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Russian Leg Lasso Bottom | BJJ Position Guide | BJJ Graph

Oct 25, 202522 min read

Russian Leg Lasso Bottom

bjjstateopenguardleglassosweepbacktakeadvanced

State Properties

  • State ID: S182
  • Point Value: 0 (Guard position, no points)
  • Position Type: Offensive/Guard
  • Risk Level: High
  • Energy Cost: High
  • Time Sustainability: Short to Medium

State Description

Russian Leg Lasso Bottom (also known as Russian Tie Leg Lasso or Russian Hook Guard) represents an advanced open guard configuration where the bottom player uses a deep leg hook behind the opponent’s head or upper back while maintaining grips on the same-side arm, creating powerful control and off-balancing mechanics. This position differs from traditional leg lasso where the leg wraps around the opponent’s arm—instead, the Russian variation hooks over the opponent’s shoulder or head, creating a unique angle that facilitates back takes, sweeps, and submission entries. The position emerged from Russian sambo and combat sambo influences on BJJ, bringing innovative leg control mechanisms that create highly effective attacking opportunities when executed properly.

The Russian Leg Lasso is characterized by its dynamic nature and high-risk, high-reward profile. When properly established, the position creates severe off-balancing effects that lead to rapid sweeps or back exposure, but improper execution or timing can result in leg lock exposure or guard passing opportunities for the top player. This position is particularly effective in gi competition where grips on the opponent’s arm and lapel reinforce the leg hook mechanics, though it translates to no-gi with adapted control mechanisms. The position requires excellent timing, flexibility, and understanding of leverage principles to use effectively.

Visual Description

You are on your back in open guard with one leg (typically your right leg) deeply hooked over your opponent’s shoulder or behind their head, with your foot positioned near or past their far shoulder blade. Your opponent is in front of you, bent forward and off-balanced by your leg hook, with their posture broken and their base compromised. Your same-side hand (right hand if using right leg) is gripping their same-side sleeve or wrist, creating a powerful connected control between your leg and arm on that side. Your opposite hand typically controls their opposite lapel, belt, or pants, providing additional off-balancing control and preventing them from circling away from the hook. Your bottom leg (left leg in this example) is positioned strategically—either posting on their near hip to create pushing leverage, hooking their far leg for sweeping, or framing against their body to prevent pressure. Your hips are active and mobile, constantly adjusting angle to maintain the leg hook and create off-balancing pressure toward opponent’s hooked side. Your upper body is partially elevated off the mat, not flat, with your shoulders and head actively engaged in maintaining position and recognizing attacking opportunities. The spatial configuration creates severe asymmetry where opponent’s weight and posture are constantly threatened toward their hooked side, limiting their ability to generate stable base or forward pressure. Your opponent feels continuous pressure to defend the leg hook, address their compromised posture, and prevent back exposure, while you maintain offensive initiative with multiple attacking pathways available from the controlling leg hook and grip configuration.

Key Principles

  • Deep Hook Establishment: Secure leg hook as deeply as possible over opponent’s shoulder or head for maximum control
  • Same-Side Grip Coordination: Coordinate leg hook with same-side arm grip to create connected control system
  • Off-Balancing Maintenance: Use hip movement and leg pressure to constantly off-balance opponent toward hooked side
  • Dynamic Hip Movement: Keep hips mobile and active, adjusting angle to maintain hook and create attacking opportunities
  • Back Exposure Recognition: Identify moments when opponent’s back becomes exposed and immediately attack
  • Timing Sensitivity: Execute sweeps and transitions at precise moments when opponent’s base is compromised
  • Energy Management: Recognize when to maintain position versus when to abandon for alternative guards due to energy cost

Prerequisites

  • Advanced open guard fundamentals and guard retention
  • Excellent hip mobility and flexibility for deep leg hooks
  • Understanding of off-balancing mechanics and sweep principles
  • Grip fighting skills and strategic grip management
  • Knowledge of back take mechanics and recognition
  • Leg lock defense awareness (position creates leg exposure)

State Invariants

Physical Configuration:

  • Bottom open guard position with active engagement
  • One leg hooked deeply over opponent’s shoulder or behind head
  • Same-side grip on opponent’s arm or sleeve maintaining connection
  • Opposite hand controlling opposite side (lapel, belt, or pants)
  • Bottom leg strategically positioned for pushing or hooking
  • Hips mobile and elevated, not flat on mat

