This move is the coup de gras of the “Werdum Series” as I’ve been calling it. Here, two of the younger Gracies show step-by-step how to apply the armlock from back control. It is an excellent option when your opponent rolls away from your RNC attack.
As the video shows, if your opponent rolls down into the choke, so that the choking elbow is down on the mat, then you are in good shape to finish off the submission. If he rolls in the other direction, there is still a decent chance at finishing him, but there is a nice alternative in the armlock.
We’ll assume that you’ve got the harness on, and are reaching under with the other arm to control the wrist.
1. He rolls away from the choke. The elbow on your choking arm is up in the air.
2. Put your choke-side foot on the hip. This is the foot on the leg that is up.
3. Take the bottom leg and cross it up across his lower chest—almost touching the guy’s opposite elbow. It is as if you were trying to put a figure-four body lock on him.
4. Let go of the wrist control and, instead, underhook that arm at the bicep/elbow with your lower arm. Bring that arm toward your chest.
5. With your upper arm, let go of the choke and bring your arm around between you and his face. Push his face away from you to create space.
6. Lift your upper leg up, over and in front of his face
7. Drop back into the armlock.
