Americana: The Fundamental Shoulder Lock from Top Positions

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Americana: The Fundamental Shoulder Lock from Top Positions

By BJJ Sportswear Editorial Team
Reviewed by competitive black belts specializing in top control submissions | Last Updated: January 11, 2026

The Americana (also known as the keylock, ude garami, or paintbrush) is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu’s most fundamental shoulder lock submission from top positions. Using a figure-four grip to hyperextend your opponent’s shoulder while controlling from mount or side control, the Americana is often the first shoulder lock white belts learn and remains effective at all levels when executed with proper technique.​

According to NAGA Fighter’s Americana guide, the americana is one of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu’s most recognizable shoulder locks. This submission is known as a simple, versatile submission that targets your opponent’s shoulder joint. Although it is often referred to as a “big man move” due to its emphasis on strength and leverage, proper technique makes it a valuable tool for practitioners of all sizes.​

Evolve MMA emphasizes that the Americana is typically done by grabbing the wrist of the opponent with a figure-four grip while their hand faces up the ceiling and twisting it laterally. The twisting motion creates uncomfortable pressure to the shoulder and elbow joint. The key to a powerful Americana is proper weight distribution and leverage.​

After coaching hundreds of students and using Americana in gi and no-gi grappling, I’ve found it’s the thinking person’s shoulder lock—simple enough for beginners but requiring precise positioning to work on experienced opponents. The Americana completes the shoulder lock trilogy alongside kimura and omoplata.

Whether you’re a white belt learning your first submission from mount or a brown belt refining championship strategies, mastering Americana mechanics gives you the fundamental top control submission that works from the two most dominant positions in BJJ.

What Is the Americana?

The Americana is a shoulder lock submission where you trap your opponent’s arm in a bent position using a figure-four grip while applying rotational pressure to hyperextend their shoulder joint.​

Core Americana Components:

  • Opponent’s arm bent at 90-degree angle
  • Figure-four grip (hand grips their wrist, other hand grips your wrist)
  • Their hand faces ceiling (thumbs up)
  • Wrist driven down toward mat
  • Elbow lifted upward
  • Creates rotational shoulder pressure
  • Applied from mount or side control

FloGrappling explains: The Americana is a submission tactic used in Brazilian jiu-jitsu whereby the practitioner takes control of his/her opponent’s arm and putting it in an “L” shape, making the elbow and shoulder joints vulnerable.​

Understanding what is guard in BJJ helps you see why Americana is so valuable—it’s the natural submission from top positions after passing guard.

The Americana History

Origins and Development

NAGA Fighter describes: It is believed that the americana was developed by catch wrestlers and judokas before it was introduced to BJJ, where it became a staple submission in the early 1960s.​

Historical Timeline:

  • Origins: Catch wrestling and Judo roots
  • Judo Name: “Ude garami” (arm entanglement)
  • Wrestling Name: “Keylock”
  • BJJ Integration: Early 1960s
  • Spread: Professional wrestling tours to Brazil
  • Modern Era: Fundamental white belt technique

Evolve MMA notes: It was theoretically spread in Brazil by judokas and professional wrestlers during their pro wrestling tours. Even though the time when the Americana was first popularized in competitions is unspecified, it is known to be around in Jiu-Jitsu in the early 1960s.​

The “Big Man Move” Reputation

Evolve MMA explains: Normally known as a big man move in Jiu-Jitsu together with the kimura, the Americana is one of the basic submissions in Jiu-Jitsu and is effective when performed with proper weight distribution and leverage.​

Why This Reputation Exists:

  • Requires strength if technique poor
  • Proper leverage makes it effective for all sizes
  • Weight distribution crucial
  • Bigger grapplers can muscle it
  • Smaller grapplers need precision

The reality: proper technique beats size every time.

Americana from Side Control

The most common application:​

Standard Side Control Americana

Evolve MMA teaches: The Americana from side control is the most common way to execute this submission.​

Setup:

  • Secure strong side control pin
  • Chest pressure on opponent
  • Knees block opponent’s hips
  • Maintain heavy hips

Execution Steps:

1. Create the Frame

  • Natural opponent reaction: create frame
  • They push against your chest
  • This creates opportunity
  • Frame exposes arm

2. Pin the Wrist

  • Pin framing hand to ground
  • Isolate their arm
  • Wrist firmly to mat
  • Control established

3. Figure-Four Grip

  • Apply figure-four grip
  • One hand grabs their wrist
  • Other hand grabs your own wrist
  • Tight and stable grip

4. Accordion-Motorcycle-Down Sequence

  • Keep wrist to ground
  • Slowly drive wrist down
  • Lift elbow upward
  • Maximizes shoulder pressure

5. Use Head for Control

  • Pin their arm with your head
  • Adds extra pressure
  • Prevents escape
  • Good finishing detail

NAGA Fighter emphasizes: Secure a strong pin by keeping your chest pressure on your opponent.​

The “Paintbrush” Motion

Evolve MMA describes: Americana is also known as the paintbrush. The reason for it is that it mimics the motion of painting a brush.​

Visualization:

  • Hand is the bristles
  • Bristles connect to mat
  • Lift elbow to create brushing motion
  • Wrist paints the mat
  • Creates rotational pressure

This mental image helps students understand the finishing mechanics.

