Side control is one of the most dominant positions in mixed martial arts and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, offering multiple submission opportunities. These two armbar variations provide practical, high-percentage finishes that many grapplers overlook. Understanding and drilling these techniques can significantly expand your submission arsenal from top position.
Near Side Kimura Control Armbar
This armbar variation builds off the near side kimura grip and creates a surprising finish that catches opponents off guard. The technique relies on using the kimura as a control position rather than solely as a submission attempt.
Step 1: Establish Near Side Kimura Control
Begin from side control by securing a kimura grip on the arm closest to you. The key to this control position is lifting your opponent’s elbow while driving their hand down toward their hips. This creates significant control over their upper body movement and prevents most escape attempts.
Step 2: Swing Your Top Leg Over Their Head
While maintaining the kimura grip, swing your top leg over your opponent’s head in one smooth motion. This movement is less difficult than it appears and does not require extreme flexibility. The goal is fluid motion rather than explosive speed.
Step 3: Land in Hurdler Stretch Position
Land on the outside of your hip in a hurdler stretch position while keeping the kimura grip active. Your top leg should control their head without excessive pressure. Continue lifting the elbow and rotating the trapped arm to limit their defensive options.
Step 4: Complete the Armbar
Bring your bottom leg over their body to establish full armbar position. While you could finish with only one leg controlling the head, bringing the second leg across their torso provides significantly better control and increases finish rate.
Far Side Underhook Marcelo Armbar
This technique comes from legendary grappler Marcelo Garcia and represents an underutilized but extremely effective armbar from side control. The setup uses an underhook on the far side rather than the near side, creating different angles and opportunities.
Step 1: Secure Far Side Underhook
From side control, establish an underhook on the far arm. This underhook is the foundation of the entire technique and must be secured before proceeding.
Step 2: Roll Opponent to Their Side
Pull your opponent onto their side using the underhook. Drop your bottom elbow in front of their belly to prevent them from rolling back to their back. Post your top leg out in line with their spine for base. If they are particularly slippery, use both hands to control the underhooked arm.
Step 3: Insert Top Leg Between Arm and Ribs
Swing your top leg into the space between their arm and ribs. Move your head up while bringing your leg down. The critical detail is inserting your heel under their arm before you hit the ground.
Step 4: Fall to Your Side and Finish
Fall onto your side while facing their legs. Connect your bottom heel to your top knee to secure the position. Extend your hips to apply finishing pressure. Staying on your side rather than rolling to your back provides better control throughout the finish.
Training Considerations
Both techniques require specific drilling to develop the muscle memory needed for live application. Focus on the following points during training:
- Practice the kimura grip as a control position rather than only as a submission
- Drill the leg swing motion slowly before attempting at full speed
- Work underhook control from side control as a standalone skill
- Train transitional movements between positions to maintain control
- Develop hip flexibility to improve execution of both techniques
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Several technical errors reduce the effectiveness of these armbars:
- Releasing the kimura grip too early during the near side armbar
- Failing to control the head adequately with the top leg
- Not securing the underhook deeply enough on the far side variation
- Rushing the leg insertion and losing position
- Rolling to your back instead of staying on your side during the Marcelo armbar finish
Integration with Existing Side Control Game
These armbars work best when integrated into a complete side control submission system. They complement standard attacks like the far side americana, near side kimura finish, and head and arm chokes. Drilling transitions between these submissions creates a more dangerous overall game.
Setup Combinations
Consider these entry combinations:
- Kimura grip to near side armbar when opponent defends the shoulder lock
- Far side underhook to armbar when opponent blocks kimura attempts
- North-south transition to either armbar variation
- Mount to side control armbar when opponent turns away
Expert Fighter Final Verdict
Both armbar variations provide legitimate finishing options from side control that many grapplers do not adequately defend. The near side kimura control armbar offers a surprising attack that works particularly well against experienced opponents who focus on defending standard submissions. The far side underhook Marcelo armbar creates finishing opportunities from a common side control position without requiring exceptional athleticism or flexibility. Drilling both techniques will expand your submission game and increase your finish rate from top position. Focus on controlling transitions and maintaining grip integrity throughout the movements rather than rushing to the finish. These are position-based submissions that reward precise execution over explosive speed.