Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is an ever-evolving martial art, constantly driving practitioners to innovate with new techniques and strategies. Among these cutting-edge positions is the arm saddle, a somewhat advanced yet incredibly effective move that’s gaining traction in the modern grappling community. The arm saddle is a powerhouse position, giving BJJ enthusiasts a strong foundation for launching attacks and transitioning smoothly into dominant positions.
While it’s not as widely talked about as classics like the back mount or side control, the arm saddle stands out for its ability to offer firm control over an opponent’s upper body. Mastering this position can be a game-changer. It allows the practitioner to isolate the opponent’s arm, making it tough for them to wriggle free and opening the door to a range of submission possibilities. Let’s take a closer look at what the arm saddle is all about.
#### What Is The Arm Saddle?
In the realm of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and submission grappling, the arm saddle is a control position that focuses on seizing and dominating an opponent’s arm. It is akin in concept to the saddle for leg control, but here the focus shifts to the arm, providing ample opportunity for leverage and submissions. To achieve this position, a grappler traps the opponent’s arm between their legs, mimicking the control used in the leg entanglement saddle. This setup restricts the opponent’s movements while making their arm susceptible to various submission maneuvers. The arm saddle proves particularly beneficial in No-Gi scenarios, where maintaining positional control and creating submission threats are crucial without relying on Gi grips.
#### Benefits Of Using The Arm Saddle
The arm saddle is a fantastic tool to have in a grappler’s arsenal, offering numerous benefits. Primarily, it’s about control. By anchoring the opponent’s arm with both the legs and body, you effectively put them in a precarious situation from which escape or counterattacks are tough. This position also unlocks a treasure trove of submission attacks, offering routes to wielding techniques like the armbar, kimura, or triangle choke. Since the opponent’s arm is well-contained, executing these submissions requires less energy compared to other positions.
Additionally, the arm saddle is a launchpad for advancing into more dominant positions. Whether you want to take the back, secure the mount, or set up other submission sequences, the arm saddle delivers multiple pathways for asserting control and pressure. Grapplers focused intently on submissions will find this position particularly rewarding, as it streamlines the path to finishing a bout effectively.
#### Entries To The Arm Saddle
Reaching the arm saddle can be done through a variety of routes, largely dictated by how an opponent counters and your own strategic preferences. A common entry point involves engaging the arm from the knee shield half guard or Z guard. By isolating an opponent’s arm and stepping over to entrap it between your legs, you can lock down the arm saddle and establish a firm grip.
From the mount, an entry opportunity arises when an opponent tries to frame or push away. By trapping their extended arm and sliding into the arm saddle, you can capitalize on this defensive posture. This technique shines when the opponent turns onto their side to flee the mount, exposing their arm to your advantage.
For those operating from the bottom, transitions into the arm saddle are feasible from the guard, especially when initiating an omoplata or triangle choke. If the opponent attempts a posture reset, switching to the arm saddle retains your control while setting up further attacks. This adaptability makes it a valuable approach for guard players who enjoy a submission-heavy strategy.
#### Attacks And Transitions
Perhaps the most appealing feature of the arm saddle is its rich array of submission attacks. The armbar is a standout option when the opponent’s arm is caught between your legs, transforming into a highly successful attack. Another formidable submission is the kimura, where you capture the opponent’s wrist and exert pressure on their shoulder, often sealing the deal even against the staunchest competitors. Moreover, the arm saddle serves as a viable launching pad for the triangle choke, as it sustains control while you configure your leg positioning for the choke.
Beyond submissions, the arm saddle acts as a bridge to other dominant positions. From here, an agile grappler can slip into the back mount if the opponent rolls to escape—or perhaps transition into the mount or side control, contingent on the opponent’s responses. This makes the arm saddle a robust conduit for fluid positional shifts while maintaining an offensive edge.
#### An Excellent Addition To Anyone’s Game
The beauty of the arm saddle is that it’s versatile enough to benefit both novices and seasoned grapplers. For newcomers, it offers foundational lessons in control and submission techniques. Advanced practitioners, meanwhile, gain a distinctive and sometimes overlooked strategy, one that might catch opponents off guard. By honing the arm saddle, grapplers can diversify their submission repertoire and enhance their performance on the mat.
#### Drilling And Practice
To seamlessly integrate the arm saddle into live sparring, focused drilling is paramount. Practicing controlled entries from the guard and mastering the steps to capture the arm and slip into the arm saddle are crucial for building proficiency without exertion. Another effective drill revolves around transitioning between submissions while in the arm saddle, ensuring grapplers gain fluency when cycling through armbar, kimura, and triangle choke attempts. Engaging in live positional sparring, starting from the arm saddle and maneuvering to maintain control amid escape attempts, nurtures the real-time adaptability required for recognizing optimal moments to attack or transition.
#### Conclusion
The arm saddle is a commanding control position brimming with offensive potential, a must-know for grapplers keen on refining their submission prowess. Its ingenious ability to isolate an opponent’s arm, engineer high-success submissions, and segue into dominant positions makes it indispensable for any grappler’s toolkit. Give the arm saddle a try and let us hear your experiences!
Looking to expand your grappling repertoire further? Check out “5 Ways To Get The Back Control From The Standing Position” for some strategic inspiration.
