9 Standing Arm Locks (BREAKS) in Jiu-Jitsu #jujitsu #armlock
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Standing·TRITAC Martial Arts·Added by Admin
Standing arm locks, or should we call arm breaks are a cornerstone of Japanese Jujitsu Techniques. In the video coach Ma…
Standing
Genus立ち技(Tachi-waza)
TraditionalTranslation: standing
Overview
The standing ear pull is a pain compliance technique applied during upright confrontations by gripping and pulling or twisting the opponent's ear to control their head position and movement. [1],[2] The pain from ear cartilage manipulation forces the opponent to follow the direction of the pull, allowing the attacker to steer them, off-balance them, or set up takedowns. [1],[3] In self-defense contexts, the standing ear pull can serve as a quick compliance tool to control an aggressor without striking. [1] It is considered a 'dirty' technique in sport but practical in self-defense and law enforcement. [1],[2]
History & Origin
Standing ear manipulation has been documented in self-defense manuals, traditional jujutsu, and military combatives for centuries. [1],[2] The technique is taught in law enforcement and security training as a pain compliance method for controlling non-compliant individuals. [1],[3] It is universally prohibited in sport grappling competition. [1]
Effectiveness
Lineage
Standing submissions appear in judo (tachi-waza submissions), catch wrestling, and were adopted into MMA from these traditions. [1]
Competition Record
Standing guillotine chokes and standing arm triangles are among the most common standing submissions in UFC competition. [1]
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — Isolation of a joint and application of force beyond its natural range of motion
Joints Involved — Target joint (hyperextension or rotation), adjacent joints (stabilised to prevent escape)
Force Vector — Two-point control — one anchor stabilises while the other drives the joint past its normal limit
Leverage Principle — Grip configuration and body positioning create a mechanical advantage that multiplies applied force
Position & Entry
From dominant position — Isolate the target limb, secure the controlling grip, and apply force beyond the joint's range of motion
From guard (bottom) — Control the limb from guard position, configure the submission grip, and apply the lock
From transition — During a scramble or positional change, catch the exposed limb and lock the submission
Variants
Standard variation — primary grip configuration and finishing angle
Gi variation — using the gi material for grip assistance and control
No-gi variation — adapted grips for submission grappling without the gi
Transition variation — applied during a positional change or scramble
Videos
John Danaher - Fastest Way to Become Effective in Standing Position
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Standing·Bernardo Faria BJJ Fanatics
Fastest Way to Become Effective in Standing Position - John Danaher explains his latest BJJ Instructional video called "…
2 videos
What Instructors Say
Standing position encompasses foundational control and positional mechanics that precede takedown execution in Brazilian and Japanese jiu-jitsu. TRITAC Martial Arts emphasizes standing arm locks and pressure techniques derived from Japanese jiu-jitsu traditions, focusing on breaking mechanics applied from clinch positions such as the 50/50 pommel and single collar tie. These techniques prioritize violent, explosive application of blade pressure against the elbow joint to achieve arm breaks rather than submissions in self-defense contexts. Conversely, John Danaher (Bernardo Faria BJJ Fanatics) approaches standing position through the lens of grip asymmetry and positional control preceding takedowns, arguing that effective standing requires establishing dominant hand positioning—particularly controlling an opponent's head while denying them control of one's own head—before executing takedown attempts. Both instructors agree that standing position demands prior control before attempting submissions or takedowns, though they differ significantly in application: TRITAC stresses rapid, violent joint-breaking techniques effective against untrained opponents, while Danaher emphasizes systematic grip hierarchy, foot positioning manipulation, and chained takedown sequences for sport contexts like ADCC. Danaher's framework prioritizes postural integrity and weight distribution to maintain dominance, while TRITAC's instruction focuses on isolating limbs at specific anatomical pressure points. Both recognize standing position as increasingly critical in modern jiu-jitsu competition.
Synthesized from 2 instructors
- TRITAC Martial Arts — 9 Standing Arm Locks (BREAKS) in Jiu-Jitsu #jujitsu #armlock: Detailed standing arm lock and breaking techniques from Japanese jiu-jitsu, emphasizing rapid pressure application against the elbow via blade/forearm contact from clinch positions like 50/50 pommel and single collar tie. Stresses violent, breaking-focused application for self-defense scenarios against non-expert opponents.
- Bernardo Faria BJJ Fanatics — John Danaher - Fastest Way to Become Effective in Standing Position: Systematic framework for standing position competency emphasizing grip asymmetry, head control dominance, postural integrity, and chained takedown sequences. Focuses on sport jiu-jitsu contexts (ADCC), establishing control before takedown attempts, and rapid skill development for athletes lacking standing background.
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
2
Low2/10
Ear pull variant — pain compliance with minimal structural risk
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Beginner
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
Illegal
— IJF — Not a recognized submission category in judo
IJF Sport and Organisation Rules 2025, Article 27PDFRestricted
— IBJJF — Varies — pressure-based controls may be legal but...
