How to Do a Jiu‐Jitsu Arm Bar

Last Updated: January 2, 2023

An arm-bar is a type of martial arts hold, done on the ground, designed to cause an opponent to submit (tap out or in combat, break the arm).^{[1]
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Research source} This is typically taught in judo and jiu jitsu as those are the most common "grappling" arts, although it can be applied to any art where ground work (fighting while not standing) is needed. This can be a very effective maneuver if done properly. The following steps will help give a general understanding of the concept and method.

Steps

1
Hold your partner's forearm with both hands so their wrist is facing upwards - they must be on their back for this particular hold.^{[2]
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Position your legs so your knees are bent and their arm and elbow are between your legs. Make sure you put your leg over your partner's neck first and then the other leg over their waist to make sure they are locked in place (especially important in fights).^{[3]
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3
Squeeze your legs towards their body and pull the arm towards you. You should make tight body contact to prevent your partner from escaping. The result should be that your crotch is under or very close to their shoulder.^{[4]
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4
Using your partner's chest as a fulcrum, pull their wrist to your chest and apply upwards pressure from your hips, while slightly pulling the hand towards your chest and in the direction of their pinky finger. Very little pressure is necessary to make the hold effective.

Community Q&A

Question

What if my opponent locks his hand on the hold?

Digeridong

Community Answer

That is the most instinctual counter to this attack, and there are many ways to work around it. Your best bet would be to find a competent judo or Brazilian jiu jitsu school to study this.
Question

How can I escape the arm bar? I know the hand lock is a defense against it, but is there a way to escape it?

Community Answer

If your opponent held your arm weakly, you can simply turn your wrist->arm->shoulders to overcome an arm bar. If it is really tight, try standing up with your legs and then flip your opponent.

Warnings

Until you are proficient in this technique, do not attempt it with an inexperienced individual; the technique can be used to either break an elbow or dislocate a shoulder and requires very little force to cause injury.

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When your partner indicates submission (typically by "tapping out") relax your hips and your grasp.

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