Enter The Americana
Breaking Down the Americana: Classic Control, Modern Application
The Americana is one of the first submissions many of us learn in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu—and for good reason. It's simple, effective, and teaches critical concepts about control, isolation, and pressure. But while the Americana might seem basic at first glance, its setups and applications can be surprisingly deep, especially as your game develops.
Let’s break down what the Americana is, how to enter it from various positions, and why this classic shoulder lock deserves a place in every grappler’s arsenal—from white belt to black.
💪 What is the Americana?
Also known as the keylock or figure-four armlock, the Americana is a shoulder lock that targets the rotator cuff and deltoid. It’s usually applied from dominant top positions, like mount or side control, where you have the leverage to isolate your opponent’s arm and twist it away from their body.
Mechanically, you're trapping their wrist to the mat with one hand, weaving your other arm underneath theirs, grabbing your own wrist to create a figure-four grip, and using torque to hyper-rotate their shoulder.
🎯 Entries and Setups
While the Americana is often taught from side control, it’s available from multiple positions if you know what to look for.
1. Side Control (Classic Entry)
This is the most common setup. Once you’ve secured side control:
Use your chest to pin their near-side shoulder.
Use your far-side arm to pin their wrist to the mat.
Slide your other arm under their tricep and grab your own wrist for the figure-four.
Lift the elbow and drag the wrist downward.
Key Detail: Don’t lift the arm high off the mat—keep it tight to their body and move it downward like you’re painting the mat.
2. Mount
If your opponent tries to bench press you off or frames with arms outstretched:
Swim your arms inside theirs (elbow-to-elbow).
Pin the wrist to the mat and secure the figure-four grip.
Base out to avoid being rolled, and finish with shoulder pressure.
Bonus: If your opponent turns their arm inward to defend, the armbar or gift wrap become immediate follow-ups.
3. North-South or Modified Kesa Gatame
These transitional positions often expose the far arm, and a quick pummel or trap-and-rotate motion can turn into an Americana setup if your opponent overextends.
🔁 Flowing from the Americana
The Americana isn't just a submission—it's a hub that opens up other attacks. Here’s how:
➤ Straight Armbar
If your opponent straightens their arm to escape the bend of the Americana, it’s a seamless transition to a straight armbar or reverse armlock.
➤ Kimura Trap
Should your opponent turn their arm inward and try to pull away, you can follow the momentum into a Kimura grip, either maintaining side control or stepping over into north-south or the back.
➤ Gift Wrap and Back Take
From mount or side control, trapping the arm across the face often opens up the gift wrap, which leads to back control and further submissions like the rear naked choke or armbar from the back.
🧠 Why the Americana Still Works at Every Level
Yes, it’s a white belt move. But it works. The Americana remains relevant because:
It teaches the concept of isolating a limb while controlling the body.
It punishes opponents who leave their arms out of position.
It transitions naturally into more complex attacks.
At the higher levels, it becomes a bait to draw out stronger reactions for advanced setups.
It’s not just about brute force—it’s about precision. When done correctly, the Americana puts incredible pressure on the shoulder and demands a fast tap, even from seasoned opponents.
🥋 Final Thoughts
Whether you’re just starting your BJJ journey or tightening up your top game at purple or brown belt, revisiting the Americana is worth your time. It’s a submission that rewards pressure, control, and awareness—and it’s a perfect reminder that sometimes, the classics never go out of style.
Train smart, isolate well, and paint that mat.
