Issue 144

August 2016

Steal a submission with a juji gatame – the most powerful armlock in judo

Jimmy Pedro Jr

The US Olympic coach and 6th degree black belt shows you, along with Aaron Kunuhiro, judo techniques that work for MMA

1 - From Aaron’s back, Jimmy shoots his right leg through to Aaron’s far hip.

2 - At the same time, Jimmy bases with his head and hooks Aaron’s right arm with his left hand.

3 - Jimmy brings his left shin across the back of Aaron’s neck.

4 - He secures Aaron’s arm by dropping to the side and grabbing his hip with his left hand.

5 - Jimmy grabs Aaron’s lower left leg with his right hand so he can pull it across his face.

6 - Aaron gets lifted off the mat as Jimmy pulls his leg and lifts his own knee towards his nose.

7 - With both of Aaron’s legs scooped up with his right arm, Jimmy drives his right foot to the mat.

8 - As Aaron falls to his back, Jimmy rolls into top position and brings his left leg across his opponent’s face.

9 - Jimmy forces his left leg down to flatten Aaron out, then grabs his collar with his left hand to trap Aaron’s arm.

10 - Jimmy leans towards his left hip and uses the blade of his wrist to pry Aaron’s hands apart.

11 - To finish the armbar, Jimmy makes sure Aaron’s thumb is facing up, nips his knees together and raises his hips. 

TOP TIPS

WHITE BELT

Keep your legs pinched throughout this move to maintain control of your opponent

BROWN BELT

Keep your opponent’s arm close to your chest when falling back for the armbar to make the submission even tighter

BLACK BELT

Using all your strength to yank your opponent’s arm is an inefficient way of breaking their grip. Attack their wrists instead.

JIMMY SAYS

“The most important part of this move is the catch of the arm (step 2) and the foot coming through all the way to the other side (steps 1).”