The Complete Guide to the Americana (Figure Four) Submission from Side Control

The Americana, also known as the figure four arm lock or ude-garami, is a popular submission hold in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, catch wrestling, and mixed martial arts. It is a joint lock that attacks the shoulder joint, and it can be executed from various positions, including side control. In this guide, we will break down the Americana submission from side control, step-by-step, and provide some tips on how to finish the submission effectively.

Setting up the Americana from Side Control

To execute the Americana from side control, you first need to establish a good side control position. Your opponent should be flat on their back, and you should have your chest and hips pressed against their torso. From here, you can begin to isolate their near-side arm by controlling their wrist and pulling it towards you.

Locking in the Figure Four

Once you have isolated your opponent’s arm, you need to lock in the figure four position. To do this, you will need to step over their arm with your opposite leg and place your foot on the mat. Then, you can bring your other leg over their head and hook it behind their shoulder, creating a figure four shape with your legs.

Applying Pressure

With the figure four locked in, you can start applying pressure to your opponent’s shoulder joint. To do this, you will need to raise your hips off the mat and drive your weight forward. This will cause their arm to bend at the elbow joint, putting pressure on the shoulder joint.

Finishing the Submission

To finish the Americana submission, you will need to continue applying pressure until your opponent taps out or verbally submits. It is essential to keep your weight forward and maintain control of their wrist throughout the submission to prevent them from escaping.

Variations and Tips

There are several variations and tips that can help you execute the Americana submission from side control more effectively. For example, you can use your free hand to push your opponent’s head away, making it harder for them to bridge and escape. Additionally, you can use your body weight to control their hips, making it more difficult for them to move.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One common mistake when attempting the Americana from side control is not having a good base. If you have a weak base, your opponent may be able to bridge and escape. It is also crucial to keep your weight forward and maintain control of their wrist to prevent them from escaping.


In conclusion, the Americana submission from side control is a highly effective joint lock that can be used to finish a fight quickly. By following these steps and tips, you can execute the Americana with precision and become a more dominant grappler.