How often do you guys nail the 'textbook' armbar from guard? I've found no matter how much I drill the proper technique, Its still a very low % sub for me... I only nail it on rare occasion and always by setting it up faking a different sub so they don't see it coming and only if I'm in a way high guard. It seems to be a staple of bjj, but it also seems to be a very risky attack for its percentage, and they fact they will pass when it fails. The hips are the key to the armbar, but thing's don't usually go as 'smoothly' in rolling as they do in theory, usually my hips are being controlled in some way (elbow, shin etc). I have nailed a few in living rolling from textbook guard, but usually get them out of a triangle transition, or if the person stands up, but (stupidly) has bad posture, I can snap it on real quick. This is my ramble regarding the armbar, join in the discussion, is the move just "too well known"..."too easy to see coming"...?

Also, I'd like to say I've been training a lot more often recently and have seen a noticeable improvement in my technique and live skills. I got the notice my membership is up, so I have been training with you guys for almost a year now, and aside from the occasional moment, It's been an absolute pleasure training with Team Serra, and I plan on renewing my membership before it runs up!

You have to keep in mind that the way the armbar is taught, doesn't necessarily mean that's the tempo it should be performed in order for it to be successful on a resisting opponent...

Taking the armlock from closed guard for example: you're taught the step-by-step process to controlling the arm, foot in the hip ,keeping your hips raised,getting the correct angle,keeping posture controlled etc etc... You're taught in steps to ensure you're able to see and understand all of the underlying details of the given technique. With that being said, in reality when you're rolling live, you may not be as successful in pulling off the technique on a resisting opponent if you execute the technique in those steps (step one, step two, etc)... When you truly understand the technique and are able to comprehend each step and why it's performed and why they are taught - you can then perform that said technique in one motion, one step!

I hope this makes sense... If not, stop by Huntington and flag me down.. I'll happily show and demo what I mean in person.