Every technique begins with movement.
And even the most basic technique isn’t always easily learned. It takes time to develop the correct movement because Jiu-jitsu is so different than most common activities. That’s the reason why drills exist.
They allow us to isolate specific movements and repeat them over and over again until they’re mastered. That’s the true basis of excellence when it comes to Jiu-jitsu. Master the movement, and the world opens up to you. You can start playing, and that’s incredibly fun.
Armbar Drills for White Belts
If you’ve started Jiu-jitsu recently, and you don’t know the three armbar drills in the video below, it’s time to rectify that. They each teach you specific movements that are necessary for the future of your development.
So study the video right now, and we’ll break it down afterward.
First Drill
This is the most common drill, but it’s common for a reason. It works, and you will benefit from mastering it.
- In the drill, the first step is to post both hands on the shoulder, surrounding the arm you want to attack.
- Use that post to elevate yourself so that you can rotate into S Mount, with one knee pressed against their ear and the other knee pressed against their armpit.
- Lean slightly towards their hips while keeping your knees pinched tight. That will shift your weight off of the leg closest to their head, making it light enough to easily move.
- Slowly slide the leg that was pressed against their ear over the head and pinch your knees tight.
- Fall back into the finish position, and then disengage to reset back to mount.
Second Drill
This armbar drill is less common, but it really complements the first drill extremely well. Add it to your arsenal, if it’s not already there.
- Your partner is going to defend the armbar by clasping their hands in some fashion.
- Grab the sleeve or elbow of their far arm and pull it towards you with the hand that is closest to their hips. Your goal is to make that arm immobile.
- Plant your other hand on the mat. That’s your post. It’ll help you keep balance as you make your next transition.
- Rotate your hips across their chest. If done right, it should place you in S Mount on the other side of their body.
- From there, lean towards their hips, and bring your top leg (the one pressed against their ear) over their head, before falling back into the finish position.
- Release and let them defend again.
Third Drill
The armbar from closed guard is fundamental in Jiu-jitsu, but the transition to the arm can be difficult to learn. I’ve seen so many students struggle with it, but once you simplify it by taking out the hand grips, it becomes easier to learn. That’s the purpose of this drill.
- The key to the drill is tight transition. At all times, you must keep control of their arm using only your legs.
- That starts with the first step. Place one foot on their hip, and immediately pinch that knee against the back of their arm.
- Bridge off their hip, which will elevate your hips and increase your control of their arm.
- Straight your other leg and rotate it high into their armpit, before clamping down to immobilize their upper body.
- Slide your first leg in front of their face, pinch your knees, and lift your hips for the imaginary finish.
- Reset back to closed guard.
So with that, you’re able to see the drills in action, listen to an explanation, and read a written breakdown. Whew, that’s a lot, right.
Now it’s all up to you. Go out, grab someone and master the movements.