Americana from Side Control
Ude-garami
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About This Technique
Technique: Americana from Side Control
Position: Side Control
Japanese Name: Ude-garami
Top/Bottom: Top
Introduction
The Americana, also known as ude-garami in Japanese, is a common shoulder lock submission in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Typically executed from the top side control position, this technique uses a figure-four hold to apply pressure on the opponent's shoulder, compelling them to tap out. Below is a step-by-step guide to effectively perform the Americana.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Starting Position
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Establish Side Control:
- Begin in side control with your chest across your opponent’s torso.
- Keep your opponent pinned by using your arms and legs strategically.
- Position your top knee near their hip and bottom knee close to their head for stability.
- Control their far-side arm with your near-side arm (underhook), ensuring they can't bridge or escape easily.
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Secure Head Control:
- Use your crossface arm (the one closest to their head) to apply pressure, limiting their movements and maintaining control.
- Keep your hips low and your chest pressed against them.
Executing the Americana Submission
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Isolate the Arm:
- Transition to attacking the near-side arm (the arm closest to you).
- Use your crossface hand to slide under their elbow, aiming to force it to the mat, bending their elbow outward.
- Plant their wrist on the mat next to their head or shoulder.
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Form the Figure-Four:
- With their wrist pinned, use your free hand (usually your top hand) to secure their wrist.
- Slide your other hand beneath their upper arm to grasp your own wrist, forming the figure-four grip.
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Adjust Your Base:
- While maintaining control, angle your body slightly towards their head.
- Ensure your pressure remains heavy on their chest, minimizing space.
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Apply the Lock:
- Gradually lift their elbow off the mat (you may need to slide towards their head for leverage).
- Rotate their arm upwards with a smooth, slow motion to increase tension.
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Finish the Submission:
- Control the situation with steady and controlled force.
- As the pressure increases, your opponent will tap out to avoid injury.
Conclusion
Mastering the Americana from side control increases your submission arsenal and allows you to control the match out of a dominant position. Ensuring proper form and executing each step methodically ensures an efficient submission with minimal efforts. Practice and perfect each phase to enhance your efficiency and effectiveness on the mat.
How to Execute
Americana from Side Control
Performing the Americana from the side control position requires precise technique and control. Follow these detailed steps to execute it effectively:
Step-by-Step Instructions
Establishing Side Control
- •
Position Yourself:
- •Start in a solid side control position. Your body should be perpendicular to your opponent’s body.
- •Your chest should be close to your opponent’s chest, with your knees bent and feet positioned for stability.
- •
Control the Head and Arm:
- •Use your near arm (the one closer to your opponent's head) to control their head. Your hand should be cupping the back of their head or neck.
- •Your far arm (the one closer to your opponent's hips) should be underhooking their far arm, if possible, to prevent them from turning into you or escaping.
Isolating the Arm
- •
Secure the Wrist:
- •Transition your head-control hand to your opponent’s far wrist. Push their wrist towards the mat, ensuring their elbow stays bent at a 90-degree angle.
- •Keep your elbow close to their neck as you do this, maintaining pressure and control.
- •
Slide Your Other Arm Under:
- •Slide your near-side arm (the one that was controlling their head) under their elbow.
- •Your palm should face up and prepare to grip your own wrist, forming a figure-four lock.
Locking the Americana
- •
Form the Figure-Four Grip:
- •With your near-side arm under their elbow, grab your own wrist.
- •Ensure your grip is solid, forming a figure-four lock. Your opponent’s arm should now be bent at a 90-degree angle with their palm facing upward.
- •
Adjust Your Base:
- •Shift your weight slightly towards your opponent’s body to maintain control and prevent their escape.
- •Keep your hips low and your pressure steady on their chest or upper body.
Finishing the Submission
- •
Apply Pressure:
- •Slowly lift their elbow towards their head while keeping their wrist pinned to the mat.
- •As you lift, slide their wrist downwards slightly towards their waist to increase the torque on their shoulder.
- •
Look for the Tap:
- •Apply the pressure gradually to ensure safety and effectiveness.
- •Watch for your opponent's tap, indicating submission. Always be ready to release the pressure immediately to prevent injury.
Important Tips
- •Maintain Control: Always keep pressure on your opponent to prevent them from escaping or turning into you.
- •Safety First: Apply the submission gradually and be aware of your training partner’s limits to avoid injury.
- •Adjust as Needed: If your opponent attempts to defend or escape, adjust your grip and pressure accordingly to maintain control and effectiveness.
By following these steps with precision and control, you can effectively execute the Americana submission from the side control position.