The Russian Tie to Back Take is a fundamental wrestling-based technique that has become essential in modern BJJ, particularly in no-gi competition. This technique exploits opponent’s defensive reactions to wrist control by using leverage and angular movement to circle to their back. The Russian Tie (also called the Russian 2-on-1) creates a powerful control position where you control opponent’s one arm with both of your hands while positioning your head on the bicep side of that arm.
What makes this technique particularly effective is its versatility - it can be executed from various standing positions including neutral stance, collar tie situations, or failed takedown attempts. The key principle is creating an angle where the opponent cannot effectively defend their back while their arm is compromised. Unlike traditional wrestling back takes that rely on explosive speed, the Russian Tie allows for controlled, technical progression to back control.
This technique is favored by modern grapplers like Gordon Ryan and Garry Tonon because it seamlessly integrates wrestling and jiu-jitsu principles. The Russian Tie creates a dilemma: if the opponent pulls their arm back, you can shoot for their legs; if they maintain position, you can circle to their back. This makes it an excellent high-percentage technique for competitors at all levels, with success rates ranging from 35% for beginners to 70% for advanced practitioners.
Starting Position: Standing Position Ending Position: Back Control Success Rates: Beginner 35%, Intermediate 50%, Advanced 70%
Key Principles
- Establish 2-on-1 control with proper hand positioning on opponent’s wrist and tricep
- Position your head on the bicep side of controlled arm to prevent their rotation
- Create angles by stepping laterally rather than pulling straight back
- Use opponent’s defensive reactions (arm pull or forward pressure) to facilitate movement
- Maintain constant pressure and connection throughout the circling motion
- Secure seat belt grip before opponent can turn to face you
- Keep low base while circling to prevent opponent’s counter-throws
Prerequisites
- Standing position established with both grapplers on feet
- Clear access to opponent’s lead arm or wrist
- Opponent not already defending back or in turtle position
- Sufficient space to circle laterally without obstruction
- Stable base and good posture to prevent being pulled down
- Grip fighting advantage or neutral hand position
Execution Steps
- Establish Russian Tie grip: From standing, secure a 2-on-1 control on opponent’s lead arm. Your lead hand grips their wrist with thumb on top, fingers wrapped underneath. Your trailing hand grips their tricep just above the elbow. Pull their arm slightly across their centerline while positioning your forehead against the outside of their bicep. This head position is critical - it prevents them from rotating toward you and establishes the angle. (Timing: Initial setup - 1-2 seconds)
- Create angle and apply pressure: Drive your forehead into their bicep while simultaneously pulling their wrist down and across. This creates a bent-arm position that weakens their structure. Step your lead foot (same side as their controlled arm) laterally and slightly forward at a 45-degree angle. Your body should be angling toward their back rather than directly facing them. Maintain downward pressure on their wrist to prevent them from straightening their arm. (Timing: Continuous motion - 1 second)
- Begin circular motion to back: Using the angle you’ve created, begin circling toward opponent’s back by taking small, controlled steps in the direction of their controlled arm. Your movement should be lateral and slightly forward, not backward. Keep your hips lower than theirs to maintain base. As you circle, maintain constant pressure with your head and continue pulling their wrist across their body. Your trailing hand on their tricep helps guide the circle. (Timing: Circular motion - 2-3 seconds)
- Clear hip and continue rotation: As you circle, your lead hip will pass their near hip. This is the critical clearing point. Once your hip clears theirs, accelerate your circling motion while maintaining all grips. Your head should now be positioned behind their shoulder line. If they attempt to turn back toward you, use your head pressure and arm control to prevent rotation. Your body should be perpendicular to theirs at this point. (Timing: Hip clear - 1 second)
- Secure back position: Release your wrist grip and immediately shoot your arm under their far armpit to establish the first seat belt hook. Your head transitions from their bicep to behind their far shoulder. Your other hand maintains tricep control temporarily. Circle your final steps to achieve full back position with both feet behind them. Your chest should be tight to their back. (Timing: Transition to back - 1-2 seconds)
- Complete back control: From the partial seat belt position, release the tricep grip and thread your second arm over their opposite shoulder to complete the seat belt configuration (one arm over shoulder, one under armpit, hands clasped). Establish hooks by inserting your feet inside their thighs. If they defend the hooks, maintain standing back control with proper weight distribution. Secure the position before attacking submissions. (Timing: Final securing - 2-3 seconds)
Opponent Counters
- Opponent pulls their controlled arm back explosively (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Follow their pull by stepping forward and converting to single leg or ankle pick. Their backward pull creates opportunity for lower body attacks. Alternatively, use the momentum to accelerate your circle.