Control Mechanisms:

  • Leg hook creating constant off-balancing pressure
  • Coordinated arm grip reinforcing leg hook control
  • Opposite-side control preventing circular escape
  • Hip angle manipulation maintaining hook depth
  • Dynamic pressure adjustments preventing opponent stabilization
  • Timing-based transition readiness

Opponent Limitations:

  • Severely compromised posture bent toward hooked side
  • Base constantly threatened by off-balancing pressure
  • Limited ability to generate forward passing pressure
  • Restricted mobility due to leg hook and grip controls
  • Defensive focus split between hook defense and base maintenance
  • Back exposure risk in multiple scenarios

Defensive Responses (When Opponent Has This State)

Offensive Transitions (Available From This State)

Primary Sweeps

  • Russian Leg Lasso Sweep → Top Position (Success Rate: Beginner 30%, Intermediate 45%, Advanced 60%)
    • Use leg hook and same-side grip to off-balance and sweep opponent over hooked side
  • Balloon Sweep Variation → Mount Top (Success Rate: Beginner 25%, Intermediate 40%, Advanced 55%)
    • Combine Russian hook with balloon sweep mechanics when opponent’s base is broken
  • Scissor Sweep from Russian → Mount Top (Success Rate: Beginner 35%, Intermediate 50%, Advanced 65%)
    • Adapt scissor sweep mechanics utilizing Russian hook as primary off-balancing mechanism

Back Takes

Submissions

Position Transitions

  • Return to De La Riva → De La Riva Guard (Success Rate: Beginner 40%, Intermediate 55%, Advanced 70%)
    • Release Russian hook and transition to De La Riva when hook is defended
  • Transition to Lasso Guard → Lasso Guard (Success Rate: Beginner 35%, Intermediate 50%, Advanced 65%)
    • Convert Russian hook to traditional lasso configuration around arm
  • X-Guard Entry → X-Guard (Success Rate: Beginner 30%, Intermediate 45%, Advanced 60%)
    • Use Russian hook control to facilitate X-Guard entry when opponent stands

Counter Transitions

Decision Tree

If opponent is upright with broken posture and poor base:

Else if opponent leans forward into leg hook with weight:

Else if opponent posts near arm to resist sweep:

Else if opponent is defending hook and maintaining base:

Else if opponent attempts leg lock counter:

Else (opponent maintains balanced defense):

Expert Insights

John Danaher: While acknowledging the mechanical effectiveness of Russian Leg Lasso positions, notes that they represent high-risk tactical choices that trade positional security for aggressive attacking opportunities, requiring excellent timing and technical precision to use safely. Emphasizes that the position’s effectiveness depends heavily on maintaining proper leg hook depth and coordinated grip control—if either element fails, the position quickly deteriorates into guard passing opportunities for opponent or leg lock exposures. When analyzing Russian-influenced guards, observes that they work best as transitional attacking positions rather than sustained control positions, used opportunistically when specific conditions (broken posture, off-balanced opponent) are present rather than as foundational guard structures. Teaches that practitioners should develop Russian hook mechanics as supplementary tools within broader open guard systems rather than making them primary guard approaches.

Gordon Ryan: Rarely uses Russian Leg Lasso positions in his personal game, preferring more control-oriented open guard configurations that provide better leg lock defense and sustained offensive pressure without the high-risk profile. However, recognizes that against opponents unfamiliar with these Russian-influenced positions, the unconventional angles and off-balancing can create rapid finishing opportunities, particularly for back takes that he highly values. When discussing guard selection strategy, notes that Russian hooks may be most valuable as surprise techniques in competition—used sparingly when opponent’s posture and base present specific opportunities rather than as go-to guard positions. Emphasizes that the leg exposure inherent in Russian hook positions makes them particularly risky in no-gi competition against leg lock specialists, requiring careful opponent evaluation before employment.

Eddie Bravo: Has incorporated Russian hook concepts into the 10th Planet system, particularly appreciating how the position’s off-balancing mechanics align with his philosophy of creating chaos and unorthodox attacking angles. When teaching Russian-influenced guards, emphasizes the importance of maintaining dynamic movement and being ready to flow between positions rapidly—Russian hook should be viewed as a high-energy attacking phase rather than a static control position. Advocates for combining Russian hook mechanics with other 10th Planet positions like Rubber Guard and Twister Side Control, creating hybrid positions that amplify confusion and off-balancing effects. Notes that the position works particularly well in submission-only formats where the aggressive nature and back take opportunities align with finishing-focused strategies, less ideal in points-based competition where positional stability is more valued.