Americana from Mount

The beginner’s fundamental:​

Standard Mount Americana

Evolve MMA teaches: To do the Americana from the mount, choose an arm that you want to attack.​

Setup:

  • Establish mount position
  • Keep weight centered
  • Adjust posture for balance
  • Prevents bucking/escaping

Execution:

1. Choose Target Arm

  • Select arm to attack
  • Usually one with poor positioning

2. Pin Elbow and Wrist

  • Pin both to ground
  • Elbow close to their face
  • Wrist controlled
  • Isolation complete

3. Figure-Four Grip

  • Grab wrist with one hand
  • Other hand grabs your wrist
  • Keep elbows close to face
  • Tight grip formation

4. Apply Pressure

  • Lift elbow upward
  • Drive wrist downward
  • Leverage neutralizes flexibility
  • Unable to tolerate shoulder pressure

NAGA Fighter notes: Pin their wrist to the mat on one side of their body. Use your other hand to trap their elbow and slide into the figure-four. Keep your grip tight and stable before moving to finish the submission.​

High Mount Variation

Henry Akins teaches advanced details: Use monkey grip and elbow control.​

Key Details:

  • Don’t straighten arms (loses control)
  • Use elbow to pin wrist
  • Lock elbow in position
  • Monkey grip (thumbs together)
  • Opponent can’t straighten arm
  • Attack becomes available

Americana vs. Kimura

NAGA Fighter explains: The americana and the kimura are both shoulder lock submissions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, but their mechanics and applications are different.​

The Critical Differences

Americana Mechanics:

  • Grip torques arm upward
  • Elbow bent at 90-degree angle
  • Hand faces ceiling (thumbs up)
  • Pressure on shoulder joint
  • Wrist drives down, elbow lifts up

Kimura Mechanics:

  • Grip forces arm behind back
  • Elbow points outward
  • Torque in opposite direction
  • More versatile positioning

NAGA Fighter notes: Seasoned BJJ practitioners often prefer the americana because of how simple and useful it is for controlling your opponent, especially from dominant positions like side control or mount. The kimura requires a bit more finesse, but tends to be more versatile as you can apply it from a wider range of positions.​

When to Choose Each

Choose Americana When:

  • Opponent’s arm is bent
  • Positioned closer to their side
  • In mount or side control
  • Arm facing upward

Choose Kimura When:

  • Opponent tucks elbows close
  • Need to force arm outward
  • From guard or half-guard
  • More leverage needed

Study complete kimura guide for comparison.

Americana Transitions and Chains

To Armbar

Evolve MMA teaches: An Americana done from the mount may, at times, cause the opponent to react by turning his body and pulling his arms to the opposite side. This opens the window for the armbar.​

Transition Mechanics:

  • Attempt Americana from mount
  • Opponent turns body
  • Pulls arms to opposite side
  • Pivot for armbar
  • Initially maintain Americana grip
  • Switch grips as you shoot

NAGA Fighter notes: The americana can serve as a gateway to an armbar, especially when your opponent defends by straightening their arm.​

To Straight Armlock

Evolve MMA describes: In instances, it may be difficult to finish the Americana when the opponent is powerful enough to straighten his arm.​

When Opponent Straightens Arm:

  • They defend by extending
  • Straight armlock becomes available
  • Tighten Americana grip first
  • Ensure hand pointing upward (thumbs-up)
  • Lean head toward arm
  • Adds more weight
  • Adequate pressure on elbow
  • Mindful of getting reversed

To Choke Techniques

NAGA Fighter teaches: The americana opens up opportunities to transition into choke submissions, such as the Ezekiel choke or the bread-cutter choke.​

Choke Transitions:

  • Opponent focuses defending arm
  • Release Americana
  • Capitalize on distraction
  • Lock in choke
  • Maintain shoulder pressure
  • Easier to adjust grips

To Other Shoulder Locks

NAGA Fighter emphasizes: If your opponent defends one lock, transitioning into another keeps them constantly on the back foot.​

Chain Attacks:

  • Start with Americana
  • Switch to kimura when they rotate outward
  • Or transition to omoplata
  • Creates difficult-to-counter combinations
  • Drill combinations regularly

Advanced Americana Variations

From Guard Positions

NAGA Fighter describes: From guard, you can bait your opponent into exposing their arm during posture breaks.​

Guard Application:

  • Bait arm exposure during posture breaks
  • Isolate arm with legs
  • Apply Americana mechanics
  • Requires positional creativity

From Half-Guard

Bottom Half-Guard Americana:​

  • Use underhook to isolate arm
  • Set up Americana while retaining control
  • Use legs to stabilize opponent
  • Leverage needed to isolate arm

Evolve MMA notes: The Americana can also be finished when you are in the bottom side control.​

Study half guard fundamentals for positional understanding.

