Defensive Tactics Instructor Tips: Teaching the Standing Armbar
By Amir Khillah, use-of-force & subject-control SME
Most officers learn a basic standing armbar early, and every defensive tactics instructor has watched it fail on a resisting partner. This lesson, which I filmed for Police1, gives instructors a follow-up when the armbar fails, a low-force way to get the subject prone, and the three errors to coach out of your officers.
Teach this first: every technique will fail
We have to make sure officers understand that every technique can fail. Instructors should pair each technique with a synergistic one that picks up the slack. When the subject bends and pulls back against the armbar, don't fight it: ride it into a figure-four outside wrist lock, and finish the takedown with footwork, a lower stance and a circular step, not upper-body strength. (Officer-focused breakdown: Police ground control techniques: when the armbar fails.)
Getting a non-compliant subject prone with minimal force
On the ground, give loud verbal commands to roll over. If he doesn't comply, you need him on his stomach with the least force possible, for his safety, your safety and public trust. Insert the shin of your leg closest to his head behind the triceps tendon, keep the thumb inverted, and use a circular step plus a rowing motion to turn him. Get onto the shoulder fast so he can't roll out.
Hold position without neck or spine pressure
Weight on the scapula, knees oriented toward his hips (at 90 degrees you risk landing on the spine or neck), legs pinched together to create a fulcrum, reinforced by a wrist lock. That's two joint locks plus body weight, leaving one hand free for the radio or handcuffs.
Three errors to coach out
Knee over-penetration. Officers drive the knee up by the shoulder. Keep the shin about an inch above the elbow on the back of the arm.
Pulling straight back. Emphasize the circular motion that lets the shoulder rotate.
Delay after the takedown. Hesitation lets the subject roll. Land and lock in the position immediately.
Instructor drill plan
Compliant armbar to outside wrist lock, footwork only. 5 reps each side.
Partner bends and pushes back at about 30 percent; ride it.
Prone turn: shin placement checkpoint, then circular row.
Partner tests each of the three errors; instructor calls corrections.
For the case for frequent, hands-on DT reps, see my Police1 piece After the police academy: 3 ways new cops can stay ahead of the game. Centurion trains agencies; see the link below.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the standing armbar fail?
Timing, execution and the subject. As you push down for the takedown, a resisting person naturally bends the arm and pushes back into you. Every technique will fail sometimes, so officers need a follow-up.
What are the most common errors instructors see in this technique?
Three: over-penetrating with the knee up by the shoulder instead of keeping the shin just above the elbow; pulling straight back instead of in a circle; and delaying after the takedown so the subject rolls.
How do you keep weight off the neck and spine?
Put your weight on the shoulder blade, orient your knees toward his hips rather than at 90 degrees, pinch your legs together, and reinforce with a wrist lock.
How do you teach this to officers?
Teach that every technique fails and needs a synergistic backup, have the footwork, not upper-body strength, finish the takedown, and drill the three common errors specifically.
Related reading: Centurion training for agencies · The Officer's Top-10 Field Guide · Training a spouse or family member? Guardian Ludus civilian self-defense
About the author. Amir Khillah is a use-of-force and subject-control subject matter expert and a peace officer based in the Kalamazoo, Michigan area. He founded Centurion Modern Subject Control, previously taught subject control at a regional police academy, and has written for Police1. He holds a 2nd-degree BJJ black belt and a 6th-degree Combat Hapkido black belt, is a U.S. Army Combatives Level II Instructor and a certified firearms instructor, and a retired professional MMA fighter (TUF 12, Bellator), and holds an M.S. in Human Performance from Western Michigan University.
Want this taught to your officers or DT instructors? Email booking@centurionmsc.com.
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