Common Errors

Error: Shallow or poorly established leg hook

  • Consequence: Insufficient hook depth provides minimal off-balancing control and is easily removed by opponent, wasting the energy investment to establish position while creating leg lock exposure without gaining offensive benefits.
  • Correction: Commit fully to establishing deep leg hook over opponent’s shoulder or behind head before attempting offensive techniques. Hook should feel secure with your foot positioned near or past opponent’s far shoulder blade. If hook is shallow, spend time improving depth before attacking.
  • Recognition: If opponent easily removes hook, if you feel minimal off-balancing control, if your foot is only on opponent’s shoulder rather than past it, hook depth is insufficient.

Error: Static hip positioning

  • Consequence: Keeping hips stationary allows opponent to stabilize their base, remove the hook systematically, or begin passing sequences. Static positioning in Russian Leg Lasso wastes the position’s dynamic attacking potential.
  • Correction: Maintain constant hip movement and angle adjustment to keep opponent off-balanced. Your hips should be mobile and active, adjusting pressure direction based on opponent’s base and responses. Think of Russian hook as requiring continuous dynamic adjustment, not as a static control position.
  • Recognition: If opponent is able to stabilize and defend your hook comfortably, if they’re beginning to establish passing pressure, your hip movement is too static.

Error: Disconnected grip and leg control

  • Consequence: Failing to coordinate same-side grip with leg hook creates independent control points that opponent can address separately, significantly reducing the position’s effectiveness and making it easy to defend.
  • Correction: Establish strong connection between your leg hook and same-side arm grip on opponent’s arm or sleeve. These should work together as single control system, with leg hook off-balancing in one direction while arm grip prevents recovery. Practice coordinating these controls simultaneously.
  • Recognition: If opponent is defending hook and grip as separate problems, if you lose one control point without the other immediately failing, controls are insufficiently coordinated.

Error: Ignoring leg lock exposure

  • Consequence: Russian Leg Lasso creates exposure to straight ankle locks, kneebars, and other leg attacks when improperly managed. Becoming so focused on offensive opportunities that leg lock defense is ignored results in position loss or submission from attacking position.
  • Correction: Maintain constant awareness of your exposed leg’s position and security. If opponent begins addressing your exposed leg with control or attacking grips, immediately transition to leg lock defense or alternative guard position. Don’t sacrifice leg security for offensive attempts.
  • Recognition: If opponents are regularly attacking your exposed leg with submissions, if you’re being caught in leg locks from Russian hook attempts, defensive awareness is inadequate.

Error: Forcing techniques when opponent has stable base

  • Consequence: Attempting sweeps or back takes when opponent maintains strong base and good posture results in failed attempts that waste energy while giving opponent opportunities to pass or counter-attack. Russian hook techniques require specific conditions (broken posture, poor base) to work.
  • Correction: Read opponent’s base and posture before committing to techniques. Only attempt sweeps and back takes when opponent is genuinely off-balanced. If they have stable base, focus on maintaining off-balancing pressure until conditions favor technique attempts, or transition to alternative guard.
  • Recognition: If sweep and back take attempts are consistently failing, if opponent feels stable despite your hook, you’re forcing techniques without proper setup conditions.

Error: Overcommitment to failing position

  • Consequence: Continuing to fight for Russian hook position when opponent is successfully defending or counter-attacking results in excessive energy expenditure and missed opportunities to transition to more effective guards. Position should be transitional and opportunistic, not sustained at all costs.
  • Correction: Recognize when Russian hook is being effectively defended and immediately transition to alternative guard positions (De La Riva, Lasso, X-Guard). Set mental trigger: if hook is threatened twice without successful offensive technique, transition to different guard.
  • Recognition: If you’re spending significant energy maintaining hook without generating offensive opportunities, if opponent is gradually improving their position despite your hook, you’re over-committed to failing position.

