Two-on-One Grip Setup

Establish a two-on-one grip, also called a Russian grip, with both hands controlling the opponent's arm against your chest. Position yourself with your back angled appropriately—left-handed stance in this instance—and apply pressure to encourage the opponent to move with you. Maintain solid control by gripping with both hands rather than leading with a single hand.

Creating the Throwing Lane

Open a throwing lane by applying pressure to the opponent's arm, prompting them to step their foot back. Once the lane is clear, the opponent believes you will execute the throw in the direction of the two-on-one grip. Instead, prepare to deviate by coming underneath through the cleared path.

Fireman's Carry Execution

As the throwing lane opens, immediately duck your head through while maintaining visibility of the path. Slide through and execute the fireman's carry, completing the throw to establish a dominant top position on the ground.

Scarf Hold Transition

From the fireman's carry position, climb and pull the opponent's arm like a rope while securing the wrist. Reach over to grab the waist, then turn into scarf hold by positioning your head on the shoulder and controlling the arm tightly against your chest. This position prevents the opponent from taking your back and provides optimal leverage for arm lock application.

Crowbar Submission Setup

Transition to the lower part of the opponent's arm by switching your grip to their wrist. Clamp their arm around the wrist using the back of your knee, positioning your heel as close to your buttocks as possible to elevate the elbow. This configuration creates the mechanical advantage needed for the crowbar submission.

Crowbar Submission Finish

Execute the submission by turning your hips over like a chest fold, using your hip pressure to push the opponent's elbow while wrenching their arm through a 360-degree rotation. If the opponent keeps their arm straight, step on it and push downward while bringing your other knee up to apply additional pressure. Most opponents will tap before the full rotation is achieved.

Defending the Straight Arm Response

If the opponent extends their arm straight to escape, step over the arm and drive it down to the mat while bringing your opposite knee up to increase pressure. Maintain a tight pin on the opponent's shoulder with your other hand to prevent them from rotating away and escaping the position.

Adapting to Thumb-Down Defense

When the opponent points their thumb downward to defend against arm lock attacks, apply knee pressure by smashing and wiggling your knees against their body. This disruption often causes the opponent to rotate their thumb into another direction, allowing you to return to one of the two primary arm lock variations. Continue cycling through these positions until a submission is achieved.

Derrick Darling: Windmill Throw to Submissions

sambosteve

Crowbar Submission

3 min read·8 key moments·PT5M3S video

Key Takeaways

•Two-on-One Grip Setup
•Creating the Throwing Lane
•Fireman's Carry Execution
•Scarf Hold Transition

Derrick Darling teaches a windmill (Melnitza/Fireman/Kata Garuma) variation to scarf hold and a few fundamental submissions. Check out Derrick's club: www.welcomemattrainingcenter.com Filmed at New York Combat Sambo: www.nycombatsambo.com

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about crowbar submission?

This video covers two-on-one grip setup, creating the throwing lane, fireman's carry execution. It provides detailed instruction from sambosteve.

How long does it take to learn crowbar submission?

The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 8-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.