Armbar escape against a single-arm hook

Also called single-arm-hook armbar escape

Before you start

• Your hands are linked, the trapped arm is still bent, and the attacker holds it with one hooked arm rather than a secured figure-four grip.

Key ideas

• Keep the trapped elbow bent while the free hand changes from your defensive hand connection to their hooking wrist.
• Move their wrist clear and draw the trapped elbow back while shifting your hips away.
• Bring the elbow to the mat before coming up to face their guard.

Common pitfalls

• Releasing the hand connection after the arm has already been straightened or their figure-four grip is secured.
• Treating arm clearance as a completed guard pass.
• Forcing a late escape under joint pressure; tap and reset if you cannot keep the arm protected.