Armlock In grappling , an armlock is a single or double joint lock that hyperextends , hyperflexes or hyperrotates the elbow joint and / or shoulder joint . An armlock that hyperflexes or hyperrotates the shoulder joint is referred to as a shoulder lock , and an armlock that hyperextends the elbow joint is called an armbar . Depending on the joint flexibility and integrity of a person , armlocks that hyperrotate the shoulder joint can also hyperrotate the elbow joint , and vice versa . Obtaining an armlock requires effective use of full - body leverage in order to initiate and secure a lock on the targeted arm , while preventing the opponent from escaping the lock . Therefore , armlocks are usually more easily performed on the ground , from positions such as the mount , side mount , or guard . Armlocks are more difficult to perform when both combatants are standing up , though the stand - up variants are a focus in certain systems such as Chin Na . A failed armlock can sometimes result in the opponent escaping and obtaining a dominant position . Armlocks are considered less dangerous techniques in combat sports allowing joint locks , and are the most common joint locks used as submission holds . In sparring or training , armlocks are generally done in a slow and controlled manner , so that the opponent can submit before any damage is inflicted . In self - defense application , or when applied improperly or with excessive force , armlocks can cause muscle , tendon and ligament damage , even dislocation , or bone fractures . Armbar . The Armbar , also sometimes The English word " bar " is used here to signify the opponent ' s extended arm , while the Japanese word " juji " refers to the armbar ' s visual resemblance to the number 10 as written in Kanji . The word juji is also found in " juujika " , meaning a cross . In general , the practitioner secures an arm at the wrist of the opponent , trapping it by squeezing the knees together . The attacker ' s legs end up across the opponent ' s chest , with the arm held between the thighs , with the elbow pointing against the thigh or hips . By holding the opponent ' s wrist to the attacker ' s chest with the pinky finger on the sternum and the thumb facing up ( arm semi supinated or semi pronated ) , the practitioner can easily extend the opponent ' s arm and hyperextend the opponent ' s elbow . The attacker can further increase the pressure on the elbow joint by arching their hips against the elbow . This technique is used in various grappling martial arts , including but not limited to ; Brazilian jiu - jitsu , Catch wrestling , Judo , Jujutsu , Sambo , Shoot wrestling , and is one of the most common ways to win a match in mixed martial arts competition . Flying armbar . The flying armbar is a version of the juji - gatame that is performed from a stand - up position . Without a gi , it is typically applied when the opponent has a collar tie . By tightly holding the opponent ' s neck and arm , the practitioner places one of their shins against the opponents midsection , and leans up on the opponent ; at the same time , the attacker swings the leg on the same side as the opponent ' s collar tie over the opponents head , into the typical juji - gatame position . ( With a gi , it can be performed without needing to hold the neck . ) If improperly performed , this technique will cause the opponent to escape the hold and gain an advantageous position , even the option of slamming the attacker to the ground . The flying armbar is considered to be one of the most visually spectacular joint locks , but it is uncommon because of the risk of losing position . Helicopter Armbar . The Helicopter armbar is a little different version of the armbar , which is also used by Wrestling and Jiu Jitsu . When the attacker stands in front of the opponent , he grabs both of his arms and falls backwards , causing the opponent to lean forward . Then the attacker puts his feet on the opponent ' s stomach or hips and lifts him up with his feet . The attacker will drop the opponent beside him , and perform the armbar . Sankaku - gatame . The sankaku - gatame or " triangular armlock " is a juji - gatame performed from the sankaku position . Originating from Judo it is normally used when the shime ( strangle ) is not working . It ' s an effective competition technique due to the fact that the opponent ' s arm became exposed while defending the sankaku - jime and their attention is focused in stopping the strangle .