Figure Four Throw
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Figure-Four·SpartanCops·Added by Admin
Figure-Four
Genusフィギュアフォー(Figyua Fō)
TransliterationTranslation: figure-four
Overview
The figure-four wrist lock from seated guard is a flexion submission where the attacker uses a figure-four grip configuration to isolate and bend the opponent's wrist from a bottom guard or seated position. [1] The attacker grabs the opponent's hand with one hand, then threads the other arm around the wrist to grip their own forearm, creating a powerful figure-four lever. [1],[2] This interlocking grip provides superior mechanical advantage compared to simple two-hand grips, as the figure-four structure distributes force efficiently and prevents the opponent from pulling free. [2] From seated guard, the attack typically arises when the top player posts a hand on the mat or the attacker's body during guard passing, exposing the wrist. [2],[3] The figure-four lock allows finishing with relatively small movements. [3]
History & Origin
Wrist locks from guard using figure-four grips became a notable part of the BJJ competition arsenal as practitioners sought supplementary submissions beyond the standard armbar and triangle from guard. [1],[2] The figure-four grip's superior leverage made wrist locks viable even from the bottom position, where the guard player has less gravitational advantage. [1] The technique reflects the ongoing evolution of guard-based attacks in competitive BJJ. [1],[2]
Effectiveness
The figure-four grip configuration is used to lock armbars, kimuras, and Americanas, providing superior leverage and control. [1]
Lineage
The figure-four arm lock configuration appears in judo (ude-garami), catch wrestling, and BJJ. [1]
Competition Record
Figure-four arm locks (kimura, Americana) are among the most commonly attempted submissions in competition. [1]
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — Forced flexion, extension, or rotation of the wrist beyond its normal range of motion
Joints Involved — Radiocarpal joint (wrist), intercarpal joints, distal radioulnar joint
Force Vector — Two-point control — one hand stabilises the forearm while the other drives the wrist into flexion, extension, or deviation
Vulnerability — Small joint with limited muscular protection makes it susceptible to sudden, low-force submissions
Position & Entry
From any grip exchange — During grip fighting, isolate the opponent's wrist with two-on-one control and apply sudden flexion or rotation
From guard (gi) — When opponent posts a hand on the mat or chest, trap the wrist and apply downward pressure for the wrist lock
From mount or side control — Opponent posts to escape, trap the wrist against the mat and apply the lock
Videos
Centurion Wrestling: Figure Four Series: Getting to Leg from Breakdown w/ Two Turns!
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Figure-Four·Centurion Wrestling
Continuing our figure four leg ride series. Coach Higgins teaches how to set up the figure four from the mat, and chain …
The Figure Four Submission
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Figure-Four·BlackBeltBasics
Building on my post The Top Circuit, this post teaches you the details and the catch words for The Figure Four Submissio…
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3 videosWhat Instructors Say
The figure-four is a wrist-flexion lock that restricts the opponent's arm through a controlled frame using two hands against one arm, creating mechanical disadvantage regardless of relative strength. SpartanCops emphasizes the technique's law-enforcement application, describing it as a transition from a failed straight-bar takedown when the opponent drops their elbow for resistance. The setup involves a shallow grip on the opponent's forearm, placement of their elbow on the aggressor's shoulder or chest to prevent pulling escape, and use of the forearm as a lever to drive the opponent's hand behind their shoulder, breaking their balance before the takedown. The pin utilizes a 45-degree angle shin placement on the neck to prevent head mobility. BlackBeltBasics provides a three-step mnemonic—"two on one" (controlling wrist and elbow), "under and over" (hand placement for frame control), and "lift and drag" (executing the lock)—and demonstrates the technique across multiple positions in top control: mount, knee ride, cross-body, and north-south. Centurion Wrestling focuses on wrestling applications, showing how to enter the figure-four from a leg-drag position by scooping the inside foot and using hip turns for positional control and pinning combinations. All three instructors agree on the fundamental mechanics: wrist-elbow alignment, tight framing without excess space, and the lock's effectiveness as both a submission and control tool. They diverge in application context: law enforcement takedown (SpartanCops), submission wrestling across positions (BlackBeltBasics), and leg-drag wrestling entries (Centurion Wrestling).
Synthesized from 3 instructors
- SpartanCops — Figure Four Throw: Detailed the figure-four as a law-enforcement takedown technique following a failed straight-bar takedown, emphasizing shallow grip placement, elbow positioning on shoulder/chest, forearm-lever mechanics to drive the hand behind the shoulder, and 45-degree shin placement on the neck for post-takedown control.
