Two spinning armbar options by Charles Harriott
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Walk-Around Armbar·Energia Martial Arts
Two spinning armbar options by Charles Harriott We are joined once again by BJJ blackbelt and globetrotter instructor Ch…
Walk-Around Armbar
SubFamilyWalk-around・アームバー(Walk-Around Armbar)
Translation: walk-around armbar
Overview
The Walk-Around Armbar is executed from side control by walking the legs around the opponent's head while maintaining arm control, transitioning into an armbar without needing to mount first. [1] This fluid transition exploits the opponent's defensive focus on preventing the mount. [1]
Walk Around ArmbarTransition Armbar
History & Origin
The Walk-Around Armbar is a technique demonstrated in Saulo Ribeiro's systematic BJJ methodology. [1]
Effectiveness
Effective as part of a submission chain from side control. [1]
Lineage
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu lineage. [1]
Competition Record
Used in UFC and professional MMA competition
Images
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — Walk-Around Armbar specific mechanics
Joints Involved — Varies by technique
Force Vector — Submission-specific
Position & Entry
From side control — Execute the walk-around armbar
Variants
Not yet documented
Videos
BJJ Moves: Arm Bar From Guard by John Danaher
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Walk-Around Armbar·BJJ Fanatics
ARM BAR FROM GUARD BY JOHN DANAHER // In this BJJ Moves video, John Danaher demonstrates one of the best Jiu Jitsu Tech…
I 10x'd My Armbars With THESE 10 TIPS | BJJ Tips
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Walk-Around Armbar·Jordan Teaches Jiujitsu
✅ #transparentlabs https://athlete.transparentlabs.com/jordan-teaches ✅ BJJ Beginner Course: https://bjjbeginnercourse…
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3 videosWhat Instructors Say
The walk-around armbar is a positional variation executed primarily from closed guard that emphasizes rotation in the opposite direction from the classical armbar setup. Energia Martial Arts' Charles Harriott presents this as a fundamentally two-directional concept: while standard armbar entries involve rolling underneath the opponent, the walk-around inverts the practitioner over the top, with the shin positioned behind the opponent's head. This approach involves kicking the opponent's knee to create space, then either falling to the hip to finish or inverting fully to apply the armbar with momentum. Jordan Teaches Jiujitsu reinforces core armbar principles applicable to this variation, particularly the importance of controlling the opponent's elbow relative to the practitioner's chest and preventing defensive hand grips before they form. Harriott stresses that successful execution requires comfort with inversions and body awareness—the practitioner must maintain a "cannonball" position (compact, rounded) to avoid neck hyperextension. The technique exists on a spectrum from playful gym work to serious competition application; Harriott notes it works best when the opponent is starting on their knees rather than standing. BJJ Fanatics' John Danaher's foundational principles on head-elbow-hip relationships remain essential regardless of direction: the opponent's elbow must reach at least the practitioner's hip, ideally crossing the center line. All three instructors agree that body control and positioning mechanics matter more than specific grip configurations.
Synthesized from 3 instructors
- Energia Martial Arts — Two spinning armbar options by Charles Harriott: Detailed the core walk-around mechanic: rotating opposite the classical direction, using shin placement behind the head, kicking the knee for space, and inverting as the primary entry method. Emphasized inversion comfort, cannonball positioning, and multiple finishing options including forcing rolls.
- Jordan Teaches Jiujitsu — I 10x'd My Armbars With THESE 10 TIPS | BJJ Tips: Provided applicable principles for all armbar variations: elbow control relative to chest, wrist control, preventing defensive grips preemptively, and controlling shoulders/hips through leg grips and positioning rather than relying on specific grip sequences.
- BJJ Fanatics — BJJ Moves: Arm Bar From Guard by John Danaher: Established foundational geometric requirements for guard armbars: the relationship between opponent's head, elbow, and practitioner's hip; the critical importance of bringing the elbow inside the hip (minimum) or across the center line (ideal); and using the top leg to lock and maintain the elbow position before the finishing pivot.
