How to do the Flying Arm Bar in BJJ

The flying armbar is an advanced Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu technique that requires speed, agility, and precision. It is a high-risk move and should only be attempted by experienced practitioners under controlled training conditions. Not only can you look foolish if this fails, but you can also injure yourself if it goes wrong. Thankfully, this move is not needed for everyone and should only be done by those with enough skill and knowledge of BJJ before trying it out. Here is a general overview of how to perform a flying armbar as well as defenses and other things worth looking at.

How to do a flying arm bar

1. Positioning: Start by standing in front of your opponent, who is preferably bent forward or in a lower position. This could be during a takedown attempt or a grappling exchange.
2. Grip: Secure a strong grip on your opponent’s collar with your dominant hand. This grip will help control their posture and set up the flying armbar.
3. Step and Pivot: Step forward with your non-dominant foot, using it to pivot your body around towards your opponent. As you pivot, your dominant leg should come up and swing over your opponent’s head.
4. Jumping and Rotation: Push off with your non-dominant leg to launch yourself into the air while simultaneously swinging your dominant leg over your opponent’s head. Your hips should rotate as you jump, positioning your body perpendicular to your opponent.
5. Arm Control: As you fly over your opponent’s head, aim to control their arm with your non-dominant hand. This can be achieved by gripping their wrist or tricep.
6. Leg Placement: Simultaneously, hook your dominant leg over the back of your opponent’s head, with the crook of your knee resting on the back of their neck. This locks their head in place and allows you to transition into the armbar.
7. Roll and Finish: As you complete the rotation, use your grip on your opponent’s arm to roll onto your back while maintaining control of their arm. Extend your legs, squeezing your thighs together to secure the armbar position. Apply pressure by pulling their arm towards your body, using your hips for additional leverage.

How to defend against a flying arm bar

Defending against a flying armbar can be challenging due to the speed and unpredictability of the attack. However, there are a few defensive techniques you can employ to minimize the risk of being caught in a flying armbar:

1. Awareness: Stay alert and maintain a good distance from your opponent to make it harder for them to initiate a flying armbar. Recognize the signs that they may be attempting such a move, such as sudden movement or a change in their body positioning.
2. Maintain a Strong Base: Keep your balance and posture intact by having a solid base. Lower your center of gravity, bend your knees slightly, and keep your feet grounded. This will make it more difficult for your opponent to destabilize you during their attempt.
3. Hand Fighting: Control your opponent’s grips and prevent them from establishing a secure grip on your collar or arm. Use your hands to break their grip or create distance. This can disrupt their setup for the flying armbar.
4. Keep your arm bent: If you notice your opponent attempting a flying armbar, immediately bend your arm to stop the entry. Arguably, this is the most important way to stop it in the first place.
5. Rotate Away: As your opponent jumps and rotates, try to rotate away from them. This movement can disrupt their momentum and make it more challenging for them to secure a proper grip on your arm.
6. Posture Control: If your opponent manages to secure a grip on your arm during the flying armbar attempt, focus on maintaining good posture. Keep your arm bent and close to your body to limit their ability to extend it fully. This can buy you some time to defend or escape.
7. Escape and Counter: If your opponent successfully locks in the flying armbar, you should immediately work on escaping the position. Depending on the specifics of the armbar, you may try to stack your opponent, roll through, or perform a countermove to escape and regain control.

Flying arm bars can be dangerous

flying armbars can be dangerous if not executed properly or practiced under controlled conditions. There is an inherent risk involved when performing any dynamic technique, especially one that involves airborne movements. Some of the potential risks associated with flying armbars include:

1. Landing on the Head or Neck: If the execution of the flying armbar is off-balance or mistimed, there is a risk of landing on your head or neck, which can result in serious injuries such as concussions, neck strains, or spinal injuries.
2. Failed Armbar Execution: If you fail to secure the armbar position while airborne, there is a possibility of landing in an awkward position, potentially causing damage to your own joints, such as your knees or ankles.
3. Insufficient Training or Experience: Attempting a flying armbar without sufficient training and experience increases the risk of injury. It is crucial to have a solid foundation in BJJ, proper body mechanics, and a thorough understanding of the technique before attempting advanced moves like the flying armbar.
4. Lack of Control: The fast-paced nature of a flying armbar makes it challenging to control the landing and the position of both yourself and your opponent. This lack of control increases the risk of injuries to both parties involved.

It’s important to note that the flying armbar is a complex move that requires proper timing, coordination, and a solid understanding of body mechanics. To learn this technique safely and effectively, it is recommended to seek guidance from a qualified BJJ instructor and make sure you drill it to perfection before using it in sparring.