Arm Drag

Student Objectives:

1. The student will apply the Arm Drag technique with good technique against a non-resisting, non-moving partner.
2. The student will explore dynamic transitions into the Arm Drag with a compliant partner.

Teaching Cues:

• Sneaky Handshake
• Gotcha
• Hand Spear
• Shoulder to Shoulder
• Hug

Lesson: Arm Drag

The assisting student will stand with their feet slightly more than shoulder width apart with a gentle bend in their knees.  They will then extend their arm as if trying to shake hands with their training partner. The practicing student will be stand in front of the assisting student with their knees gently bent and their feet shoulder-width apart.  

To start the Arm Drag the practicing student will grasp the wrist with a same side Power C Grip.  The second hand will be made into a hand spear with the thumb firmly pressed along the pointer finger and insert the hand into the armpit area of the assisting student.  Once the hand clears through the armpit the hand will be made into a Sloth Grip and take control of the Tricep.  

To expose the assisting student’s back, the practicing student will take a deep lunge step diagonally to the outside of the assisting student’s arm.  This should bring the shoulders of both students close together with the practicing student having a clear view of the back.  

To expose the back further, the practicing student will keep heavy pressure on the outside of the arm while pivoting the feet towards the assisting student’s back. In a live scenario the exact footwork will change depending on the entry into this position, the desired finish and the response of the opponent, but for practicing purposes, the practicing student should circle the inside foot out while trying to keep heavy on the controlled arm.

The hand grip on the inside of the Tricep has a lot of control.  It can cup and pinch into the chest, but it can also be used to redirect the momentum of the arm when caught dynamically and leave the back, legs or posture of the assisting student compromised.  Make sure to allow some exploratory learning for new students to understand the power of this grip.

Once exposing the back there are multiple high percentage finishes.  All of them are set up off the premise of either taking the back or exposing the back (and the reactions of opponent’s trying to protect their back).  For this reason I have students that are new to this technique simply hug around the hips when successfully getting around the arm.  

Possible Extensions:

• A dynamic setup will be important to applying this technique in a live situation.  Start this practice by having the assisting student place their hand on the shoulder of the practicing student.  To set up the armdrag, the practicing student will make a circular motion with the same side arm and make contact with the inside of the forearm of the assisting student.  This movement resembles an Outside Block from many martial arts styles (or “wax off” from Karate kid).  
• This will clear the arm off of the shoulder and the wrist should continue to circle around the forearm until it finds the wrist of the assisting student.  Simultaneously the free hand should be reaching into the armpit to get a Sloth Grip on the tricep as stated above.  The rest of the move works the same.
• As the student builds proficiency with clearing the arm off the shoulder with this motion, it should then be practiced AS the hand is progressing towards the shoulder and before it makes contact.  This can lead to a very clean and efficient movement that protects against grips and gives a possible pathway to the back.
• To finish the take down the easiest way for new students is to “strap on the shoes”.  This simply means the practicing student will drop down into a modified Turtle position while letting their hands slide down the legs until they get to the ankles.  Using Sloth grips the student will cup the ankles and drive forward with their shoulders in the back of the knee pits.  As the assisting student falls forward the practicing student should secure a good Turtle top position.
• It is common for opponents to resist the Arm Drag by attempting to pull back with the arm that is being controlled.  This is also combined with an adjustment of the leg that corresponds to the controlled arm.  When the opponent's leg steps back to protect their back, this leads to a very clear entry into the Double Leg.  The practicing student will make a large penetration step, deep between the legs of the assisting student while changing levels.  The hands will slide from the Arm Drag to the Calves during the level change and immediately start to drive.  

The Russian Tie and the Arm Drag are connected techniques and should be practiced together.  Learning how to change pressure and roll your elbow over the hand can be extremely valuable.  This also increases the likelihood of getting the back.  

To accomplish this, the practicing student will enter into the Arm Drag and instead of progressing to the back they will allow their Sloth Grip to slide down the arm until it catches the Wrist.  Simultaneously the hand that was controlling the wrist will let go of the wrist and quickly transition between the ribs and arm to take control of the bicep.  As the control of the arm is being switched, the practicing student should apply heavy pressure to the assisting students shoulder with their own shoulder and pull the wrist towards their own chest and bar the arm.  Make sure to reference the graphic to understand the hand placement for the Russian Tie.

Possible Refinements:

• Students often struggle with stepping to the outside of the arm and pull themselves into a bear hug.  Make sure that the student is going around the outside of the arm.
• Starting with the same side wrist grab is important as it stops students from getting confused with the hand placements.  It is common for students to try and use the Russian Tie hand placements when trying to do the Arm Drag.  Make sure they understand the difference between the two hand placements.
• The Arm Drag should be a means to expose the back or as a set up for another take down.  Children have a tendency to complete the Arm Drag and cut their partner loose.  Make sure the movement is used effectively.

Reference materials:

Teaching Reflections:

• How did I do teaching?
• What could I do better next time?
• Did the student gain proficiency in lesson material?

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