Arm Drag
Also known as: Two-on-One, Russian Tie Drag
The arm drag is one of the most versatile techniques in grappling—it works standing for takedowns, from guard for sweeps, and in any position where you can grab their arm. By controlling their wrist and elbow, you pull them across your body while moving behind them, exposing their back. The arm drag is the bridge between gripping and attacking.
🎯Key Details
Control wrist and tricep
One hand on their wrist, other hand on their tricep/elbow. This two-on-one gives you leverage.
Pull AND move
Don't just pull their arm—move your body past them as you drag. You're going around, not bringing them to you.
Drag across centerline
Pull their arm across your centerline and your body. The further across, the more off-balance they become.
Attack the back
The arm drag exposes their back. Be ready to take the back immediately as you complete the drag.
Works from multiple positions
Arm drags work from standing, butterfly guard, seated guard—anywhere you can grip their arm.
⚠️Common Mistakes
Just pulling without moving
You must move your body past them. Pulling alone lets them recover.
Gripping with fingers only
Use your whole hand and grip deeply. Finger grips slip off.
Not attacking immediately
The arm drag is a setup, not a destination. Attack their back right away.
Dragging when they're squared up
Use feints or collar ties to get them reaching. Squared stance is harder to drag.
🚀Setups
- •From collar tie
- •When they reach for you
- •Off a post or push
- •From butterfly guard
🛡️Counters / Defenses
- •Square back up
- •Re-drag (drag them back)
- •Spin to front headlock
- •Pummel back to neutral
🔄Variations
📍Applicable Positions
🔗Related Techniques
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