Review of Armbar Mechanics: Elbow Line and Patience

Overview
Armbars appear everywhere—guard, mount, back. The secret is isolating the shoulder and controlling the elbow line before you extend. Done neatly, partners tap early and safely.

Who benefits
- Beginners learning a first submission family.
- Lighter players who rely on leverage.

Pay‑off
You’ll value the thumb line (points up), knees pinched, and finishing with hips close rather than hurling backwards. Your entries become understated and higher percentage.

Watch‑outs
- Falling back with legs wide risks stacked spines.
- Yanking on locked elbows is dangerous—extend slowly; partners tap, you release.
- Expect grips—break them methodically (two‑on‑one, wedge knees, peel).

Try this round
- From guard: Climb high → angle off → hip to shoulder → finish with slow extension.
- From mount: Knee to ear → S‑mount → sit with control → pinch and extend.
- Grip‑break reps: 10 each of elbow pull, shoulder roll, and leg‑over variations.

Final word
Armbars aren’t drama; they’re geometry. Win the elbow; the rest is admin.

-Chuck