A Special Set Up

Ude Garami is one of the most common arm locks utilized in mixed martial arts (MMA), as well as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and Judo. The arm lock is performed with a corkscrew motion against an arm bent at a 90-degree angle. There are multiple methods of applying ude garami - some from the top, and some from the bottom.

For this installation, let's discuss a common situation in MMA, submission grappling, BJJ, and also in Judo. You have attempted a triangle choke, sankaku jime. However, the opponent is well versed, and knows better than to have his posture broken: once the posture is broken, the choke can be set in.

While the opponent is held in the triangular position, there is an opportunity to switch to ude garami. Observe Sarah in just this situation -

Picture 1:

To begin this setup, Sarah will circle her left hand in an inside-out motion.
Please note that Sarah will maintain a closed guard from the triangular position throughout the entire movement.

Picture 2:

Sarah continues the circular motion.

Picture 3:

Sarah grips the wrist in a standard ude garami style grip. 

Picture 4:

Sarah completes the ude garami grip. Note how she maintained the triangular guard throughout the entire process. 

Picture 5:

 
Sarah applies pressure by rotating her body, while keeping the opponent's elbow glued to her sternum. Her "objective" is to attempt to place the opponent's thumb into the opponent's ear. The opponent will tap long before the thumb is ever placed into the ear!

Picture 6:

 Here is the final submission from a different camera angle.

Picture 7:

Alternatives
As an interesting side note, this particular setup combines well with juji gatame, sankaku jime (of course!), and sankaku garami. Also, if the opponent resists by straightening the arm, Sarah could switch the arm over her head into an arm drag position, or even apply ude gatame.


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