Arm drags serve a purpose beyond pulling an opponent’s arm. Where the arm goes, the body should follow. As seen in amateur wrestling, dragging the arm with deliberate intent at the desired angle and with the appropriate strength manipulates the body, creating possibilities for a preferred move. When facing an opponent during standup, for example, an arm drag could break his/her balance and disrupt posture, making it possible to hit different takedowns, or at least attempt them.
Arm drags also work well in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and a standup face-off isn’t the only time BJJ players can use arm drags. Arm drags prove valuable from numerous positions. If you can get a hold of the arm and pull it effectively, you have an arm drag.
Often, the simplicity and effectiveness of an arm drag makes the move a reliable technique. Even if an arm drag technique doesn’t work 100% as demonstrated in class, it usually forces a defensive reaction. Defensive reactions come with limitations, and solid arm drags could “bully” someone off his/her preferred game.
Arm drags have numerous benefits, and they can come into play far more times than someone might think. Look at how well arm drags work inside the closed guard.
In this video, Shintaro Higashi shows 5 arm drag set ups that are perfect for BJJ and Wrestling:
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