Supine Standing Armlock

a) Concepts

The standing armlock is the go-to position after any takedown (to the prone or supine positions).

It is easy to access as you are always on your feet while retaining his arm.

PRO TIP: Arm retention serves as a measure of a duty of care regarding his descent during takedowns or throws, and allows for the easy application of this control technique.

If the arrestee is already on the ground when approached, then this standing armlock should be immediately adopted by seizing his near-side wrist in a bent wristlock and by straightening his arm into a straight arm bar (with his elbow captured between your knees).

If the arrestee is in the supine position, then this standing armlock position should short and very transitory in nature, given his ability to counterattack you with his free arm and both legs.

PRO TIP: Going to the ground with him makes little tactical sense as you would be in a very vulnerable position, and it is difficult to transition into handcuffing.

In the sports arena you could win a match through “pinning” his back to the mat, but in the street, you are in a very unsafe position against multiple assailants, not to mention the arrestee’s ability to access (with his free arm) any weapons that either of you are carrying.

Instead, remain on your feet and roll the arrestee over onto his stomach using a bent wristlock or a simple handshake-twistlock technique.