Arm Bar from Closed Guard (Top Lock)

Key Details:

  • Establish en cross colar and cross deep lapel grip
  • Get on on your side, almost to an elbow and establish the top lock
  • Cover the hand of the trapped arm to negate the most common arm lock defence
  • Touch your feet to the opponent’s head and cross the other foot over his head
  • Do not cross feet in this position

Technique breadown:

When you manage to get your opponents elbow to or close to centerline while in closed guard you will find yourself in truly advantageous position. Basically, anytime you can get the opponent’s elbow inside his shoulder you are in a great position to enter the high guard position or top lock.

The main attack from the top lock position is the armbar due to the nature of the trapped arm. You can attack the armbar from the back or sweep the opponent to his back to finish the armbar from there.

Tips & Key Points:

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