Alias · Folkstyle Controls
Arm Trap
Also known as Power Nelson — the canonical term used on this site.
Training background: Descriptive — both arms trapped under the armpits
Descriptive — both arms trapped in the power-nelson
Arm Trap is the descriptive name for the power-nelson — the folkstyle wrestling control configuration in which the attacker traps both of the bottom player’s arms underneath their own body to immobilise them.
Etymology. “Arm trap” specifies the trapping mechanic: both arms of the bottom player are pinned under the configuration. “Power-nelson” is the canonical folkstyle name. The descriptive form predominates in coaching contexts that emphasise the structural-mechanic over the technique-name label.
Mechanics. The configuration isolates both arms simultaneously — without arm framing, the bottom player cannot generate the force needed to escape or contest the position.
Cross-reference. “Bilateral arm control” is the alternate functional name. Full mechanical coverage on Power Nelson.