The MMA Guard Position on the bottom is not really where you want to be. It’s advantageous to be on the top, of course. However, if you have to be on the bottom, it’s the best place to be, especially for submissions. The bottom position in the Guard offers a plethora of submission options. Here are a the most common submission holds from the Guard.
Arm Bar
Arm Bar Submission from Bottom Guard Position
The Arm Bar is an elbow lock. The goal is to hyper extend the elbow enough to get the tap. First, get control of an arm with one arm above his elbow. If the right arm, use your right arm and pull it tight against your body. Put your foot on the same side hip, put your other hand on the side of his face. Push his face and push off of his hip rotating your body to the side and wedging your leg into his armpit. Now throw your leg over his head to get into the Arm Bar position. Control his arm with both arms and pin it to your chest. Squeeze your knees together, lift your hips off the ground and arch to apply the submission.
Arm Bar with Leg Hook
Arm Bar with Leg Hook Submission from the Bottom Guard Position
This variation of the arm bar prevents you from being lifted off the ground and slammed it can also work as a sweep and can set up other sweep variations.
Kimura
Kimura Submission from the Bottom Guard Position
The Kimura is a shoulder lock. There are many different terms for the Kimura including American Lock, Chicken Wing, Figure 4 and Key Lock. First grip your oponent’s wrist without using your thumb. Unlock your guard. Reach up and over his arm and grip your own wrist without using your thumb while you simultaneously move your hips out. Once you have a good Figure 4 grip, move your hips the other direction and throw your leg on top of his back, preventing him from rolling out of the lock. Push his wrist toward his head to attack the shoulder joint and apply the submission.