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
7
Very High7/10
Submission technique requiring tap or risk of injury
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Advanced
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
— IBJJF — Legal at all belt levels, gi and no-gi
IBJJF Rules Book v6.0, June 2024PDF— kansetsu-waza
IJF Sport and Organisation Rules 2025, Article 27PDF— ADCC — Legal — all submissions legal in ADCC
ADCC Rules Update, April 2025PDF— Unified MMA — Legal submission technique
Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025PDF— FIAS Sport Sambo — Legal
FIAS International Sambo Competition RulesPDF— FIAS Combat Sambo — Legal
FIAS Combat Sambo RulesPDFTraining Notes
✓Practise the transition smoothly (Ribeiro & Howell, 2008)
Common Mistakes
!Rushing the technique
!Losing position during transition
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Setup Chain
1Side control → Walk-Around Armbar attempt → Chain to next technique
Sources & References
Primary Source
Jiu-Jitsu University (Ribeiro & Howell, 2008)
1Book[1] Ribeiro, S. and Howell, K. (2008). Jiu-Jitsu University. Victory Belt Publishing. ISBN 978-0-9815044-3-8. Technical Editor: John Danaher.
description, historyOrigin: sourced from Ribeiro, S
2Citation[1] Ribeiro, S. and Howell, K. (2008). Jiu-Jitsu University. Victory Belt Publishing. ISBN 978-0-9815044-3-8. Technical Editor: John Danaher.
description, historyOrigin: sourced from Ribeiro, S
Community
Athletics
Good top pressure and arm control
Notes
The walk-around armbar transitions from side control by walking the legs around the opponent's head while controlling the near arm. A fundamental BJJ armbar entry that doesn't require jumping over the opponent's body. (Ribeiro, Jiu-Jitsu University; BJJ fundamentals)
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I avoid getting my face stuck on the floor when transitioning to the walk-around armbar?
According to Charles Harriott, you need to stay compact like a cannonball during the transition. If you extend, your face gets stuck on the floor and you risk getting stacked or injured. Instead, turn and get on your knees while using your shin to push the back of their head and force the roll.
What's the key relationship I need to control for an armbar from guard?
John Danaher emphasizes that the relationship between your opponent's head, their elbow, and your hip determines your success. You want to bring their elbow to your center line (ideally with their forehead directly over their elbow) and ensure their elbow goes inside your hip at minimum.
Is wrist control or shoulder control more important in the armbar?
Jordan from Jordan Teaches Jiujitsu prioritizes wrist control the most, as it prevents the opponent from turning their arm and allows you to finish from non-textbook angles. Control the wrist to keep their thumb pointing in the same direction as your hips.
Are there different spinning armbar options I can use?
Charles Harriott demonstrates two main spinning armbar options: one where you rotate to get your shin on the back of their head with a slight inversion, and another where you invert around the vertical axis instead of the horizontal axis to beat them to the finish.
How does the Walk-Around Armbar work?
The Walk-Around Armbar is executed from side control by walking the legs around the opponent's head while maintaining arm control, transitioning into an armbar without needing to mount first. This fluid transition exploits the opponent's defensive focus on preventing the mount.
Where does the Walk-Around Armbar come from?
The Walk-Around Armbar is a technique demonstrated in Saulo Ribeiro's systematic BJJ methodology.
Is the Walk-Around Armbar legal in competition?
IBJJF: legal — Legal at all belt levels, gi and no-gi; IJF: legal — Legal — elbow joint lock (kansetsu-waza), one of the permitted submission cat…; ADCC: legal — Legal — all submissions legal in ADCC; Unified MMA: legal — Legal submission technique; FIAS Sport Sambo: legal — Legal; FIAS Combat Sambo: legal — Legal
How dangerous is the Walk-Around Armbar?
Danger rating 7/10. Submission technique requiring tap or risk of injury
How do I set up the Walk-Around Armbar?
The standard setup chain: Side control → Walk-Around Armbar attempt → Chain to next technique.
How do I defend against the Walk-Around Armbar?
Standard counters include: Defend the initial grip / Create space / Bridge and escape.
How effective is the Walk-Around Armbar in competition?
Used in UFC and professional MMA competition
What are common mistakes when doing the Walk-Around Armbar?
Top errors to watch for: Rushing the technique / Losing position during transition.
What are other names for the Walk-Around Armbar?
The Walk-Around Armbar is also known as Walk-Around Armbar, Walk Around Armbar, Transition Armbar.