arm, developed by Tarik Hopstock.

Details:

Effective for transitioning to sweeps or other submissions.
Requires hip flexibility and proper leg control.

8. Wristlock

Type: Gi and No-Gi
Notable Practitioners: Márcio “Macarrão” Stambowsky, Travis Stevens, Pete Letsos

Wristlocks target the wrist by forcing it beyond its normal range of motion through hyperextension or rotation. They are subtle yet effective submissions.

Key Positions:

Guard
Side Control
Mount
Back Control

Details:

Often used as a surprise submission.
Requires control of the opponent’s forearm and elbow.

9. Mir Lock

Type: Gi and No-Gi
Notable Practitioners: Frank Mir

The Mir Lock, made famous by Frank Mir in UFC 36, is a variation of the Americana performed from the guard. It uses an overhook to trap the opponent’s arm, limiting their ability to defend.

Key Positions:

Open Guard
Half Guard

6. Bicep Slicer

Type: Gi and No-Gi
Also Known As: Bicep Crusher

The Bicep Slicer compresses the opponent’s bicep against the practitioner’s shin or forearm, creating intense pain and potential damage. It’s often used as a counter to armbar defense.

Key Positions:

Armbar Defense Counter
Closed Guard
Side Control

Details:

Legal in IBJJF competitions only for brown belts and above.
Requires precise shin positioning for maximum effectiveness.

10. Hammerlock

Type: Gi and No-Gi

The Hammerlock forces the opponent’s arm behind their back, creating pressure on the shoulder joint. It is often initiated from wrestling-inspired positions like turtle or cross-body rides.

Key Positions:

Turtle
Cross-Body Ride

11. Scorpion Lock

Type: Gi and No-Gi

The Scorpion Lock is a shoulder lock similar to the Americana but uses the practitioner’s armpit to trap the opponent’s arm. It can be performed from positions like back control or north-south.

Key Positions:

Back Control
North-South