Introduction to Nicky Ryan's Double Leg Strategy
Nicky Ryan demonstrated a wrestling clinic at Flow Grappling's Road to ADCC event, showcasing exceptional technique from both feet and bottom position. His most impactful sequence involved executing a double leg takedown followed immediately by a body lock pass into side control, a high-percentage combination that exemplifies modern wrestling-jiu-jitsu integration.
Arm Pop Mechanics and Collar Tie Escape
The initial movement involves popping the opponent's arm upward to disengage the collar tie from the neck. This two-part action—clearing the collar tie while simultaneously lowering level—creates a decisive advantage by putting the attacker momentarily ahead positionally and reducing the opponent's ability to control with heavy neck pressure.
S-Grip Hand Clasp in Double Leg Setup
Once leg contact is established, clasping the hands using an S-grip or chain-link configuration dramatically improves control compared to unclaped arms. This grip locks the hips and pinches the legs inward with elbow pressure, making it significantly harder for the opponent to generate sprawl power or escape the takedown.
Guard Prevention Through Leg Pinching
By maintaining the S-grip with compressed legs in a pigeon-toe position, the attacker effectively prevents the opponent from opening their legs to establish closed guard during the takedown. Even if the defender lands in closed guard after being taken down, the tight compression limits their guard establishment options and preserves the attacker's positional advantage.
Transition to Body Lock Position
As the double leg completes, the hands immediately slide upward to transition into a body lock around the opponent's torso. The attacker positions the grip low at the hips rather than high at the lats, with both elbows clenched against the sides while maintaining a centered head position to prevent premature guard advancement.
Clearing the Butterfly Hook
The attacker clears the first butterfly hook by stepping back with the right leg while maintaining the body lock. The left leg then steps over the knee line to control the lower body, preparing to neutralize the opponent's half-guard hook before it becomes a sweeping threat.
Head Positioning to Control the Escape Angle
Critical to passing the butterfly guard is maintaining the opponent's back flat against the mat by shifting the head to the attacking side. If the attacker allows the opponent to rotate onto their side, it creates a vulnerable angle for butterfly guard sweeps and reduces passing efficiency significantly.
Stapling the Hook and Completing the Pass
The attacker's leg pins the opponent's hook to the mat while circling the hips to complete the pass. By keeping the opponent flat and progressively moving across their body while maintaining hip pressure, the attacker eliminates hook leverage and establishes dominant side control position.
The Merge Ep. 49 - Nicky Ryan's Double Leg to Body Lock Pass - 2021 Road to ADCC
Key Takeaways
- •Introduction to Nicky Ryan's Double Leg Strategy
- •Arm Pop Mechanics and Collar Tie Escape
- •S-Grip Hand Clasp in Double Leg Setup
- •Guard Prevention Through Leg Pinching
This past July, Nicky Ryan went head-to-head with fellow ADCC veteran, Dante Leon. Nicky put on a wresting clinic both from his feet as well as wrestling up from the bottom position. Michael breaks down Nicky Ryan's arm pop double leg takedown and explains the benefits of Nicky's "S-Grip" in Jiu Jitsu. Finally, Michael highlights key details behind Nicky's body lock pass that secured him a five point lead. 0:00 - Intro 0:25 - Arm Pop Setup - How & Why? 1:00 - Nicky's S-Grip - Benefits in Jiu Jitsu 2:51 - Nicky's Body Lock Pass 4:44 - Outro Wrestling for BJJ - Double leg takedown and double leg finish in BJJ. This video also covers a body lock pass to side control by Nicky Ryan. #nickyryan #adcc #themerge
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this video teach about standard russian tie drag?
This video covers introduction to nicky ryan's double leg strategy, arm pop mechanics and collar tie escape, s-grip hand clasp in double leg setup. It provides detailed instruction from Merge Grappling.
How long does it take to learn standard russian tie drag?
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.
What are the key details for finishing standard russian tie drag?
Critical to passing the butterfly guard is maintaining the opponent's back flat against the mat by shifting the head to the attacking side. If the attacker allows the opponent to rotate onto their side, it creates a vulnerable angle for butterfly guard sweeps and reduces passing efficiency significantly.
