Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a constantly evolving martial art that rewards those who explore new positions and attacking strategies. The arm saddle is one of the more advanced yet highly effective positions that have gained recognition in modern grappling. This control position provides a strong base for attacking submissions and transitioning into dominant positions, making it a valuable tool for any BJJ practitioner.
The arm saddle is not as commonly discussed as the traditional back mount or side control, but it is a highly effective position for controlling an opponent’s upper body. When used correctly, it allows a grappler to isolate the arm, making it difficult for the opponent to escape while creating multiple submission opportunities. This article will explore the arm saddle position.
What Is The Arm Saddle?
The arm saddle is a control position in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and submission grappling, allowing a practitioner to isolate and dominate an opponent’s arm. It is similar in concept to the saddle (leg entanglement variant), which is often used to control and attack the legs. Instead, it focuses on controlling the arm in a way that provides leverage and submission opportunities.
This position is often achieved when trapping the opponent’s arm between the legs, similar to how one would control a leg in the saddle position. The goal is to create control that limits the opponent’s movement while keeping their arm vulnerable to various submission threats. It is particularly effective in No-Gi grappling, where positional control and submission threats need to be maintained without the grips typically used in Gi-based BJJ.
Benefits Of Using The Arm Saddle
The arm saddle offers several benefits that make it a great addition to a grappler’s arsenal. One of the biggest advantages is control. The position allows for tight control over the opponent’s arm, making it difficult for them to escape or counterattack. By controlling the arm with both the legs and body positioning, the opponent is placed in a highly compromised position.
Another major advantage is the variety of submission attacks available from the arm saddle. This position offers a direct route to powerful submissions such as the armbar, kimura, and triangle choke. The fact that the opponent’s arm is isolated means that submission entries are often easier and require less effort than they would from more conventional positions.
Additionally, the arm saddle can serve as a great transition point to other dominant positions. Whether you’re looking to advance to the back, mount, or another submission setup, the arm saddle provides multiple pathways for control and attack. It is particularly useful for submission-focused grapplers who want to improve their ability to finish fights efficiently.
Entries To The Arm Saddle
Getting to the arm saddle can be achieved through various pathways, depending on your opponent’s reactions and your preferred game. One of the most common entries comes from attacking the arm while in the knee shield half guard or Z guard. By isolating the opponent’s arm and stepping over to trap it between your legs, you can secure the arm saddle and establish control.
Another effective entry comes from the mount position. When an opponent attempts to frame and push you away, you can trap the extended arm and slide into the arm saddle. This is especially useful when the opponent tries to turn onto their side to escape the mount, as it naturally exposes their arm for control.
From the bottom position, the arm saddle can be set up from the guard, particularly when attacking with an omoplata or a triangle choke. If the opponent defends by posturing up, switching to the arm saddle allows you to maintain control while setting up additional attacks. This transition makes it a great alternative for guard players who prefer submission-heavy strategies.
Attacks And Transitions
One of the biggest advantages of the arm saddle is the variety of submission options it provides. The most obvious submission from the position is the armbar. Because the opponent’s arm is trapped between your legs, securing the armbar becomes a high-percentage attack.
The kimura is another powerful option from the arm saddle. By securing the opponent’s wrist and applying torque to the shoulder, the kimura can be a devastating submission that forces even the toughest opponents to tap. Also, the arm saddle provides a strong setup for transitioning into the triangle choke, as it allows you to maintain control while setting up the leg positioning for the choke.
Beyond submissions, the arm saddle serves as an excellent transition point to other dominant positions. From this position, a grappler can easily move to the back mount if the opponent tries to roll to escape. Similarly, transitioning into mount or side control is also an option, depending on how the opponent reacts. This makes the arm saddle a great way to flow into different positions while maintaining offensive pressure.
An Excellent Addition To Anyone’s Game
The arm saddle is not just a position for advanced grapplers, it is something that anyone can blend into their game with proper drilling and understanding. It offers control, a variety of submissions, and the ability to transition into stronger positions, making it a versatile tool for grapplers of all levels.
For beginners, the arm saddle provides an introduction to positional dominance and submission setups, as it is a sound position. For advanced practitioners, it adds a unique and often underutilized tool to their game, allowing them to catch opponents off guard. By learning the mechanics of the arm saddle and understanding how to apply it effectively, grapplers can expand their submission arsenal and increase their overall effectiveness on the mats.
Drilling And Practice
To effectively use the arm saddle in live sparring, dedicated drilling is essential. Practicing controlled entries will help develop the ability to secure the position without excessive force. One effective drill involves starting from the guard and working through the step-by-step process of trapping the arm and moving into the arm saddle.
Another useful drill focuses on transitioning between submissions from the arm saddle. By cycling through armbar, kimura, and triangle choke attempts, grapplers can develop fluidity in their attacks. This allows for seamless transitions between submission attempts, increasing the likelihood of securing a tap.
Live positional sparring is also highly beneficial. Starting from the arm saddle and working to maintain control while your training partner attempts to escape helps develop real-time adjustments. This type of training allows practitioners to build confidence in the position and recognize when to attack or transition based on their opponent’s movements.
Conclusion
The arm saddle is a strong control position that provides a range of offensive options for grapplers looking to improve their submission game. Its ability to isolate an opponent’s arm, set up high-percentage submissions, and transition into dominant positions makes it a valuable addition to any grappler’s toolbox. Try the arm saddle today and let us know your thoughts!
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