How to Perform the Americana Shoulder Lock in Jiu Jitsu

Brazilian jui jitsu is a form of martial arts which combines the tatics of judo and jujutsu and is gaining popularity in the United States. With a focus on opponent domination, jui jitsu teaches a series of choke holds, joint locks and ground fighting techniques which have made jiu jitsu a popular, competetive combat sport. The Americana shoulder lock is just one example of many techniques used in jiu jitsu.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Use the jiu jitsu Americana shoulder lock when you already have your opponent on the floor in side control. Your opponent should be laying flat on his back. You should be laying on top of him, perpendicular to his body with your chest resting on his. With his arm crossing over his lower torso, you should be bracing your arms together around his arm and shoulder to hold him in place.

2. Hold her upper arm firmly in place and reach down with your lower hand to grip her wrist, which should be crossed over her body. If your opponent makes a mistake and releases her arm from her body, it will make the Americana shoulder lock even easier to perform. Firmly gripping her wrist, pull her arm out away from her body and up so that she must bend at the elbow. Her arm should now be bent in a 90 degree angle.

3. Switch your hold, gripping his wrist now with your upper hand. Slide your lower hand under his tricep and hold tightly on your opposite wrist, locking the shoulder in place. Pull the arm in as tight as possible, rolling your fingertips down and begin pressing the arm down towards his feet.

4. Practice the Americana shoulder lock slowly and gently until you perfect the move. Take caution, particularly with sparring partners, as you can seriously damage your partner's shoulder.

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