Everything you need to know about the Russian Tie in BJJ

The Russian tie is a technique commonly used in wrestling, but it can also be adapted and applied in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to gain control and set up takedowns or throws. This can be used in a no-gi setting, or a gi setting with grips as well.

The name “Russian tie” likely comes from the perception that the technique was commonly used or popularized by Russian wrestlers. Russian wrestlers have been historically known for their excellence in grappling and have made significant contributions to the sport of wrestling. As a result, certain techniques or strategies may have become associated with them, leading to the adoption of the term “Russian tie.” Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use the Russian tie throw in BJJ and how to counter it. Remember, learning takedowns should not be avoided when training!

How to do the Russian Tie in BJJ

1. Establish the Russian Tie: Begin by gripping your opponent’s wrist with your same-side hand. Your thumb should be on the same side as your fingers, forming a “C” grip around their wrist. This grip allows you to control their arm.
2. Secure the Collar Tie: With your other hand, reach across to your opponent’s opposite side collar and grab the material near the back of their neck. This creates a collar tie, further controlling their upper body.
3. Switch to the Russian Tie: With the collar tie grip, then drop the same arm over your opponent’s shoulder. Make sure your weight is put on the arm of the opponent’s shoulder and arm.
4. Control the Distance: Use your Russian tie grip and collar tie to control the distance and maintain a close connection with your opponent. This will prevent them from effectively striking or countering your takedown attempts.
5. Off-balance your Opponent: To set up a throw or takedown, you need to disrupt your opponent’s balance. Use footwork, angles, and slight pulls/pushes with your grips to create off-balancing opportunities. For example, you can pull their wrist towards you while pushing their head away, causing them to lean forward.
6. Execute the Throw: Once you’ve successfully off-balanced your opponent, it’s time to execute the throw. There are various options you can explore, depending on your skill level and preferences. Some common throws that can be set up from the Russian tie in BJJ include:
   • Single Leg Takedown: Release the collar tie and transition to a single-leg takedown, driving into your opponent’s lead leg and securing their leg to complete the takedown.
   • Double Leg Takedown: Similar to the single leg takedown, but instead of attacking one leg, you transition to attacking both of your opponent’s legs, lifting and driving them backward to secure the takedown.
   • Russian Tie Snap: Perhaps the most common takedown from the Russian Tie is the snap. Thi sis like a snap down but is done by controlling the arm and shoulder. Here, you lower your hips and simultaneously lower your opponent to the floor in a bad position.
   • Hip Throw (Harai Goshi): This throw involves rotating your hips and sweeping your opponent’s leg while maintaining control with the Russian tie grip. Use your hip movement to generate momentum and throw your opponent over your hip and onto the mat.
7. Follow-up and Maintain Control: Once you’ve successfully executed the throw, it’s important to follow up with control on the ground. Maintain top position, establish dominant grips, and look for opportunities to advance your position or go for submissions.
   
   Remember throughout, the Russian tie is all about weighing down and controlling the arm of your opponent. The Russian tie is an effective technique for controlling an opponent’s arm and setting up offensive moves in wrestling. It requires practice, timing, and the ability to read your opponent’s movements.

How to defend against the Russian Tie

Defending against the Russian tie in wrestling requires proper technique, positioning, and understanding of your opponent’s movements. Here are some key defensive strategies to consider:

1. Hand Fighting: Actively engage in hand fighting to prevent your opponent from securing a solid grip in the Russian tie. Constantly move your arms and hands, pummeling to gain inside control and disrupting their attempts to establish the grip.
2. Maintain Distance: Keep a proper distance from your opponent to limit their ability to secure the Russian tie. By staying slightly out of reach, you make it more challenging for them to grab your wrist effectively.
3. Circle and Angle: Constantly circle and change angles to make it difficult for your opponent to maintain their position and grip. By moving laterally and changing directions, you can disrupt their attempts to control your arm.
4. Clear the Tie: If your opponent manages to establish the Russian tie grip, work on clearing it. Use techniques such as the two-on-one (grabbing their wrist with both hands) or swim move (slipping your arm out from under their grip) to break free from the tie and regain control.
5. Counter Attacks: Look for opportunities to counter your opponent’s movements when they commit to the Russian tie. As they extend or pull, you can use their momentum against them by executing counters, such as snap downs, re-shots, or throws.
6. Footwork and Head Positioning: Maintain proper footwork and head position to stay balanced and in control. Good footwork helps you stay mobile and avoid being easily controlled. Additionally, keeping your head up and maintaining good posture makes it more challenging for your opponent to manipulate your arm.
7. Defensive Grips: If your opponent manages to secure the Russian tie, you can adopt defensive grips to neutralize their control. Grips such as the overhook or whizzer can limit their ability to effectively execute takedowns or throws.
8. Anticipate and React: Pay attention to your opponent’s movements and anticipate their attacks. React quickly to their attempts to off-balance or execute a takedown, using your defensive skills to counter their actions.