Video: How to Do an Americana from Side Control | MMA Submissions by Howcast. Not affiliated with MatRecap; their version may differ from this drill.
Technique recap
The americana (keylock) pins the wrist to the mat and slides the elbow down to rotate the shoulder. It's a fundamental top submission.
3 key details
- Pin the wrist with your hand, elbow on the mat by their head.
- Thread your other arm under their elbow and grab your own wrist.
- Paint the floor: slide their hand toward their hip, then lift the elbow.
Your 10-minute home drill
- 2:00Side-control posture holds
- 2:00Wrist pin and grip
- 2:00Paintbrush motion slowly
- 3:00Full americana reps on dummy
- 1:00Wrist and shoulder stretch
Safety
Slow, smooth pressure only; partners tap early.
Instructor disclaimer
Follow your instructor's version. Schools and styles teach this technique differently. This page is general education, not a substitute for qualified instruction.
