Ambar, cross/lock feet or don't?

[Bjjexpertise@be]

When i waspracticing my armbar with my cousin over the weekend, i noticed that i could squeeze my knees tighter and more closely than without crossing them. Should i keep crossing my knees are is there a weaknessin doing this that i'm missing?

[shasan]

hold up, I will consult the gods. (Renzo and Royler)

[Bjjexpertise@be]

uh sure....

[shasan]

don't say nothing about the position of feet...

so I guess it's ok... it does say that it's CRUCIAL that the knees be pointing together.

personally, I'd find it easier to do that if my feet weren't crossed.

[Bjjexpertise@be]

what do you mean pointing together?

[shasan]

sorry, wrong terminology... squeeze knees together... since the guys other shoulder would be in the way, usually ends up that the knees 'point' inward...

[Bjjexpertise@be]

I actually find it easier to squeese my knees together when i have my feet crossed. Why don't you give it a trythen tell me what you think? Come on people i need more info help me out here.

[shasan]

What's the diff if you're able to lay on the armbar and he can't get out?

[Bjjexpertise@be]

Locking my feet together makes me feel the Lock is tighter and that i can create more pain that way. Maybe i'm wrong but that's just how i feel.

[shasan]

no, I'm saying you're right... who cares as long as it works for you? I haven't heard or read anything about the the benefits of keeping your feet unlocked...

[SweepEm]

when attempting a classic arm bar, you almost never want to cross your ankles.

there is one arm bar attempt that you can cross your ankes but it's hard to describe and easier to show

If you are doing an arm bar on your opponent's right arm, you want your left leg curled around your opponent's head, in tight and your right lef bent to bring his body in tight and you want to squeeze your knees together

[JaredExtreme]

Sweep 'em is correct. Crossing your legs during an armbar actually detracts from from the overall energy you can use. You want your legs curled as tightly as possible around your opponent, and if you cross your legs that is not possible.

[gaittec]

I agree with SweepEm. Mostly, you will
want to squeeze the knees and open the ankles.

Both have some uses.

Machado method:
When crossing the ankles, spread your knees wide to block the hip and the shoulder. This adds elements of control.

The positive is that you will be stronger against stacking and he has a harder time getting his head through your legs to escape. The Negative is that you will not have good hip movement if you need to sweep him or switch to an omaplata, etc.

Gracie Method:
When not crossing the ankles, squeeze your knees together as stated by SweepEm.

Bonus Tip:
If he raises up or trys to stack and jerks his elbow back past your crotch, the methods you use to get the arm trapped again are completely different if your ankles are locked or not.

First keep hold of his wrist. Then:

Ankles locked: Get the arm back by
hipping his hand and arm straight up (pressing down on his back with your legs). Then keep his hand up with your arms while you drop your hips and slide them back under the elbow. Then reapply the armbar.
(neat trick)

Ankles not locked: Get the arm back by pumping your legs rapidly against his hip and head like riding a bike while you hold onto his wrist. When his hips and head are getting alternately rocked back and forth, it is easy to pull the arm back in and move your hips back under his elbow. (this one is fun too-shakes them up).

Have fun!

[MrPoopy]

Don't cross your feet.

[Benjamin Dover]

Anyone who has rolled extensively will tell you that there is a time and place for both. But 99% of the time uncrossing your knees is preferable for 2 reasons.

1. You can keep a tighter grip by pressing your knees together

2. Instead of just laying your legs on the person you can press your feet into the ground preventing you from getting stacked.

This is a good drill that you can try. Move into the armbar position and hold your opponent there only with the use of your legs. If you can keep the person from escaping for 2 min then you are using your legs correctly. If not then.....YOU SUCK!

shasan.....what's that on your keyboard??? WHACK! Caught you not paying attention again.