Alias · Armbar
Shoulder lock (informal)
Also known as Cross-Chest Armbar — the canonical term used on this site.
Training background: informal — the compression can be perceived as shoulder-area pressure though the elbow is the primary target
Informal — proprioceptive compression in the shoulder area
Shoulder lock, in informal use, sometimes refers to the cross-chest armbar — though the technique’s primary target is the elbow, the compressive pressure registers in the shoulder area for the person being submitted, and the colloquial label captures that proprioceptive experience.
Etymology. “Shoulder lock” is one of the most overloaded labels in colloquial grappling vocabulary — it can refer to the kimura, the americana, the omoplata, or, in this context, the cross-chest armbar. The label persists because the proprioceptive feel of compression in the upper arm registers near the shoulder regardless of which specific joint is the primary mechanical target. Precise vocabulary uses the specific technique name (cross-chest armbar, kimura, americana) rather than the generic “shoulder lock” — but the generic label remains common in gym speech and informal coaching.
Mechanics. The cross-chest armbar isolates the elbow and loads it against its natural range — the chest contact provides the fulcrum, and the resulting pressure is felt through the upper arm into the shoulder joint capsule.
Cross-reference. “Shoulder lock” without disambiguation can refer to the kimura, americana, omoplata, or cross-chest armbar depending on context. Full mechanical coverage on Cross-Chest Armbar.