What is Americana in BJJ?
Also known as: Keylock, Ude-garami, Figure-four armlock, Paintbrush
Quick Definition
A shoulder lock similar to the kimura but with the arm bent the opposite direction.
Full Explanation
The americana (keylock or ude-garami) is a shoulder lock where you paint the opponent's arm flat to the mat, grip your own wrist in a figure-four, and rotate their shoulder by lifting their elbow while keeping their wrist pinned. Unlike the kimura which rotates the arm behind the back, the americana rotates it upward. It's commonly applied from mount or side control and is often one of the first submissions taught.
Examples in Context
"Basic but effective - I got the americana from mount"
"Americana is great when they're defending the armbar"
Related Terms
Submission
A technique that forces your opponent to tap out due to a choke or joint lock.
Kimura
A shoulder lock using a figure-four grip on the opponent's arm.
Mount
A dominant top position sitting on your opponent's torso, worth 4 points in competition.
Side Control
A dominant top position perpendicular to your opponent, controlling their upper body.
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