- BlackBeltBasics — The Figure Four Submission: Provided foundational three-step framework (two-on-one, under-and-over, lift-and-drag) and demonstrated the technique across multiple top-control positions including mount, knee ride, cross-body, and north-south, emphasizing consistent hand placement and alignment mechanics.
- Centurion Wrestling — Centurion Wrestling: Figure Four Series: Getting to Leg from Breakdown w/ Two Turns!: Focused on wrestling-specific leg-drag entries to the figure-four, showing foot-scoop mechanics, hip-turn control for multiple consecutive turns without releasing the lock, and integration with finishing sequences including power-half combinations.
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
5
High5/10
Wrist lock variant targeting carpal and radioulnar joints through forced deviation or torsion
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Advanced
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
Illegal
— kansetsu-waza
IJF Sport and Organisation Rules 2025, Article 27PDFLegal
— IBJJF — Legal at all belt levels
IBJJF Rules Book v6.0, June 2024PDF— 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
✓The figure-four wrist lock uses the attacker's interlocked arms to create a closed mechanical system around the opponent's wrist — multiplying the leverage available for the lock (Danaher, New Wave Jiu Jitsu, 2020)
✓The figure-four grip: one hand controls the opponent's wrist (or hand) while the other arm threads through and grabs the first wrist — the interlocked arms form a rigid frame
✓The figure-four amplifies any wrist lock direction: extension, flexion, or deviation — the closed loop prevents the opponent from escaping in any direction
✓Figure-four wrist locks appear in virtually every grappling position: mount, guard, side control, and standing — the grip can be applied whenever the opponent's hand is controlled
✓The figure-four's closed loop means both of the attacker's arms work against one wrist — creating a force advantage that is difficult to resist
✓In judo, the figure-four wrist lock is applied during transitions: the opponent's extended hand during throwing attempts or ground transitions is captured
✓The figure-four can transition seamlessly between wrist directions: extension to flexion, or flexion to deviation — the opponent cannot defend all directions simultaneously
Common Mistakes
!Not interlocking the grip properly — the figure-four must form a closed loop; a loose grip allows the hand to slip through
!Using only one direction of attack — the figure-four enables multi-directional attacks; limiting to one direction makes the defence obvious
!Applying the figure-four with extended arms — keep the elbows close to the body for maximum leverage; extended arms are weak
!Not controlling the opponent's forearm — the figure-four controls the wrist, but the forearm must also be stabilised for the lock to be effective
!Releasing the grip when switching directions — maintain the figure-four throughout; re-gripping creates escape opportunities
!Applying with too much force — the figure-four multiplies force significantly; apply gradually to prevent injury
!Not practicing the figure-four grip — the interlocking grip must be smooth and fast; fumbling the grip in live rolling allows escape
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Setup Chain
1Establish Position — achieve the controlling position needed for this submission
2Create the Threat — begin the submission setup to force a defensive reaction
3Secure the Hold — lock the submission grip with proper body mechanics
4Finish — apply increasing pressure until the opponent taps or the joint/choke takes effect
Sources & References
Primary Source
Japanese pro wrestling/judo standard terminology; widely used in Japanese grappling
1OtherJapanese Martial Arts Community Terminology
Japanese pro wrestling/judo standard terminology; widely used in Japanese grappling
2OtherJapanese Combat Sports Katakana Convention
Standard katakana transliteration of Western martial arts terminology (外来語) — used in Japanese MMA, boxing, and BJJ communities
3CitationJapanese pro wrestling/judo standard terminology; widely used in Japanese grappling
Japanese terminology sourced from Japanese pro wrestling/judo standard terminology; widely used in Japanese grappling
Community
Athletics
Requires
fine motor control, grip sensitivity, quick hand transitions
Favours
dexterous hands with strong fingers
Key muscles
forearm flexors and extensors, intrinsic hand muscles
Sub-techniques
From Clinch
SpeciesThe figure-four wrist lock from clinch uses a figure-four grip configuration — one hand gripping the opponent's wrist while the other hand grabs its own wrist to form a four-shaped structure — to apply concentrated flexion force to the wrist during a standing clinch exchange. [1,2] The figure-four grip doubles the attacker's leverage, making it significantly more powerful than a single-hand wrist bend. [1] The clinch provides the close range and body contact necessary to trap the opponent's arm and apply the figure-four lock before they can retract. [1,2]
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From Prone Control
SpeciesThe figure-four wrist lock from prone control is applied by trapping the face-down opponent's wrist and locking a figure-four grip configuration to apply concentrated flexion force. [1,2] The prone position prevents the opponent from rotating to relieve pressure, and the figure-four grip provides enough leverage to bend the wrist against muscular resistance. [1] The technique is commonly applied when the opponent extends an arm to post or attempt a turnover, exposing the wrist to the figure-four trap. [1,2]
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From Seated : Guard
SpeciesThe figure-four wrist lock from seated guard uses a figure-four grip configuration to hyper-flex or hyper-extend the opponent's wrist while maintaining guard control. [1] The attacker isolates the opponent's hand, threads the free arm under the wrist to grip their own forearm, and applies rotational torque against the joint. [1,2]
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From Standing
SpeciesThe figure-four wrist lock from standing applies a figure-four grip configuration to the opponent's wrist while both fighters are on their feet, using the doubled leverage of the interlocked hands to bend the wrist into flexion. [1,2] The standing position allows the attacker to use stance changes and rotational force to amplify the wrist bend. [1] The technique is commonly entered from a handshake trap, wrist grab, or arm control position where the attacker can quickly secure the figure-four before the opponent retracts. [1,2]
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the three main steps to execute a figure-four submission?
BlackBeltBasics teaches three key steps: first, establish 'two on one' control by controlling both the wrist and elbow; second, go 'under and over' by threading your arm under theirs and over your own arm to grip your wrist; third, 'lift and drag' by lifting their elbow high and dragging their wrist backwards to complete the lock.
Why shouldn't I approach the figure-four at a 90-degree angle?
SpartanCops explains that coming in at a 90-degree angle allows the opponent's shoulder to block your knee, preventing you from penetrating further to control the position. Instead, come from an angle that allows your knee to control effectively without meeting resistance.
How high should my foot placement be when setting up a figure-four leg lock?
Centurion Wrestling advises positioning your foot above the knee at a minimum, but notes that the higher your foot travels toward the hip, the better the lock becomes.
How should I grip my opponent's arm when entering the figure-four?
SpartanCops recommends going 'really shallow' with your arm, positioning your hand just past the opponent's forearm where your thumb starts to curve their arm, so that when you roll it in, the grip becomes nice and tight with no space.
How does the Figure-Four work?
The figure-four wrist lock from seated guard is a flexion submission where the attacker uses a figure-four grip configuration to isolate and bend the opponent's wrist from a bottom guard or seated position. The attacker grabs the opponent's hand with one hand, then threads the other arm around the wrist to grip their own forearm, creating a powerful figure-four lever.
Where does the Figure-Four come from?
Wrist locks from guard using figure-four grips became a notable part of the BJJ competition arsenal as practitioners sought supplementary submissions beyond the standard armbar and triangle from guard. The figure-four grip's superior leverage made wrist locks viable even from the bottom position, where the guard player has less gravitational advantage.
Is the Figure-Four legal in competition?
IBJJF: legal — Legal at all belt levels; IJF: banned — Only elbow joint locks (kansetsu-waza) permitted in judo — all other joint lo…; 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 Figure-Four?
Danger rating 5/10. Wrist lock variant targeting carpal and radioulnar joints through forced deviation or torsion
How do I set up the Figure-Four?
The standard setup chain: Establish Position → Create the Threat → Secure the Hold → Finish.
How do I defend against the Figure-Four?
Standard counters include: Early Recognition — identify the submission attempt early and begin defence immediately / Posture and Base — maintain strong posture and base to prevent submission setups / Grip Fight — deny the attacker their preferred gripping configuration.
What are the variants of the Figure-Four?
Common variants: Standard wrist lock (kote gaeshi) (two-handed rotational lock on the wrist); Gooseneck wrist lock (flexion lock bending the wrist down toward the forearm); Standing wrist lock (applied during grip fighting or a standing exchange); Ground wrist lock (catching the opponent's posted hand from mount, side cont…).
How effective is the Figure-Four in competition?
Figure-four arm locks (kimura, Americana) are among the most commonly attempted submissions in competition.
What are common mistakes when doing the Figure-Four?
Top errors to watch for: Not interlocking the grip properly — the figure-four must form a closed loop; a loose grip allows the hand to slip th… / Using only one direction of attack — the figure-four enables multi-directional attacks; limiting to one direction mak… / Applying the figure-four with extended arms — keep the elbows close to the body for maximum leverage; extended arms a… / Not controlling the opponent's forearm — the figure-four controls the wrist, but the forearm must also be stabilised ….
What are other names for the Figure-Four?
The Figure-Four is also known as Figyua Fō, Figure-4 Wrist Lock, Figure-Four Flexion Lock.