The americana lock, also known as the bent armlock, keylock, top wristlock and figure four armlock in catch wrestling, or ude garami in judo, is a common grappling submission consisting of the attacker controlling his opponent’s arm (bent in an “L” shape), by using a clever double wrist control which leaves the adversary’s elbow and shoulder joints vulnerable to the submission. The position is commonly associated with the side mount (side control), being applied by the grappler on top, although it can be successfully utilized from many other positions. The difference between the americana and the kimura lock relies on which way the forearm is pointing, if the forearm is pointing downwards (towards the hip) the position is called a kimura, when the forearm is pointing up it is called an americana.
The History of the Americana Lock in Jiu Jitsu
BJJ Heroes tried to ascertain the origin of the americana submission, however, the senior masters interviewed for this piece could not provide any information regarding this matter, only that the position was already part of the jiu jitsu curriculum during the 1950s and 1960s. Much like the kimura lock, the americana seems to have originated from either judo or catch as catch can wrestling in the early 20th century, making it’s way to jiu jitsu in Brazil by way of japanese judoka’s and foreign catch wrestlers who traveled through the country in pro wrestling tours. The latter could prove to be at the origin of the name, since a few of these touring pro-wrestlers were american, and could have very well taught the locals the technique, which was common practice at the time. The point that this particular position was passed on by Americans to the jiu jitsu community is mere speculation at this moment, as there is no concrete evidence to accredit our statement.
- Gabrielle Garcia
- Rodrigo Nogueira “Minotauro”
- Fabricio Werdum
- Jeff Monson
- Lana Stefanac
Frederico de Almeida Americana position (by BJJ Club)
Jeff Monson vs Sergey Shemetov
Gabrielle Garcia vs Venla Luukkonen
Marcio stambowsky said he learned the move in his third class before Bob Anderson came to brazil.
He said it in a interview I never met him
Regardless to the kimura being practiced before bob Anderson, Bob was there in Brazil with rolles practicing sambo and jiu jitsu . Rolles named it after bob as the Americana in the Gracie jiu jitsu style. The story is not 100% false .
It was Named after Bob Anderson. The author didn’t do enough homework on this one. In Catch wrestling it’s often referred to as a V lock as it’s shape is more of a V than that of an L. Generally speaking with this kind of lock you want an acute angle of the arm, when it’s in the down position (kimura/chicken wing/etc) it’s preferred to have an obtuse angle.
Anyway. Give credit where it’s due and don’t discredit the greats.
Anderson is referenced in the article. What do you mean?