Breaking Down the Americana: Tips and Tricks for Maximum Effectiveness

The Americana is a powerful submission technique that can be used to control and finish your opponent in jiu jitsu. It involves isolating your opponent’s arm and applying pressure to their shoulder joint while locking their wrist. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the Americana and provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to finish it successfully.

Understanding the Americana

The Americana is a shoulder lock submission that is typically used when you are in a dominant position such as side control, mount, or guard. It involves controlling your opponent’s arm and bending it at a 90-degree angle while locking their wrist. The Americana can be used to attack the shoulder joint or elbow, and it can be set up from various positions and transitions.

Setting up the Americana

To set up the Americana, you need to establish a dominant position over your opponent. Once you have established control, you should focus on isolating your opponent’s arm by placing your weight on it and trapping it with your own arm. You can then work to lock your opponent’s wrist and position your body to apply pressure to their shoulder joint.

Applying Pressure

To apply pressure to the Americana, you need to use your body weight and leverage to control your opponent’s arm and shoulder. Maintaining a tight grip on your opponent’s wrist will help you control their movements, while using your body weight to push their elbow towards their head will increase the pressure on their shoulder joint. You should be aware of your opponent’s pain tolerance and tap out when they submit.

Breaking Your Opponent’s Grip

Your opponent will likely try to defend against the Americana by holding onto their own wrist or hand. You can use various techniques to break your opponent’s grip such as prying their fingers apart, pulling their arm away from their body, or using your free hand to grip their wrist. If your opponent manages to regain their grip, you can adjust your position to maintain control and continue working towards the submission.

Finishing the Americana

To finish the Americana, you should apply steady pressure to your opponent’s shoulder joint while keeping a tight grip on their wrist. You can use your body weight to push their elbow towards their head, which will increase the pressure on their shoulder joint. You should be aware of your opponent’s body language and tap out when they submit.

Drilling the Americana

Practicing the Americana is key to improving your technique and timing. You can drill the Americana from various positions and transitions, and incorporate it into your sparring sessions. By practicing the Americana regularly, you will develop muscle memory and be able to execute the technique more effectively in live situations.