Armbar from Closed Guard is often times the first submission you’ll ever learn. As you drill it from one side to another, you’ll also get to understand the importance of using your hips properly; therefore, it’s a technique that teaches you about many things from the get-go.
However, as you make progress through the belt ranks, you might ask yourself: “Ok, I can set it up from Closed Guard. But could I set up an Armbar from top Closed Guard as well?”
Surprisingly enough, it is possible to set up an Armbar while you’re in someone’s Closed Guard. Nick “Chewy” Albin demonstrates how below.
ARMBAR FROM TOP CLOSED GUARD
As you’re in your training partner’s Closed Guard, you’ll post one of your legs in order to bait them to hook underneath it. Be careful not to step forward too much, as you want your partner to get a shallow hook and grip on your leg. If it’s too deep, the technique won’t work and you’ll be in danger of getting thrown off balance.
When they grip your leg, Chewy explains that you need to pull that leg back and trap their arm by essentially sitting on it. Be careful not to pull the leg straight back, however, as this might trap their arm too deep. Then, with their arm trapped, simply reach underneath it and pull up to get the tap.
This technique isn’t a move you’ll hit two times against the same training partner. But it sure is a lot of fun!
Chewy demonstrates it on the video below:
