Armbar from the guard

[shamster]

A lot of times when I try to go for an armbar when someone is in my guard, I have a hard time finishing it off. A lot of guys are stronger than me, and either they can pull their arm out really fast (and the sudden motion makes it easy for them to pass my guard too), or they can keep their arm bent and held by the other arm strong enough that I can't straighten it out.
Any tips on how to keep the guy's arm straight and prevent him from yanking it away when going for an armbar when he's in my guard?

[cam427]

Once you get your leg over his head try gripping with your thighs rather than your arms. If you have his bicep between your thighs they will not be able to pull out. This also frees an arm which will let you move your head towards his feet, grab his leg and roll him onto his back.

[shamster]

I think that may be part of my problem. When things are going quickly, I probably do not tighten up enough with my thighs. So I guess it's a good idea to keep the arm/head/etc trapped tightly with my legs.

[OmaPlata]

I think that may be part of my problem. When things are going quickly, I probably do not tighten up enough with my thighs. So I guess it's a good idea to keep the arm/head/etc trapped tightly with my legs.

Make sure your hips are really high too, that your crotch is right in his armpit tightly.......thats what seperates the success of moves, the tightness, keep it tight and close, no space!

[1bad65]

Be sure to clamp down with your leg that is over his back. This makes it alot harder to pull it out. Also, when you first move, try to get as perpendicular to his body as possible.

[JkD187]

when you keep your hips up high in a high guard its easier to go for armbars and triangles.If you trap the shoulder then the guy cant pull his arm out...the only thing he can do is try and stack you...if you keep your legs bent over his head and on his back and cross your ankles you will get em most of the time.If you cant still tap em once you have everythibg locked up reach under his thigh and sweep him in a counter clockwise motion.

[aseepish]

Try experimenting with the "climb-up" - lock your legs over his shoulder as in the photo, and then go for the arm bar. If he pulls his arm part-way out (90 degree bend in his elbow or so), there's a really neat key-lock you can do by pulling his wrist to the outside, while twisting your knees in the opposite direction. If he pulls his arm all the way out, omoplata the other shoulder.

The photo is from http://www.graciemag.com/?c=149&a=2914