- Opponent turns into you and grabs a body lock (Effectiveness: High) - Your Response: Immediately limp arm out of their grip by rotating your shoulder internally and dropping weight. Regain distance and reset or switch to alternative takedown. Do not allow them to consolidate the body lock.
- Opponent sprawls backward making themselves heavy (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Adjust angle more lateral rather than forward. Use their backward weight shift to accelerate your circle since they cannot effectively rotate. Maintain head pressure to prevent them from squaring up.
- Opponent grabs your head or neck with free arm (Effectiveness: Low) - Your Response: Continue circling motion while keeping your posture low. Their neck grip typically weakens as you achieve the angle. If grip is strong, use it as a pivot point to accelerate your rotation to their back.
Test Your Knowledge
Q1: What is the correct hand positioning for the Russian Tie control? A: The Russian Tie requires a 2-on-1 grip where your lead hand grips opponent’s wrist with thumb on top and fingers underneath, while your trailing hand grips their tricep just above the elbow. Your forehead should be positioned against the outside of their bicep on the same side as the controlled arm. This head position prevents their rotation and is critical to the control.
Q2: Why is lateral movement more effective than pulling straight back when executing this technique? A: Lateral movement at 45-degree angles creates an angular relationship where opponent cannot effectively square up to defend. Pulling straight back allows them to simply face you and maintain neutral position. The lateral circle exploits the mechanical disadvantage created by having one arm controlled while trying to track movement toward their back. This angular approach is fundamental to all wrestling-based back takes.
Q3: How should you respond if your opponent sprawls backward making themselves heavy during your circle attempt? A: When opponent sprawls backward, adjust your circling motion to be more lateral rather than forward-driving. Use their backward weight shift as an advantage since they cannot effectively rotate to track you from that position. Maintain head pressure on their bicep and continue small lateral steps. Their heavy sprawl actually prevents them from turning to face you, making the back take more accessible if you maintain proper angle.
Q4: At what point in the sequence should you release your wrist grip and why? A: You should release the wrist grip only when you have achieved a perpendicular angle to your opponent and are ready to shoot your arm under their far armpit for the first seat belt hook. This timing ensures you maintain control throughout the critical circling phase while freeing your hand at the optimal moment to secure back position. Releasing too early allows opponent to escape; releasing too late slows your seat belt establishment.
Q5: What are the key differences between using Russian Tie to Back Take in gi versus no-gi? A: In gi, you can use collar and sleeve grips to help establish or supplement the Russian Tie control, and opponent’s defensive options include using gi grips to prevent rotation. The technique tends to be slightly more forgiving in gi due to additional friction and grip options. In no-gi, the Russian Tie relies purely on wrist and tricep control, requiring tighter pressure and faster execution. No-gi also sees more explosive counters and requires better head position since you cannot use fabric to control movement. The fundamental mechanics remain the same, but no-gi demands more precision in timing and pressure maintenance.
Q6: How does the Russian Tie create a dilemma forcing opponent into defensive errors? A: The Russian Tie creates a strategic dilemma where opponent must choose between two bad options: if they pull their controlled arm back, they expose themselves to lower body attacks like single legs and ankle picks; if they maintain their arm position to prevent those attacks, you can circle to their back. If they drive forward, you can use their momentum for throws or mat returns. This multiple-threat scenario forces opponents to make difficult choices under pressure, often resulting in defensive errors that skilled practitioners can exploit. The dilemma is what makes this such a high-percentage technique at advanced levels.
Safety Considerations
The Russian Tie to Back Take is generally a safe technique when practiced properly, but practitioners should be aware of several safety considerations. When applying the Russian Tie grip, avoid hyperextending opponent’s wrist or elbow - maintain control without excessive torque on joints. During drilling with beginners, ensure your partner understands they can tap if they feel unsafe during the rotation to back control. When circling, be aware of mat boundaries and obstacles to prevent accidental collisions. The most common injury risk occurs when practitioners take overly large steps and lose balance, potentially causing both partners to fall awkwardly. Always maintain controlled movement rather than explosive rushing. In competition scenarios, be cautious of opponents attempting sacrifice throws or guard pulls while you have Russian Tie control - maintain low base and be prepared to follow them to the ground safely. For training partners with shoulder or rotator cuff issues, communicate before drilling and apply lighter pressure on the controlled arm. As with all standing techniques, use appropriate mats and ensure adequate space for safe execution.
