Russian 2-on-1 (2-on-1 Grip) | BJJ Grip Fighting & Takedowns
BJJBJJ App Team·⏱️ 1 min read·🔄 Apr 20, 2026
Learn the 2-on-1 Russian tie — a dominant grip control position for takedowns, back takes and leg attacks. Setup and counters guide.
BLUE BELT
The Russian 2-on-1 (or two-on-one) is a dominant arm control position where you control one of the opponent's arms with both of your hands. It's one of the most effective setups for takedowns, back takes, and single leg attacks in both gi and no-gi BJJ.
Contents
How to Execute
- 1. Face the opponent in collar-and-elbow position
- 2. With your near hand, grab their wrist from the outside
- 3. Your far arm hooks under their elbow from the inside
- 4. You now have both your hands controlling one of their arms (2-on-1)
- 5. Drive their arm down and across their body to break their base
- 6. Follow with a single leg, double leg, or back take entry
💡 Pro Tip: The 2-on-1 works because it leaves the opponent with only one arm to defend. Drive your head to their same-side shoulder to prevent their underhook. From 2-on-1, the back take entry is extremely high percentage.
What attacks work from the 2-on-1 Russian tie?
The most effective attacks from 2-on-1 include: single leg takedown, double leg takedown, back take (seatbelt), trip takedowns, and arm drag transitions. It also sets up ankle picks and bodylock takedowns.