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BeginnerAmericana
Kazushi Gatame
Taught by:Adam FarnslerAndre GalvaoBernardo FariaGordon RyanJohn DanaherNathan MerkleRob BiernackiRob ShifflerRoger Gracie
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About This Technique
Americana Armlock Technique
The Americana armlock is a classic submission technique in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, primarily executed from the top position in side control. It leverages arm isolation and a twisting force to create pressure on the opponent's shoulder joint.
Positions |
The Americana can most effectively be applied from:
- Side Control
- Mount
Japanese Name
Kazushi Gatame
Step-by-Step Instructions
Americana from Side Control
-
Secure Side Control:
- Position yourself across your opponent with their head near your hip.
- Establish a strong base with your knees wide and your feet hooked near the opponent's body.
- Use one arm to control their head and the other to control their hip.
-
Isolate the Arm:
- Use the arm controlling the opponent's head to pin their wrist to the mat on the side away from you, around shoulder height.
- Switch your grip such that your hand controlling the hip transitions to their wrist, ensuring it remains pinned.
-
Secure Your Grip:
- Slide the hand that's now free (the one that was controlling the wrist) underneath their arm and grab your own wrist. This position creates a figure-four grip.
-
Hip Adjustments:
- Move your hips away from the opponent slightly without losing control to create more space.
- Keep your head low to maintain pressure and control.
-
Finish the Submission:
- Start lifting their elbow off the mat towards their head while maintaining the figure-four grip.
- Simultaneously, use your chest to tighten their arm and shoulder in place, hindering their movement.
- Carefully apply pressure by moving their wrist downwards to their hips in a U-shape motion.
- Increase the lift until you feel significant tension, forcing them to tap due to the intense shoulder pressure.
Americana from Mount
-
Establish the Mount:
- Secure a dominant mount position with both your knees touching the ground and your feet hooking under the opponent.
-
Bait or Force the Arm:
- Apply weight on one shoulder and create an opportunity for the opponent to expose their hidden arm on the side.
- Push that arm to the mat with your cross-body hand.
-
Secure the Grip:
- Slide your same side hand underneath and grab your own wrist forming a figure-four grip.
-
Finalize the Submission:
- Drag their wrist towards the mat, maintaining control throughout.
- Push the wrist downward while lifting the elbow for a controlled and safe submission.
Important Notes
- Safety First: Always ensure the safety of your training partners. Apply the lock with gradual force and be ready to release it as soon as a tap is signaled.
- Control is Key: Effective weight distribution and base maintenance, critical for holding the side control or mount position, should always precede the submission.
- Recognize Defense: Some opponents with greater flexibility might require additional adjustments. Recognize when the submission is working to avoid over-exertion or forcing a move unnecessarily.
How to Execute
# Americana from Side Control
## Setup
- **Initial Position Details:** Start in side control with your chest on your opponent's chest. Your hips should be low and your knees wide for stability. Your far arm (the one closest to their head) should be under their neck, and your near arm should be controlling their near-side hip.
- **Grips and Controls Needed:** Your far arm will establish a cross-face by cupping your opponent's head near the ear with your palm. Your near arm should be ready to secure the Americana by controlling your opponent’s wrist.
## Steps
1. **Control the Head and Arm:**
- Maintain a strong cross-face with your far arm to control your opponent’s head and prevent them from turning into you.
2. **Isolate the Arm:**
- Use your near hand to push your opponent's far wrist to the mat. Their arm should form a right angle with their elbow bent at 90 degrees.
3. **Secure the Wrist:**
- Slide your near hand under their arm and grab your own wrist with a figure-four grip. Your thumb should wrap over your wrist for a secure hold.
4. **Elbow Positioning:**
- Your elbow (of the arm holding their wrist) should be close to their ear to prevent them from straightening their arm or escaping.
5. **Apply the Submission:**
- Slowly lift their elbow off the mat by using your hips and core, not just your arms.
- While lifting, slide their wrist down towards their hip to create pressure on the shoulder joint.
6. **Ensure Tap:**
- Apply controlled pressure until your opponent taps. Be mindful of the shoulder joint to prevent injury.
## Key Points
- **Important Details to Remember:**
- Keep your weight distributed evenly to maintain control and prevent your opponent from bridging or rolling.
- Ensure your grip on their wrist is secure and your elbows are tight to their body.
- **Common Mistakes to Avoid:**
- Don’t lift their elbow too quickly or with excessive force to avoid injuring your opponent.
- Avoid leaving space between your chest and their body, as this may allow them to escape.
- Ensure their arm remains at a right angle; if they straighten their arm, you will lose the leverage needed for the submission.
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