Error: Poor timing on back take attempts

  • Consequence: Attempting Kiss of the Dragon or back takes at wrong moment (when opponent’s weight isn’t properly distributed or their base is still strong) results in failed techniques that give opponent passing opportunities or dominant position.
  • Correction: Wait for specific moment when opponent’s weight shifts forward into your hook or when they commit weight toward one direction. Back takes from Russian hook require precise timing—better to wait for right moment than force attempt. Look for feeling of opponent’s weight “falling” into your control.
  • Recognition: If back take attempts regularly fail and give opponent better position, if you can’t articulate why specific moment was right for back take, timing recognition is poor.

Error: Neglecting opposite-side control

  • Consequence: Focusing exclusively on hooked side while neglecting opposite-side control (grips on opposite lapel, pants, or belt) allows opponent to circle away from hook pressure and escape the position’s off-balancing effects.
  • Correction: Establish and maintain control of opponent’s opposite side using your free hand. This control prevents circular escape and channels opponent’s defensive movements into your attacking opportunities. Opposite-side control is equally important to same-side grip and leg hook.
  • Recognition: If opponent is consistently escaping by circling away from hook, if they can address hook without dealing with your other controls, opposite-side control is insufficient.

Training Drills

Drill 1: Hook Establishment and Maintenance

Partner starts in defensive open guard posture (upright, good base). You work exclusively on establishing deep Russian leg hook and maintaining it against progressive resistance. Begin with partner stationary (0% resistance), focusing on getting foot past far shoulder. Progress to 25% resistance where partner attempts slow hook removal. Eventually reach 75% resistance with active hook defense. 6-minute rounds, alternating positions every 3 minutes. Success metric: maintaining deep hook for 80%+ of drill time at each resistance level. Focus points: hook depth, hip angle adjustment, coordinated grip control preventing hook removal.

Drill 2: Sweep Timing Recognition

Start with established Russian hook. Partner alternates between having stable base (30 seconds) and deliberately compromising their base through forward lean or poor weight distribution (30 seconds). You only attempt sweeps when you feel base is compromised, otherwise maintaining off-balancing pressure. Partner provides feedback on timing accuracy—were they actually off-balanced when you swept? 10-minute drill, no position alternation. Develops ability to read opponent’s base quality and time sweeps precisely. Progressive challenge: partner makes base compromises more subtle and shorter in duration.

Drill 3: Multi-Attack Flow from Russian Hook

Establish Russian hook with partner providing 50% resistance. Execute planned attack sequences: sweep attempt → if defended, immediate triangle setup → if defended, back take attempt → if defended, transition to De La Riva. Focus on flowing between attacks without losing hook control or resetting position. Each sequence should complete within 15-20 seconds. 8-minute rounds alternating every 4 minutes. Success metric: completing 3-attack sequences without position loss. Develops ability to chain attacks when defenses are encountered rather than committing to single attempts.

Drill 4: Leg Lock Defense Integration

Partner establishes Russian leg hook on you. Your task is to systematically remove hook AND attack exposed leg with ankle lock or kneebar when opportunities present. This trains Russian hook practitioners to recognize leg attack threats from top player’s perspective. Role reversal: you maintain Russian hook while partner simulates leg attack attempts (not finishing, just grips and positioning). You practice abandoning hook and defending when leg attacks are initiated. 10-minute drill, 5 minutes each role. Develops defensive awareness of position’s inherent risks.

Drill 5: Positional Sparring from Russian Hook

Start with established Russian hook. You work to sweep, take back, or submit from Russian hook position. Partner works to remove hook, pass guard, or counter with leg attacks. Full resistance (100%) but resetting to Russian hook position whenever guard is passed, sweep is completed, or back is taken. 5-minute rounds. Track success rates: sweeps landed, back takes achieved, times position was lost. Provides realistic data on Russian hook effectiveness and personal success patterns. Partner provides feedback on which attacks felt most threatening and which defenses felt most effective.

Optimal Submission Paths

Fastest path to finish (back take route): Russian Leg Lasso Bottom → Russian Hook Back Take → Back Control → Rear Naked Choke → Won by Submission Reasoning: Direct back take from Russian hook when opponent is upright leads to highest-value control position and primary back submission. Fastest path when conditions favor back exposure. Average time: 10-20 seconds to back take, 30-60 seconds to submission.

