A comprehensive catch-wrestling armlock toolkit built around the top wrist lock.
The Bottom Line
Barnett walks you through armlock mechanics that work from the pins you already use. The set covers straight, bent, and scissor armlocks plus wrist-control chains. You will not get berimbolo or lapel tricks, but you will finish more from dominant topside positions.
⚡️ Quick facts
Best for: Top players, pin-first finishers
Skip if: You avoid pressure-based pins
Tech focus: Top Wrist Lock, Fujiwara Armbar, Straight Arm Lock, Short Arm Scissor, Arm Isolation
Biggest takeaway: Control wrists, isolate, then break.
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What You'll Learn
Six volumes of catch-style armlocks built around the top wrist lock, fujiwara armbar, and straight armlock mechanics. Barnett shows entries from common pins and rides, plus guard and front-headlock tie-ins.
It is a broad toolkit that helps you finish without chasing endless micro-grips.
Primary Techniques You'll Drill
- Top Wrist Lock
- Fujiwara Armbar
- Straight Arm Lock
- Short Arm Scissor
- Arm Isolation
- Front Headlock To Armlock
Format & Level
- Instructional style: Technique Collection, System Based
- Skill level: All Levels
- Format: No-Gi
- Runtime: 3 hours and 32 minutes
- Volumes: 6
Should You Buy It?
Buy it now. I saw how controlling the top hand first makes every armlock attempt safer and higher percentage.
Why Josh Barnett?
Barnett has decades at the elite level in MMA and grappling, including a Metamoris title and an IBJJF No-Gi world title. A student of Billy Robinson and Erik Paulson, he emphasizes rides, pressure, and chain submissions. His armlock approach leans on isolating the elbow and wrist before applying leverage.
Community feedback
Here’s a summary of common feedback from platforms like Reddit’s r/bjj.
😍 Why People Love It
- Textbook double wrist lock mechanics appreciated by catch-curious grapplers.
- Good pairing with pin-heavy top games that prefer control before submission.
- Plenty of options from mount, side control, and north-south.
🤔 Common Criticisms
- Catch terms like key lock can confuse newer BJJ students.
- Some view catch-style pressure as too pain-compliance oriented.
- If you avoid pins, many entries will feel less natural.
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Smart Alternatives
- Championship Catch Wrestling: The Head and Arm Ride – Best foundation if you want armlocks from heavy pins. (Price: $127.00, 4 vols)
- Championship Level Catch Wrestling – Double wrist lock focus at a budget price. (Price: $79.00, 3 vols)
- Championship Catch Wrestling: Neck Locks – Adds face and neck attacks that pair with armlock chains. (Price: $127.00, 4 vols, 2022)
Sources & References
Video Breakdowns
Official listing: View Championship Catch Wrestling: Arm Locks on BJJ Fanatics
Additional References
Your next step
You have the breakdown, community feedback, and my final thoughts. Now it’s your move.
