Since Eddie mentioned Americanas recently in MTS....

After seeing Eddie's new killer Americana setup, I have been scouring around the internet for tweeks to make my Americana finish work and these details have been working for me on some blue belts with minimal reps. I have always liked the Catch Wrestling Double Wrist Lock (Catch Kimura), but I haven't found played around with the Top Wrist Lock (Catch Americana) until a few weeks ago. Erik Paulson told me this guy was good via Facebook message and I was wondering if anyone here has played around with these tweaks. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2P5wR7Ee8qk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CpmnwEFzRvg

Yea, that's Mark Hatmaker. He has some cool videos and books from Paladin Press. I assume he's still located in Tennessee.

I don't know much about Mark Hatmaker. His bio info isn't in google searches which is actually why I messaged Erik about him on Facebook because Erik is one of the foremost Catch authorities in my mind.

I don't like bragging, but I have a killer americana. To the point that I hit them from bottom side mount. Coach Zog taught me well. He teaches the same principles for the most part. My favorite is the "revving" of the wrists, though. Minimal motion but super quick taps because it's so tight. He also teaches the adjustments you need to make if you find yourself twisting too much. Never heard it explained like the "wrist to the armpit." I gotta try that.

I'm kind of excited to see Catch make a bit of a resurgence though. It has so many great principles that BJJ doesn't use. So adding it to your arsenal can make you quite the threat.

The thumb to armpit plus the choking the bend of the arm under 90 degrees is what makes the move more high percent than the traditional Americana for me. Revving the wrist makes it hurt more and makes it tougher to bridge. Gripping the hand with your lead arm and barring the supporting arm in a fist is another cool option Billy Robinson used to show that I used to play around with as a white belt and it worked on guys my level then but I haven't messed with it much since. I bought a Fujiwara DVD 4 years ago and it has made me a better finisher from then on. I too am amped that Catch is coming back.

Another nasty ass trick if you're feeling evil...twist the hand like an aikido wrist lock before you apply the Americana. Like grab the meaty part of their thumb/palm and twist their palm toward them until their palm is facing the mat. You damn near get the tap from just gripping your wrist. Not as easy to get, but extra nasty.