The extensive use of the guard position is one of the most unique aspects of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Despite the fact that the person playing the guard is on his back, he is still able to exert control over his opponent by using his legs. There are numerous submissions and sweeps that a skilled grappler is able to perform from the guard. The armbar submission is one such basic submission. The armbar allows the person on the bottom to isolate his opponent's arm and apply leverage that will eventually result in the dislocation of the elbow joint.

1. Andrew has Xander in the guard position. Andrew has his legs wrapped around Xander's torso and crossed at the ankles. This allows Andrew to control Xander's body with his legs and prevents Xander from merely moving backwards out of the guard. Xander is sitting straight up on his knees with a good base so that he will not lose his balance easily.

2. Andrew uses his legs to break Xander's balance and force him to fall forwards. Andrew then controls Xander's head with his hands. Control of the head is an important part of the armbar technique because it off balances Xander and prevents him from attempting to pass the guard during the next step of the technique.

3. Andrew pulls his right leg up high on Xander's back. At this point, Andrew's right thigh should be close to Xander's armpit. Andrew grabs his right ankle with his left hand in order to apply downward pressure on Xander's upper back. This pressure controls Xander and prevents him from standing. Andrew's body will naturally begin to rotate counterclockwise to the right during this part. This is intended and is an important part of the technique.

4. Andrew places his left foot deep into Xander's right hip. This allows Andrew to control Xander's body further. It also helps continue to rotate Andrew's body counterclockwise to the right.

5. Andrew uses his right hand to overhook Xander's right arm. Andrew grabs Xander's arm at the tricep and pulls it across his body underneath his chin. Andrew also uses his left hand to push Xander's head to the left. This sets up the next part of the technique. By pushing on Xander's head, Andrew will also finish the counterclockwise rotation of his body. At this point in the technique, Andrew's body is oriented perpendicular to Xander's body.

6. Andrew removes his left foot from Xander's right hip and swings it over Xander's head. Andrew's left leg is positioned tight against Xander's head to isolate his arm and control him. Andrew also controls Xander's arm by crossing his own arms over his chest tightly. By crossing his arms in this manner, Andrew will be able to apply enough leverage to Xander's elbow to force him to submit.

7. Andrew finishes the armbar and submits Xander. Andrew squeezes his knees together and pulls his heels in toward his butt to fully isolate Xander's elbow joint. Andrew has the option of crossing his right ankle over his left ankle to isolate the elbow further. After isolating the elbow by squeezing his legs together, Andrew grasps Xander's arm tightly to his chest and SLOWLY arches his back and raises his hips. This motion applies pressure to Xander's elbow joint in a slow and controlled manner, giving Xander the opportunity to quickly submit without unnecessary injury.