The Figure 4 foldover armbar is an extremely interesting and subtle female wrestling submission hold. The interesting thing about it is that it doesn’t look painful at all from the outside, yet once you find yourself in one of these Figure 4 foldover armbars, you realize it’s causing pain in areas and pulling muscles you never even knew existed.

The victim of the hold is sitting on the mat as the attacker approaches her from the front. The attacker takes one of the victim’s legs, crosses it over the other leg (which remains extended) and secures it by putting her foot right in front of it. She then pulls the victim’s head forward (by the hair if necessary) and pulls one of her arms over her head (usually the one on the same side as the crossed-over leg) and secures an armbar. The attacker also has the option to secure a double armbar, in which case we’re talking about the Figure 4 double foldover armbar.

Though it looks innocent enough, if properly executed, the move is almost certain to result in a submission.

Possible escape: if you’re ever put into a Figure 4 foldover armbar, you’ll realize that once sunk in, escaping this hold is not really an option. Prevention is the only way to escape it: don’t let your opponent slip it on you.

Rating: despite its innocent appearance, the Figure 4 foldover armbar is an extremely efficient female wrestling submission hold. Because it targets subtle muscle-groups, it is likely to take the victim completely by surprise, thus further increasing its efficiency.

Courtesy of sleeperkidsworld.com