Position Integration
The Russian Tie to Back Take serves as a critical bridge between standing wrestling and ground-based jiu-jitsu positions, making it essential in modern competition strategy. From neutral standing position, the Russian Tie provides a systematic pathway to back control, which is the highest-value position in BJJ scoring systems and submission-hunting. This technique integrates seamlessly with various position entry strategies: it can be established from collar ties, failed takedown attempts, or as a counter to opponent’s grip fighting. Once back control is achieved through this technique, practitioners have access to the entire back attack system including rear naked choke, armbar from back, and various collar chokes in gi. The Russian Tie also chains effectively with other positions - if the back take is defended, you can transition to front headlock, single leg takedown, or arm drag variations. Understanding this technique’s relationship to the broader positional hierarchy is crucial: it converts standing neutral positions into dominant ground positions, bypassing the guard passing phase entirely. This makes it particularly valuable for competitors who prefer top position and back attacks over guard play. The technique also serves as a foundational movement pattern for other back takes including two-on-one variations, chair sit to back, and arm drag sequences.
Expert Insights
- Danaher System: The Russian Tie to Back Take represents the perfect integration of wrestling’s angular dominance with jiu-jitsu’s positional hierarchy. What makes this technique systematically superior is the mechanical advantage created through the 2-on-1 control combined with proper head position. When you establish the Russian Tie correctly, your opponent faces a three-dimensional problem: they must defend their arm from being controlled, prevent lateral rotation toward their back, and maintain enough base to avoid being taken down. These three defensive requirements cannot be optimally satisfied simultaneously, which is what creates the high-percentage nature of this technique. The head position on the bicep is often underemphasized but it’s what makes this control truly dominant - it functions as a third point of control that prevents rotation while using your body weight rather than muscular strength. From a systematic perspective, this technique should be viewed not as an isolated movement but as entry into your entire back attack system. The success rate increases dramatically when you understand the chain: Russian Tie to Back Control to Seat Belt to Rear Naked Choke or armbar. Each step has specific mechanical requirements that must be satisfied before progressing to the next. The common error I observe is practitioners rushing the circle without establishing proper angle first - the angle is everything. Take your time to establish the correct geometry before initiating movement.
- Gordon Ryan: The Russian Tie to Back Take is one of the highest percentage techniques in modern no-gi competition because it directly converts standing neutral position into four points and a dominant submission position. In competition, I use this constantly because it bypasses all the bullshit of guard pulling and guard passing - you go straight to the money position. The key to making this work at the highest levels is understanding how to set it up through grip fighting. You can’t just grab a Russian Tie against elite competition - you need to create the opportunity through hand fighting, fake attacks, or capitalizing on their grip attempts. I often use collar ties and wrist controls to create openings for the Russian Tie establishment. Once you have it, the technique works even against guys who know it’s coming because the mechanics are so sound. What separates good execution from great execution is the ability to feel when your opponent is about to counter and immediately chain to your backup attacks. If they pull the arm back, I’m shooting a single leg. If they turn in hard, I’m switching to an arm drag. The Russian Tie should be viewed as the entry point to a decision tree of attacks based on their defensive reactions. In terms of competition strategy, establishing Russian Tie control forces your opponent into defensive mode immediately, which affects their psychology and gas tank. They’re fighting to survive rather than implementing their own game plan. That’s invaluable in high-level matches where controlling the pace and narrative of the match is as important as the techniques themselves.
- Eddie Bravo: The Russian Tie to Back Take is fucking beautiful because it’s simple, it’s effective, and it works in street fights, MMA, and gi or no-gi grappling - that’s the 10th Planet test right there. What I love about this technique is how it exemplifies the principle of creating problems your opponent can’t solve with standard defensive reactions. When you lock up that Russian Tie with proper head position, their normal defenses - pull back, turn in, sprawl - all create opportunities for you instead of escaping the technique. That’s genius level shit right there. In our system, we use the Russian Tie as one of the primary standing controls because it integrates perfectly with our emphasis on back attacks and unconventional angles. One thing we emphasize that’s maybe different from traditional approaches is using the Russian Tie as a dynamic position rather than a static control. We’re constantly moving, creating angles, threatening different attacks, making it like a game where we have all the pieces and they’re just trying to survive. The innovation opportunity here is in the setups and combinations - you can establish Russian Tie from so many positions: failed guard pulls, coming up from turtle, defending takedowns, breaking grip fighting battles. We also work a lot on the mat return variation where you use the Russian Tie to break them down to turtle, then circle to back from there. That’s huge in MMA where guys are trying to wrestle up constantly. The creativity in this technique comes from recognizing it’s not just a wrestling move or just a jiu-jitsu move - it’s a bridge between systems that gives you multiple pathways to dominance depending on how your opponent reacts.