Glossary /// Alias
Leg-driven armbar
Also known as Crucifix Armbar — the canonical term used on this site.
Training background: Names the mechanism — the extension comes from the legs while the hands stay on the other arm
Descriptive — the legs extend the arm while the hands stay free
Leg-driven armbar names the crucifix armbar by what applies the force, which is the property that separates it from every other member of the family.
Etymology. Almost every armbar is finished by the hips travelling or extending against an arm the hands are holding. Here the legs hold the arm and the legs finish it, leaving the attacker’s hands free throughout to control the defender’s other limb. Naming the driver rather than the position makes the difference audible.
Mechanics. The consequence people underestimate is the safety one. Legs apply considerably more force than hands for the same felt effort and they stop more slowly, and the defender in a crucifix has both arms controlled, so there is no hand available to tap with. Every attack from this position needs a verbal tap agreed in advance, and this one needs it most.
Cross-reference. “Armbar from the crucifix” names the position instead. Full mechanical coverage on Crucifix Armbar.