What to Build On: Practice the Armlocks

Lets keep this simple, stick with the Americana, Kimura, and Armbar armlocks. Thing is, you know how to do them on their own but you don't know how to piece them together to form that bridge. If Jiu Jitsu is a physical language, then all you know are words. Know your grammar and know how to form them into sentences. Know how to see beyond one technique.

You're on cross side, knees tight, body low, your arm lodged against his throat. You see his arm in front of your face and you try to go for a kimura. You must capitalize the moment he shifts his body to defend your kimura technique, and when he does, he'll most likely bring his other arm in front of him to hold onto his arm. If he does, go for that arm and attempt an armbar. If he rolls out, either stay with him in an armbar or attempt an omoplata if possible.

If you're on your back and in control, keep going for techniques. The moment you feel your control is in jeopardy, scramble to your knees/feet or scramble to take him down. Always have a plan.