helicopter armbar

N/A

Taught by:Adam Farnsler Andre Galvao Bernardo Faria Craig Jones Gordon Ryan John Danaher Keenan Cornelius Lachlan Giles Marcelo Garcia Mikey Musumeci Nathan Merkle Rob Biernacki Rob Shiffler Roger Gracie

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Helicopter Armbar Technique

Helicopter Armbar is an exciting and spectacular submission technique in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) that typically begins from the Open Guard position (although it can be adjusted from Butterfly Guard or Knee on Belly depending on skill level and creativity). This technique relies on creating a sweeping motion, utilizing your legs, to lift and off-balance your opponent, while transitioning directly into an armbar.

Japanese Name

N/A (The specific Japanese name for the Helicopter Armbar is not readily available)

Position

Open Guard

Step-by-Step Instructions

Establish Open Guard
- Begin by pulling your opponent into your open guard. Keep your knees against their hips and maintain a firm grip on both of their sleeves or wrist.
Feet on Hips
- Place your feet on your opponent's hips to help maintain control and keep them at a distance.
Elevate the Hips
- Push off your opponent's hips and simultaneously lift your hips.
- Ensure your buttocks are off the ground, putting your opponent slightly off-balance.
Utilize Grips for Control
- With both hands gripped on one of the opponent’s arms (either at the wrist or sleeve), use the momentum of your elevated hips to attempt to unbalance them.
X-Guard Transition
- As you lift and unbalance your opponent, begin to take one leg off their hip and thread it between their legs, converting to a modified X-guard position.
Helicopter Sweep Movement
- Once the grip is secure and you have created space, use the leg still on their hip to extend and 'helicopter' them by sweeping them over your body.
- At the same time, free your other leg from between their legs and move it over their head, pushing them to roll forward.
Initiate the Armbar
- As your opponent rolls over, maintain control of their arm and quickly bring your leg over their head.
- Push the arm down to your chest, controlling it with your knees pinch tightly together.
Achieving the Submission
- Secure your opponent's wrist with both hands for added control and leverage.
- Gradually extend your hips upwards, putting pressure on your opponent’s elbow joint to finish the armbar.

Key Tips

Timing is critical; ensure your grips and angles are precise.
Use your hips effectively to balance and enable the helicopter motion.
Always maintain control over your opponent’s arm to secure the submission.

Executing the helicopter armbar requires fluidity, coordination, and confidence to manage the aerial aspects comfortably. Practice this technique under professional supervision to minimize risks and maximize efficiency.

How to Execute

# Helicopter Armbar from Open Guard

## Setup

1. **Initial Position Details**
   - Begin in the Open Guard position while your opponent is standing. Your back should be on the mat with your legs open and feet actively engaging your opponent's hips or thighs.

2. **Grips and Controls Needed**
   - Use your right hand to grip your opponent's left sleeve, securing control of their arm.
   - Your left hand should control the opponent's right ankle to help destabilize their base.
   - Your feet should be actively on their hips, ready to elevate and control their posture.

## Steps

1. **Break Their Posture**
   - Use your grips and feet on their hips to pull your opponent forward, breaking their posture and bringing them slightly off balance.

2. **Position Your Legs**
   - Shift your hips slightly to the right to create an angle. Position your left foot on your opponent's hip while your right leg moves over their shoulder, preparing for the armbar setup.

3. **Lift and Rotate**
   - Simultaneously push with your left foot on their hip and pull with your right hand on their sleeve to lift your opponent's left side off the ground.
   - As they lift, continue pulling their arm across your body while rotating your body to pivot underneath them.

4. **Secure the Armbar Position**
   - Swing your right leg over their head as you maintain control of their arm with your right hand.
   - Your left leg should slide down from their hip to their ribs, securing their body.

5. **Finish the Armbar**
   - Pinch your knees together tightly around their arm.
   - Elevate your hips and pull down on their arm, applying pressure to hyperextend the elbow joint.

## Key Points

- **Important Details to Remember**
  - Maintain a strong grip on your opponent's sleeve throughout the technique to control their arm.
  - Ensure your hips are mobile and active to create the necessary elevation and rotation for the helicopter effect.

- **Common Mistakes to Avoid**
  - Failing to break your opponent's posture initially, which can lead to them regaining balance and making it difficult to execute the technique.
  - Not controlling their shoulder with your leg, which allows them to pull their arm out and escape the armbar.
  - Forgetting to pinch your knees together, which compromises the tightness of the armbar and makes it easier for your opponent to escape.

By following these steps and paying attention to the key points, you can effectively perform the helicopter armbar from the open guard position.

helicopter armbar

About This Technique