The armbar is one of the most iconic (and dramatic) Brazilian jiu jitsu techniques, and side control is one of the most common positions in BJJ. Because these two techniques are both so popular, you might be asking ‘how do I finish an armbar from side control?’
UFC legend and world-class BJJ grappler Demian Maia shows his technique for the far side arm bar from side control in this quick video.
Start: Side control top with opponent’s far side arm between your head and his legs
Step 1: Grip his elbow with your low-side hand and pull towards you while rolling his elbow to the sky
Step 2: Stand up on your top side foot and drive your weight towards his far side hip with your shoulder, straightening his arm out and weakening it
Step 3: Step your top-side foot around and under his arm pit with your knee up towards the sky
Step 4: Pivot and sit back, then extend your hips to complete the arm bar
End: Submission via armbar