During framing, should the arms be inside 90 degrees to maintain control and prepare for a takedown?

During framing, should the arms be inside 90 degrees to maintain control and prepare for a takedown?

• A. Yes
• B. It doesn't matter
• C. They should be at 0 degrees
• D. No, they should be out past 90

Answer: (D)

Framing succeeds when you create a stable, extended barrier that you control, keeping distance and giving you the leverage to move the opponent and set up a takedown. Extending the arms so the elbows are past 90 degrees builds a longer frame against the opponent’s upper body. That longer frame increases your control, helps you redirect their weight, and keeps you balanced as you work for the takedown. If the arms stay inside 90 degrees, the frame shortens and your leverage drops. It’s easier for the other person to close the gap, push through your frame, and shift their momentum toward you, making control harder and setups for a takedown more difficult. A position at 0 degrees would be overly extended in a single plane and can reduce versatility and stability. So, the arms should be out past 90 degrees to maintain solid control and prepare for a takedown.

Framing succeeds when you create a stable, extended barrier that you control, keeping distance and giving you the leverage to move the opponent and set up a takedown. Extending the arms so the elbows are past 90 degrees builds a longer frame against the opponent’s upper body. That longer frame increases your control, helps you redirect their weight, and keeps you balanced as you work for the takedown.

If the arms stay inside 90 degrees, the frame shortens and your leverage drops. It’s easier for the other person to close the gap, push through your frame, and shift their momentum toward you, making control harder and setups for a takedown more difficult. A position at 0 degrees would be overly extended in a single plane and can reduce versatility and stability.

So, the arms should be out past 90 degrees to maintain solid control and prepare for a takedown.