BJJ joint locks
There are 5 joint locks in Rolla's library. Four attack the arm and one attacks the ankle. All five are legal at white belt under IBJJF rules.
A joint lock bends a joint past the way it can move. It attacks the elbow, the shoulder or the ankle.
Elbow locks
Shoulder locks
KimuraA figure-four grip turns the arm behind their back. Works from almost every position.
AmericanaA figure-four grip with their bent arm pinned to the mat. From mount and side control.
OmoplataYour legs trap their arm behind them, and you lean forward. Also works as a sweep.
Leg locks
Straight Ankle LockTheir foot is trapped under your arm, and your wrist presses behind the ankle. Also called the footlock.
Leg Lock SafetyHow to attack and defend legs without hurting each other.
Which locks are legal at each belt
| Lock | Legal from | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Armbar, kimura, americana, omoplata | White belt | Gi and no-gi |
| Straight ankle lock | White belt | Below brown belt, do not turn toward the free foot |
| Wrist locks | Blue belt | Not taught here |
| Kneebars, toe holds, slicers | Brown belt | Not taught here |
| Heel hooks | Adult brown belt, no-gi only | Never legal in the gi or in masters no-gi. Not taught here. |
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Which joint does the americana attack?
Train it on the Path
The Escaping armbars and triangles unit turns this into short lessons: you see a position and pick the best move.
Escaping armbars and triangles is part of the Blue belt, included in Rolla Plus. Start free with Foundations and the white belt.