IBJJF Rules Book v6.0, June 2024PDF— FIAS Sport Sambo — Varies by application
FIAS International Sambo Competition RulesPDFLegal
— ADCC — Legal
ADCC Rules Update, April 2025PDF— Unified MMA — Legal
Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025PDF— FIAS Combat Sambo — Legal
FIAS Combat Sambo RulesPDFTraining Notes
✓Standing pain compliance uses wrist manipulation, pressure points, and joint control to create compliance without taking the fight to the ground — the primary method of law enforcement restraint (Dillman, Pressure Point Fighting, 2002)
✓The standing wrist lock (kote-gaeshi, nikkyo) is the most common standing compliance technique — it hyperextends or rotates the wrist to create pain and control
✓Standing compliance techniques are designed for control and restraint rather than damage — the goal is to move the person into a controlled position
✓Aikido and traditional jujutsu systematised standing compliance techniques: they were designed for armed warriors who needed to control without killing
✓The come-along hold uses a wrist lock or finger lock to walk the controlled person in a desired direction — pain creates compliance to movement
✓Standing compliance requires continuous control: unlike ground submissions where gravity assists, standing locks must be actively maintained
✓Pressure points at the wrist (radial nerve), the neck (brachial plexus origin), and behind the ear (mastoid process) create intense pain with minimal force
Common Mistakes
!Attempting standing compliance on a resisting, aggressive opponent — pain compliance works best on cooperative or semi-cooperative subjects; active fighting overwhelms fine-technique locks
!Not transitioning to a takedown when compliance fails — if the standing lock isn't working, take the fight to ground where control is easier
!Using excessive force — standing compliance techniques are designed for control, not injury; excessive force causes damage
!Applying standing wrist locks without controlling the elbow — the elbow must be managed; a free elbow allows the opponent to rotate out
!Expecting compliance from adrenaline-fuelled opponents — pain tolerance increases dramatically under stress; have backup techniques
!Using standing compliance in a multiple-attacker scenario — standing locks tie up both hands on one person; you are vulnerable to additional attackers
!Training only the lock without the transition — standing compliance must include the movement to a controlled position (wall, ground, escort)
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 traditional martial arts terminology
1OtherJapanese Martial Arts Community Terminology
Japanese traditional martial arts terminology
Standard Japanese martial arts terminology (kanji/hiragana)
3OtherJapanese Martial Arts Standard Terminology (武道用語)
Established Japanese martial arts naming convention — native Japanese term (和語/漢語)
4CitationJapanese traditional martial arts terminology
Japanese terminology sourced from Japanese traditional martial arts terminology
Community
Athletics
Requires
grip strength, joint isolation ability, positional control
Favours
strong forearms and stable base
Key muscles
forearm flexors, core stabilisers, hip muscles for base
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my progress in standing position so slow?
John Danaher explains that people often struggle in standing position because they focus only on the final obvious result—the takedown itself—without understanding the subtle chain of events that must happen first. They need to emphasize prior control and the context around takedowns, not just replicate the takedown in isolation.
What should I do if my takedown attempt fails?
John Danaher emphasizes that takedowns should be chained together so that when one fails, you have backup options. For example, if a single leg fails, you can transition to a waist position or underhook to continue applying pressure rather than stopping.
How do I apply arm locks while standing?
According to TRITAC Martial Arts, when using a blade or forearm on standing arm locks, focus on connecting to the inside of the elbow and push forward while maintaining control. The key is referencing that area of the arm to generate breaking pressure rather than relying on aggression alone.
What's the most important thing to avoid when attempting takedowns?
John Danaher stresses never carrying your opponent's weight on your head and shoulders during takedowns. Keep your head up, maintain posture, and stay off your knees as much as possible to avoid exhaustion and exposure to being defeated.
How does the Standing work?
The standing ear pull is a pain compliance technique applied during upright confrontations by gripping and pulling or twisting the opponent's ear to control their head position and movement. The pain from ear cartilage manipulation forces the opponent to follow the direction of the pull, allowing the attacker to steer them, off-balance them, or set up takedowns.
Where does the Standing come from?
Standing ear manipulation has been documented in self-defense manuals, traditional jujutsu, and military combatives for centuries. The technique is taught in law enforcement and security training as a pain compliance method for controlling non-compliant individuals.
Is the Standing legal in competition?
IBJJF: restricted — Varies — pressure-based controls may be legal but direct pain holds without s…; IJF: banned — Not a recognized submission category in judo; ADCC: legal — Legal; Unified MMA: legal — Legal; FIAS Sport Sambo: restricted — Varies by application; FIAS Combat Sambo: legal — Legal
How dangerous is the Standing?
Danger rating 2/10. Ear pull variant — pain compliance with minimal structural risk
How do I set up the Standing?
The standard setup chain: Establish Position → Create the Threat → Secure the Hold → Finish.
How do I defend against the Standing?
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 Standing?
Common variants: Standard variation (primary grip configuration and finishing angle); Gi variation (using the gi material for grip assistance and control); No-gi variation (adapted grips for submission grappling without the gi); Transition variation (applied during a positional change or scramble).
How effective is the Standing in competition?
Standing guillotine chokes and standing arm triangles are among the most common standing submissions in UFC competition.
What are common mistakes when doing the Standing?
Top errors to watch for: Attempting standing compliance on a resisting, aggressive opponent — pain compliance works best on cooperative or sem… / Not transitioning to a takedown when compliance fails — if the standing lock isn't working, take the fight to ground … / Using excessive force — standing compliance techniques are designed for control, not injury; excessive force causes d… / Applying standing wrist locks without controlling the elbow — the elbow must be managed; a free elbow allows the oppo….
What are other names for the Standing?
The Standing is also known as Tachi-waza, Standing Pressure Technique, Tachi-waza Pressure.