Introduction & Setup

Instructor Kelvin demonstrates alternative submissions from the guard position when the standard armbar defense proves difficult. The technique begins with the defender established on their back with legs crossed and hand grips engaged, attempting to pry the opponent's arm free from the upper body.

Transitioning When Grips Fail

When an opponent maintains strong grips and prevents arm extraction, the instructor transitions by placing their foot under the opponent's arm and driving their heel into the ground. This foot placement creates leverage to switch leg position and open new attacking angles.

Initial Headscissors Setup

With the opponent remaining stationary on the ground, the instructor quickly slides their outside foot under the opponent's neck with toes pointed upward to lift the head slightly. The second foot is positioned with the heel and back ankle against the side of the neck, establishing the foundation for the headscissors.

Securing the Headscissors Choke

The instructor reaches their outside arm under the opponent's head and pulls their own foot over the top while pointing both knees inward. By pulling one foot toward the neck while pushing the other upward, they create a tight, secure choke.

Countering Escape Attempts

When the opponent begins turning upward to escape, the instructor threads their foot under the opponent's body and sits upward to create space. They sweep their foot to the far side of the body with toes extended, using their hand grip on the belt or knee to prevent scooting or rolling.

Transitioning to the Americana

From the secured position, the instructor transitions to the Americana armlock by positioning their knee over the opponent's arm with their shin and foot crossing the body. The opponent's elbow is forced to the ground with their arm tucked against their chest.

Finishing the Americana Lock

The instructor reaches their free hand under the opponent's wrist and drives it back while straightening their leg and driving the opponent's elbow into their own chest. This combination of pressure creates the finished Americana submission hold.

Complete Technique Review

The instructor performs the entire sequence at tempo: establishing the umbar position, transitioning to the headscissors when grips fail, responding to the opponent's upward turn by moving their foot under the body, and finishing with the Americana armlock. This demonstrates the flow and timing necessary for successful execution.

BJJ Defended Arm Bar Alternate Submissions Tutorial

Stuart Tomlinson
2 min read·8 key moments·PT4M42S video

Key Takeaways

  • Introduction & Setup
  • Transitioning When Grips Fail
  • Initial Headscissors Setup
  • Securing the Headscissors Choke

Kelvin Yeo, instructor at Fight G in Singapore is here filmed by the Warrior Collective giving a tutorial on different submissions to hit when the arm bar is defended in BJJ. www.warriorcollective.com www.fightg.com Thanks for watching, I hope you enjoyed watching this tutorial, please like, share and don't forget to subscribe to this channel for more great videos each week!! You can also follow the Warrior Collective on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/warriorcolle... Twitter - https://twitter.com/Warriorcollect Google + - https://plus.google.com/u/0/ Pinterest - http://uk.pinterest.com/warriorcollect/

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about headscissors from guard?

This video covers introduction & setup, transitioning when grips fail, initial headscissors setup. It provides detailed instruction from Stuart Tomlinson.

How long does it take to learn headscissors from guard?

The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 8-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.

What are the key details for finishing headscissors from guard?

The instructor reaches their free hand under the opponent's wrist and drives it back while straightening their leg and driving the opponent's elbow into their own chest. This combination of pressure creates the finished Americana submission hold.