Americana BJJ: White Belt Biomechanics

1. From side-control, establish a "grapevine" with your legs, hooking your feet under the opponent's hips. Your chest should be tight on their upper chest.
2. Secure a "figure-four" grip on the opponent's attacking arm: your right hand (if attacking their right arm) cups their right wrist, and your left forearm slides under their elbow.
3. Your left hand then grips your own right bicep, creating a strong, stable frame.
4. Drive your left shoulder into the opponent's upper back, preventing them from bridging or turning into you.
5. Slightly angle your hips away from the opponent, creating a fulcrum point.
6. Slowly lift your right elbow, keeping your left forearm anchored under their elbow. This action creates internal rotation at the shoulder.
7. Continue lifting your right elbow while keeping your chest tight and hips angled, applying pressure to the shoulder joint.

• Applying the lock by "pulling up" with only your arms, rather than driving your shoulder and angling your hips: This can cause the opponent's shoulder capsule to dislocate or the rotator cuff to tear due to uncontrolled external rotation.
• Gripping too loosely on the opponent's wrist or forearm: This allows them to "post" their arm or "swim" it out, leading to a failed submission and potential loss of position.
• Trying to finish the Americana too quickly without establishing control: This can result in the opponent escaping or countering, and puts unnecessary strain on your own joints, potentially leading to elbow hyperextension.

1. Solo drill: Practice the figure-four grip and bicep grip with an imaginary opponent, focusing on the shoulder drive and hip angle. (10 reps)
2. Partner drill (no resistance): With a compliant partner, practice the entire sequence from side-control, focusing on smooth transitions and correct body positioning. (5 reps per side)
3. Partner drill (light resistance - 25%): Partner offers minimal resistance, allowing you to feel the mechanics of isolating the arm and applying the lock. (5 reps per side)
4. Partner drill (50% resistance): Partner begins to actively resist by trying to post their arm or shrimp away. Focus on maintaining control and adjusting your body. (5 reps per side)
5. Partner drill (75% resistance): Partner actively tries to defend the arm. Focus on maintaining your frames and finishing the lock when the opportunity arises. (5 reps per side)
6. Live rolling (90% intensity): Apply the Americana in sparring situations, but tap early if caught in a bad position or if the submission is established. (Focus on attempts, not successful finishes)

• WHEN TO ATTEMPT:
• When you have established a secure side-control position and the opponent is trying to push your head away or bridge.
• When the opponent attempts to "stack" you from mount, offering their arm as a target.
• When you have secured a strong cross-face in side-control and their arm is trapped between your body and theirs.
• PRIMARY COUNTERS:
• Escape by bridging and rolling: If the opponent attempts the Americana from side-control, bridge your hips strongly towards their head and attempt to roll them to the other side, freeing your arm.
• "Swim" the arm out: As the figure-four grip is being established, actively try to "swim" your elbow forward and under your own shoulder, creating space to pull your arm free.
• Tuck the chin and turn: If the opponent has the arm isolated, tuck your chin to your chest and turn your body towards the trapped arm, creating a tight ball and relieving pressure on the shoulder.

Watch step-by-step breakdowns from black belt instructors: