Key Takeaways:
- Systematic approach to arm ride control from top positions, focusing on isolating a single arm to dominate opponents
- Two comprehensive volumes covering entries, control mechanics, and submission chains from the arm ride position
- The Complete Arm Ride by Nick Polloro DVD is excellent for grapplers struggling with opponent mobility and seeking more controlling top game strategies
- Strong emphasis on position-first mentality, using arm control to create back takes and submission opportunities
- May require solid understanding of basic top game fundamentals to implement effectively
- Rating: 7.5/10
THE COMPLETE ARM RIDE BY NICK POLLORO DVD DOWNLOAD
The Complete Arm Ride by Nick Polloro presents a methodical breakdown of one of grappling’s most effective control concepts. The arm ride system transforms top position control from reactive scrambling into proactive domination by systematically isolating and controlling a single arm.
Polloro’s approach emphasizes using this control to shut down opponent movement while creating pathways to back takes and high-percentage submissions. What distinguishes this system from general top game instruction is its focus on turning small positional advantages into complete control scenarios.
What Are Arm Rides?
Arm ride control represents a fundamental wrestling concept that translates perfectly to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu contexts. The principle revolves around isolating one of the opponent’s arms while maintaining top position, effectively reducing their defensive options by half. This control method proves particularly valuable against mobile opponents who typically escape through hip movement and hand fighting.
Modern BJJ has increasingly embraced wrestling-derived control systems as competitors seek reliable methods for maintaining dominant positions. The arm ride fits naturally into this evolution, providing a bridge between initial top position achievement and submission finishing. Understanding proper arm isolation mechanics separates grapplers who struggle to maintain control from those who systematically break down opponents.
The Instructor: Nick Polloro
Based on the instructional content and systematic approach demonstrated, Nick Polloro appears to be an experienced grappler with strong wrestling foundations who has adapted these concepts specifically for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu applications.
His teaching style reflects deep understanding of position-based grappling systems and the ability to break down complex control concepts into learnable components. The structured approach to arm ride instruction suggests significant experience both implementing these techniques in live situations and teaching them to students at various skill levels.
The Complete Arm Ride by Nick Polloro DVD Review
The two-volume structure allows focused development of control mechanics before progressing to submission integration. While the system requires foundational top game knowledge and consistent drilling to master, practitioners who invest the time will develop significantly more effective control capabilities. The arm ride concept fills a valuable gap between basic position achievement and submission finishing, making it a worthwhile addition to serious grapplers’ tactical arsenals
Volume 1 – Foundations of Arm Rides
The opening volume establishes the foundation of arm ride control through multiple entry methods and basic control mechanics. Polloro methodically covers knee slice transitions into arm ride position, providing a natural progression from guard passing into control systems. The “swim in” entry demonstrates how to establish arm control during scrambles, while the fake choke setup shows advanced tactical applications.
Knees together positioning and walk-up entries expand the system’s versatility across different top position scenarios. The transition to North-South position illustrates how arm control facilitates positional advancement. Failed knee-on-belly escape counters and lasso guard sweep follow-ups demonstrate reactive application of arm ride concepts. The paper cutter choke finish provides immediate submission application, showing how control translates to finishing opportunities.
Volume 2 – Submissions and Chaining
Volume two focuses on advanced submissions and chaining opportunities from established arm ride control. The Americana and North-South Kimura attacks demonstrate fundamental joint lock applications from arm control positions.
Step-over choke variations, including opponent lapel usage, showcase creative finishing methods that arise from arm isolation. The swimming transition into brabo choke and variations provide front headlock integration possibilities. The sling choke adds a specialized finishing option that capitalizes on specific arm control scenarios.
The lasso guard sweep combination ending with lapel choke demonstrates complete tactical sequences that flow from initial guard work through control establishment to submission finishing.
Making Top Positions Better With Rides
This system works best when practitioners first master the basic arm isolation mechanics through positional drilling before attempting submission integration. Polloro’s control-first approach requires significant mat time developing the sensitivity needed to maintain arm control against resistance.
The system integrates well with existing top game approaches, particularly for grapplers who already demonstrate solid side control and knee-on-belly foundations. Regular practice of entry sequences from various positions helps develop the pattern recognition needed to apply arm ride concepts during live rolling.
More advanced practitioners can begin connecting the submission chains, creating flowing attack sequences that keep opponents constantly defending.
AVAILABLE HERE: THE COMPLETE ARM RIDE BY NICK POLLORO DVD
Who Is This For?
This instructional targets blue belt through advanced practitioners who want to develop more controlling top game systems. Wrestlers transitioning to BJJ will find particular value in these concepts, as the arm ride builds on familiar control principles. Competitors struggling with mobile opponents or those seeking reliable back take methods will benefit significantly from this systematic approach.
The system works well for both gi and No-Gi applications, though the gi-specific techniques provide additional control options. Brand new grapplers may find the concepts overwhelming without solid fundamental top position experience, as Polloro assumes basic knowledge of side control and transitional mechanics.
Pros & Potential Drawbacks
Pros:
- Comprehensive system that transforms basic top position into complete control through systematic arm isolation
- Multiple entry methods provide versatility across different situational contexts and opponent reactions
- Strong integration of control and submission elements, showing how position maintenance leads to finishing opportunities
- Wrestling-derived concepts adapted specifically for BJJ contexts with clear tactical applications
- Effective solution for controlling mobile opponents who typically escape through movement and hand fighting
- Logical progression from basic control to advanced submission chains allows gradual skill development
Potential Drawbacks:
- Requires solid fundamental top game knowledge to implement effectively, potentially challenging for newer practitioners
- Some techniques depend on opponent reactions and may not work consistently against experienced defenders
- System emphasizes control over immediate submission hunting, which may not suit aggressive finishing styles
Once You Get an Arm
The Complete Arm Ride DVD succeeds as a specialized control system that addresses common top game challenges through systematic arm isolation. Polloro’s methodical approach provides grapplers with reliable tools for controlling mobile opponents while creating multiple pathways to advanced positions and submissions.
