Introduction to the Mount Armbar
This instructional series focuses on executing the armbar from mount position, one of the fundamental submissions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The technique will be broken down into distinct phases: approach, control, and finish, building toward a complete understanding of proper execution.
Prerequisites and Opponent Defense
Against a skilled opponent in proper defensive posture—with elbows tucked close to the ribs and hands near the chest—the armbar cannot be forced. The attacker must first understand that they must earn the submission by breaking down the opponent's defensive structure systematically.
The Elbow-Hip Relationship
A fundamental principle of the armbar requires positioning the opponent's elbow inside the attacker's hip line. As long as the opponent's elbows remain outside this line, pivoting 90 degrees to complete the submission becomes extremely difficult or impossible.
Extending the Elbow Above Shoulder Line
The optimal setup involves elevating the opponent's elbow above their shoulder line, moving it away from their torso. This extension is achieved through a cross-face position on the rear deltoid, providing mechanical advantage over raw strength.
The Ratcheting Arm Extension Technique
Rather than walking the opponent's arm in a straight line—which invites strong resistance—the attacker turns their chest outward and uses progressive steps combined with head pressure. The attacker leads with the thumb side of the hand and uses progressive head movements to advance the arm incrementally.
Using Head Pressure and Floor Friction
The hand on the floor creates friction that prevents the opponent from retracting their elbow back to their body, while the attacker's head provides the actual force extending the arm. These elements work together to progressively advance the opponent's elbow toward the center line.
The Perpendicular Turn and Knee Placement
Once the elbow is trapped at center line, the attacker brings both arms underneath and rotates perpendicular to the opponent. The knee is positioned to control the opponent's shoulder, forming a wedge that ensures proper angle for the submission.
Cross-Face Leg Positioning
A critical detail is maintaining a forward-leaning posture by touching the ear to the opponent's thigh, making the cross-face leg light and easy to transition over the head. The attacker must establish this leg position before sitting down and transferring weight.
Final Control Position and Attack Options
Once settled into position with the cross-face leg secured, the attacker maintains elbow-to-elbow contact with the opponent while keeping one hand on the floor. This positioning maintains upright posture, keeps the head higher than the opponent's hands, and provides multiple attacking options while preserving the ability to reset to mount if needed.
How To Do The Perfect Armbar by John Danaher
Key Takeaways
- •Introduction to the Mount Armbar
- •Prerequisites and Opponent Defense
- •The Elbow-Hip Relationship
- •Extending the Elbow Above Shoulder Line
HOW TO DO THE PERFECT ARMBAR BY JOHN DANAHER // In this video the BJJ Scientist and great John Danaher, demonstrates how to do the perfect armbar. John Danaher is one of the Jiu-Jitsu coaches in the World, and the way he explains how to do the armbar, its just AMAZING. - Comment below in the comments section, what did you think about this armbar. - Click Here To Check Out John Danaher's Instructional Videos - https://bjjfanatics.com/collections/all/fighter_john-danaher - "Bernardo Faria is a 5x World Champion. Bernardo started training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Juiz de Fora - MG, Brazil at the age of 14 in 2001. After receiving the Black Belt from his first instructor Ricardo Marques in 2008, He moved to Sao Paulo to join BJJ legend Fabio Gurgel and his Alliance team. After many years of training and winning many major titles, Bernardo moved to NYC in 2013 to train and teach at Marcelo Garcia Academy. In 2015 Bernardo achieved his dream of winning the IBJJF World Championship Open class title and his division, doing the double Gold and becoming the 1st in the IBJJF Ranking and also chosen the best athlete of 2015. Bernardo Faria has now taken on the mission to share some of the lessons, techniques, experiences and more that he has learned along in his 16 years and counting as a BJJ student, teacher and world class competitor. Subscribe to his channel, and join him in this amazing BJJ Journey. We promise that you will also improve your BJJ with his awesome Video Lessons, Episodes of his "5 Minutes BJJ Talk" and more..." http://bernardofaria.com https://www.facebook.com/bernardofariabjj/ https://www.instagram.com/bernardofariabjj/ https://twitter.com/bernardofariajj
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does this video teach about arm triangle rear naked crossover?
This video covers introduction to the mount armbar, prerequisites and opponent defense, the elbow-hip relationship. It provides detailed instruction from Bernardo Faria BJJ Fanatics.
How long does it take to learn arm triangle rear naked crossover?
The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 9-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.
What are the key details for finishing arm triangle rear naked crossover?
A critical detail is maintaining a forward-leaning posture by touching the ear to the opponent's thigh, making the cross-face leg light and easy to transition over the head. The attacker must establish this leg position before sitting down and transferring weight.
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