The Russian tie, also known simply as the “two-on-one,” is one of the most controlling types of ties you can use. It allows you to control the entire arm of an opponent, giving you greater control over his entire body while also taking away his offensive mobility. Every wrestler should know how to use this tie effectively. Read this guide closely and you’ll learn how to get into and control your opponent using the Russian tie.
Using the Russian Tie from Hand Fighting
You can effectively get into a Russian tie from the open position by hand fighting. This technique allows you to defend against any attack your opponent uses while safely securing your tie.
- Control a wrist: Control your opponent’s wrist using whichever hand is closest to the arm you want to control on your opponent. That is, if you want to control his right arm, use your left hand to control his wrist. Use an overhanded grip on his wrist: Turn your hand so your fingers are on the inside of his wrist and your thumb is on the outside.
- Pull across: Now, pull his arm across his body, towards your free (opposite) hand.
- Switch grips: Now, switch hands so you’re gripping his wrist with your free (opposite) hand using an underhanded grip. Your thumb will still be on the outside of his wrist with your fingers on the inside, and your palm will be facing upward.
- Secure the upper arm: Wrap your (now) free arm around the back of your opponent’s triceps and grip his bicep.
- Pull it in: Keep the bend of his elbow tight to your midsection and pull his arm towards you.
- Shoulder pressure: As you pull, use the arm wrapped around your opponent’s upper arm to apply pressure to his shoulder. Bend your knees to lower your body as you do this. This will take your opponent’s body out of position and grant you the ability of moving him with more ease and effectiveness.
List Worthy: Russian Tie Variations
Some wrestlers adjust their Russian tie to fit their individual needs. Here are some changes you can make; see what works best for you:
- With your arm wrapped around your opponent’s upper arm, grip your opponent high on his bicep, almost near the armpit.
- With your arm wrapped around your opponent’s upper arm, grip your opponent low on his bicep, near the bend of the elbow. Also, rather than gripping his bicep, you can go even lower and secure (lock) the wrist of your other hand (that’s controlling the lower part of his arm).
- Grip-wise, some wrestlers have success using an overhand grip on their opponents’ wrists with their thumbs to the outside.
Changing from a Collar Tie to a Russian Tie
Another effective technique is to get into the Russian tie when your opponent initiates a collar tie. This allows you to use his arm against himself:
- Turn & shrug: Your opponent will be controlling a collar tie on one side of your body. With the shoulder that’s on the same side of the collar tie, turn towards the arm your opponent is using to control the tie. That is, if he’s tying with his right arm, turn your left shoulder towards his right arm. As you do this, shrug your shoulders and turn your head away from your opponent’s body. This will cause his arm to slip off your head.
- Push: Using the arm that’s on the same side of your body that’s being tied up, push your opponent’s elbow in towards you. You may either use your hand to do this or use your elbow to push his elbow inward (your hand will need to be pointing downward).
- Secure the wrist: With your free arm, grip your opponent’s wrist so that your thumb points up. Because you are pushing on his elbow and shrugging your shoulders, your opponent’s arm should easily release the collar tie he has on you.
- Bring the arm in front: Bring his arm in front of you and pull it towards your chest. Wrap the arm you used to push his elbow around the back of his arm and grip his bicep. Pull this arm in towards your midsection to keep it secure. Maintain a good position with your tie: Stay low and use your shoulder to pressure down on your opponent’s shoulder. This will allow you to move him and set up your offense.
Practice Makes a Perfect Tie
The only way to become effective with the Russian tie is to practice it constantly. Start by practicing getting into the tie and moving and controlling your opponent. From there, work on setting up different takedowns and throws. Every wrestler should know this tie, so make sure to work it into your regular practice routine!
