Issue 159

October 2017

Unlock your opponent’s Americana defense with a slick switch to an armbar

Vinny Magalhaes, the four-time world BJJ champion, 205lb fighter and instructor reveals his best no-gi techniques, with Casey Milliken.

1 - Vinny starts off in the mount position, with Casey raising both arms to his chest to defend against any armbar attempts.

2 - Vinny uses his left hand on Casey’s left wrist to push Casey’s arm to the mat, but the starts to turn towards the submission to defend.

3 - Casey blocks the Americana attempt by grabbing his wrist with his free hand and pulling it off the mat.

4 - Instead of trying to force Casey’s wrist back onto the mat, Vinny uses Casey’s momentum and drags his arm to the opposite side.

5 - Vinny slides his right knee towards Casey’s head and puts his left calf under Casey’s arm, as if he was going for an S-mount set-up.

6 - Vinny leans forward and throws his right leg over Casey’s head, then falls backwards to break Casey’s grip and get the armbar.

TOP TIPS

PURPLE BELT

Make sure to pinch your knees to isolate your opponent’s arm and make it easier to force the tap.

WHITE BELT

From this position, the Americana/ keylock is the simplest to go for. If that doesn’t work, try the armbar.

BLACK BELT

If it’s hard to break your opponent’s grip, you can keep your arm in the pit of their elbow and use your foot to push down on it to get a bicep slicer with the blade of your wrist