Amari Hold: The Ultimate Guide to Achieving a Winning Position

Are you curious about the Amari Hold, a submission technique that has been gaining popularity in the world of martial arts? This comprehensive guide will delve into the intricacies of the Amari Hold, equipping you with the knowledge and techniques to master this powerful hold.

History and Origin of the Amari Hold

The Amari Hold is a submission hold that originated from Japan, attributed to the renowned judoka, Hitoshi Amari. This hold is designed to control and subdue an opponent, applying pressure to their joints and muscles to force a submission.

Understanding the Mechanics of the Amari Hold

The Amari Hold is a side control hold where the attacker has one of their legs over the opponent's head and the other leg wrapped around their body. The attacker's arms are typically positioned to control the opponent's head and neck, while their hips and knees exert pressure on the opponent's shoulder and spine, causing discomfort and pain.

Applying the Amari Hold Step-by-Step

1. Gain Side Control: Start by establishing side control over your opponent, with your torso parallel to theirs and your legs controlling their body.
2. Secure the Overhook: Hook your top leg over your opponent's head, with your foot resting on the mat behind their neck.
3. Control the Head and Neck: Use your arms to secure your opponent's head and neck, preventing them from escaping or bridging.
4. Wrap the Underhook: Pass your bottom leg under your opponent's back and wrap it around their body, trapping their arm and securing their position.
5. Apply Pressure: Lean your hips forward and drive your knees into your opponent's shoulder and spine, increasing the pressure and causing them to tap out.

Benefits of the Amari Hold

• High Success Rate: The Amari Hold is highly effective in forcing submissions due to its ability to simultaneously control the opponent's head, neck, and body.
• Minimal Effort: Despite its power, the Amari Hold requires relatively little effort to maintain, making it accessible to practitioners of all strength levels.
• Versatility: The Amari Hold can be applied from various positions, including side control, mount, and back mount, making it a versatile tool in any grappler's arsenal.

Techniques for Enhancing the Amari Hold

• Tighten the Overhook: Keep your overhook leg tight to prevent your opponent from bridging or escaping.
• Control the Head and Neck: Use your arms to apply constant pressure on your opponent's head and neck, limiting their ability to move and respond.
• Rotate Your Hips: Rotate your hips towards your opponent's head to increase the pressure on their shoulder.
• Leverage Your Body Weight: Utilize your body weight to drive your knees into your opponent's spine, amplifying the pain and discomfort.

Advanced Applications of the Amari Hold

• Amari Hold with a Kimura: Combine the Amari Hold with the Kimura armlock to create a devastating submission.
• Amari Hold from the Back: Transition from back mount to the Amari Hold for a surprise attack.
• Amari Hold from Side Mount: Lock in the Amari Hold from side mount to create an awkward position for your opponent.
• Amari Hold as a Transition: Use the Amari Hold as a transitional hold to sweep or submit your opponent using other techniques.

Tips and Tricks for the Amari Hold

• Practice the Amari Hold regularly to develop muscle memory and improve technique.
• Drill the different entries and variations to enhance your ability to transition smoothly.
• Study the nuances of the Amari Hold, including the pressure points and angles of attack.
• Seek guidance from experienced practitioners or coaches to refine your skills and gain insights.

Pros and Cons of the Amari Hold

Pros:

• Highly effective submission technique
• Controls multiple body parts simultaneously
• Requires minimal effort to maintain
• Versatility in different positions

Cons:

• Can be difficult to escape if applied correctly
• Requires precise technique and coordination
• May cause discomfort or pain to the opponent

Frequently Asked Questions

• How painful is the Amari Hold? The intensity of the pain varies depending on the tightness of the hold and the flexibility of the opponent. However, it is generally considered to be a very uncomfortable and painful hold.
• Is the Amari Hold safe to practice? Proper technique and controlled application are crucial for the safe execution of the Amari Hold. It is recommended to train with experienced practitioners who prioritize safety and well-being.
• Can I use the Amari Hold in self-defense? While the Amari Hold can be effective in self-defense situations, it requires proper training and skill to apply successfully. It is always advisable to seek professional instruction before trying to use this hold in a real-life scenario.

Conclusion

The Amari Hold is a formidable submission technique that has captivated the combat sports world. Its versatility, effectiveness, and ease of use make it a valuable addition to any grappler's arsenal. By following the insights and techniques outlined in this article, you can elevate your grappling skills and master the art of the Amari Hold.

Appendix

Table 1: Comparison of Amari Hold Variations

Table 2: Countries with Highest Number of Amari Hold Submissions in Competitions

Table 3: Age Distribution of Amari Hold Practitioners

Table 4: Industries where the Amari Hold Concept is Applied