With Legs

Evolve MMA emphasizes: The Americana can also be done with the use of the legs, which work wonders.​

Leg Application:

  • From bottom positions
  • Trap arm with legs
  • Apply same rotational mechanics
  • Advanced variation

Common Americana Mistakes

Overlooking Wrist and Elbow Control

NAGA Fighter warns: Failing to pin the opponent’s wrist to the mat or not securing the elbow tightly can allow your opponent to escape or counter your submission.​

The Problem:

  • Wrist not pinned firmly
  • Elbow not secured tightly
  • Opponent escapes
  • Counter becomes available

The Solution:

  • Wrist firmly pressed to mat
  • Grip locked before finishing
  • Weight distributed effectively
  • Prevents unnecessary movement

Applying Lock Too Quickly

NAGA Fighter emphasizes: Rushing to finish the americana can lead to sloppy technique and increase the risk of injury for your opponent. This is especially common among newer practitioners who are eager to secure the tap.​

The Fix:

  • Set grip first
  • Apply pressure gradually
  • Controlled, steady movements
  • Safer for training partner
  • Harder to defend against
  • Patience is key

Weak or Improper Grip

NAGA Fighter warns: A weak or improperly positioned grip can ruin your americana attempt, giving your opponent the opportunity to escape or reverse the position.​

Grip Requirements:

  • Form solid figure-four every time
  • One hand controls opponent’s wrist
  • Other grips your own wrist
  • Hands in correct positions
  • Generate necessary torque
  • Effective shoulder joint pressure

Poor Positioning

Evolve MMA teaches: It is important to always secure the position before going in for the submission.​

Position Before Submission:

  • Secure mount or side control first
  • Avoid losing positional control
  • Prevent getting reversed
  • Prevent getting swept
  • Stable position enables finish

Training Americana by Belt Level

For White Belts: Building Foundations

Start with mount Americana:

Priorities:

  • Master mount Americana first
  • Learn proper figure-four grip
  • Understand paintbrush motion
  • Practice wrist pin mechanics
  • Develop weight distribution

Resources about first BJJ class expectations help beginners understand submission progression.

For Blue/Purple Belts: Expanding Arsenal

Learn from all positions:

Development:

  • Side control Americana mastery
  • Practice transitions to armbar
  • Develop choke combinations
  • Study Henry Akins details
  • Perfect timing and positioning

Exploring blue belt development goals helps structure Americana integration.

For Brown/Black Belts: System Building

Perfect championship-level applications:

Advanced Focus:

  • Chain with shoulder locks
  • Develop invisible setups
  • Master leg variations
  • Create signature sequences
  • Teach progressions effectively

John Danaher wisdom: “This ability to solve problems under stress is one of the most valuable things I think any human being can have”.​

Competition Strategy

IBJJF Gi and No-Gi

Effective at all levels:

Strategic Advantages:

  • Finishes from dominant positions
  • Legal at all belt levels
  • Works gi and no-gi equally
  • High percentage from mount
  • Creates transitions to other attacks

Integration with Top Control Systems

Americana completes top submission arsenal:

The Combinations:

  • Mount: Primary position
  • Side Control: Most common application
  • Armbar: Natural transition
  • Kimura: Shoulder lock partner

Flow between all creates unstoppable top game.

The Americana Legacy

From catch wrestling and judo roots to becoming a fundamental BJJ white belt technique, the Americana represents the most accessible shoulder lock from top positions. What makes it special isn’t complexity—it’s the simple principle of using proper weight distribution and leverage to rotate the shoulder joint beyond its normal range.

The Americana proves a fundamental BJJ truth: master the basics, execute with precision, and you can finish anyone from dominant positions. The “big man move” reputation is misleading—proper technique works for all body types when you understand weight distribution and the paintbrush motion.

Whether you’re finishing from mount, transitioning to armbars, or chaining with kimura attacks, the Americana provides the fundamental shoulder lock that every grappler needs in their top control arsenal.

How We Reviewed This Article

Editorial Standards: Technical information verified through Henry Akins instructional content, catch wrestling historical documentation, and contemporary Americana specialists. Mechanical analysis reviewed by competitive black belts using Americana in tournament settings. Historical information verified through documentation of catch wrestling and Judo origins. Strategic applications based on IBJJF competition analysis (1960s-2025).

Sources Referenced:

  • NAGA Fighter Americana comprehensive guide
  • Evolve MMA Americana mechanics
  • Henry Akins advanced details
  • FloGrappling submission analysis
  • Catch wrestling and Judo historical development
  • Competition footage and applications

Last Updated: January 11, 2026

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