Fighters Only

Issue 063

June 2010

With Pete Irving.

The keylock (also known as the ude-garami in Judo, and commonly referred to in BJJ as the Americana) refers to the figure-four armlock applied with the palm up and the hand next to the head. Essentially, this lock is the reverse of the more popular and versatile kimura. The keylock is normally seen applied from a cross-body position, and occasionally from the mount.

3 minute clinic

Elbow in to the head

When applying the keylock it is especially important to keep your elbow tight against the head or neck, so as not to allow space for the bottom man to escape.

Maintain proper weight distribution

Attempting a keylock creates an opportunity to escape if correct pinning technique is not observed during application, as committing both arms to the figure-four means relieving shoulder pressure on the near side. Compensate by having a heavy, well-placed pin.

Pull the elbow down the body

Observing the ‘paintbrush’ principle, pull the elbow down toward the hips as if the hands were painting the mat. This will immobilize the shoulder joint and make the hold easier to apply and harder to escape.

Keylock from side control

1 Pete has Tommy in side control.

2 Tommy attempts to begin his escape by pushing Pete’s head up to relieve pressure from the pin.

3 Pete seizes Tommy’s hand and pins it to the mat.

4 Pete takes a figure-four grip and traps Tommy’s arm (which is bent at 90 degrees) and uses his forehead to keep Tommy’s arm in position.

5 Pete drags Tommy’s elbow down the mat to tighten the shoulder and elbow joint.

6 Pete levers up with his elbow to lock out Tommy’s shoulder and elbow. Pete is careful not to roll his body over as he lifts his elbow, as this would weaken the pin and allow the bottom man to escape.