High-percentage path (sweep to dominance): Russian Leg Lasso Bottom → Russian Leg Lasso Sweep → Mount Top → Arm Triangle → Won by Submission Reasoning: Sweep from Russian hook leads to dominant position where you can progress systematically to mount and submission. More reliable than direct submission attempts from bottom. Average time: 15-25 seconds to sweep, 60-90 seconds to submission.

Alternative submission path (triangle route): Russian Leg Lasso Bottom → Triangle Entry from Russian → Triangle Control → Triangle Finish → Won by Submission Reasoning: When opponent posts arm defensively, triangle becomes available directly from Russian hook. Success depends on opponent’s defensive reactions. Average time: 20-40 seconds when opportunity presents.

Technical path (Kiss of the Dragon): Russian Leg Lasso Bottom → Kiss of the Dragon to Back → Back Control → Bow and Arrow Choke → Won by Submission Reasoning: Rolling under opponent using Kiss of the Dragon mechanics provides unique back take opportunity with gi-specific finishing options. More technical but highly effective when executed properly. Average time: 15-30 seconds to back take, 45-75 seconds to submission.

Systematic progression (position accumulation): Russian Leg Lasso Bottom → Scissor Sweep from Russian → Mount Top → Armbar from Mount → Won by Submission Reasoning: Using Russian hook to enhance traditional scissor sweep mechanics leads to most reliable sweep completion and dominant position progression. Safest approach for less experienced practitioners. Average time: 20-35 seconds to sweep, 60-120 seconds to submission.

Position Metrics

  • Hook Establishment Success: Beginner 40%, Intermediate 60%, Advanced 75%
  • Sweep Success from Position: Beginner 30%, Intermediate 45%, Advanced 60%
  • Back Take Success from Position: Beginner 25%, Intermediate 40%, Advanced 55%
  • Position Retention Against Removal: Beginner 35%, Intermediate 50%, Advanced 65%
  • Position Loss Probability: Beginner 45%, Intermediate 30%, Advanced 20%
  • Leg Lock Counter Success (by opponent): Beginner Defense 30%, Intermediate Defense 20%, Advanced Defense 10%
  • Average Time in Position: 15-45 seconds (shorter duration due to high-energy dynamic nature)
  • Energy Cost Per Minute: High (maintaining hook and dynamic pressure requires significant effort)

Competition Considerations

Point Scoring: Russian Leg Lasso scores no points as guard position. Successful sweeps from position score 2 points (IBJJF). Back takes score 4 points. Advantages may be given for near-sweep attempts or back exposure creation.

Time Management: Russian hook is energy-intensive position best used in short bursts rather than sustained control. In longer matches (10+ minutes), use selectively when opportunities present rather than forcing establishment. In shorter matches (5-6 minutes), aggressive Russian hook use can create rapid finishing opportunities.

Rule Set Adaptations: Gi competition provides better gripping options for reinforcing Russian hook control and is ideal environment for position. No-gi translation requires modified grips (overhooks, collar ties) and is more challenging to maintain. In IBJJF competition where points matter, the back take opportunities from Russian hook are highly valuable. ADCC format favors the position less due to first half point restrictions and increased leg lock threats.

Competition Strategy: Russian Leg Lasso most effective as surprise weapon against opponents unfamiliar with position’s mechanics. Less effective as primary guard against experienced competitors who know removal techniques. Consider using opportunistically when opponent’s posture breaks and conditions favor establishment rather than forcing position against prepared defense. Be particularly cautious using position against known leg lock specialists in submission-only or ADCC formats.

Historical Context

Russian Leg Lasso positions emerged from Russian sambo and combat sambo influences on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, representing the cross-pollination between different grappling styles that has characterized modern BJJ evolution. The technique gained prominence through Russian and Eastern European grapplers who brought sambo-influenced leg hooking mechanics to international BJJ competition, demonstrating unique off-balancing and back take opportunities that traditional BJJ guards didn’t emphasize. Practitioners like Keenan Cornelius, while not Russian, studied and incorporated these Russian-influenced positions into systematic guard approaches, helping popularize them within the broader BJJ community. The position represents modern BJJ’s increasing technical sophistication and willingness to integrate effective techniques from other grappling disciplines, regardless of their origin in traditional Brazilian approach. Russian hooks exemplify how contemporary BJJ has evolved beyond purely Brazilian innovations to become truly international in technical development.

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