Rao Drag to Armbar, Triangle, and Leg Attacks
This class unpacks one of the most effective modern innovations from knee cut passing — the Rao Drag (a.k.a. cross-frame bump). Originally developed by a lesser-known black belt and popularised by Jason Rao, this sneaky frame-clear has become a staple in competitive jiu-jitsu.
💥 Starting Position: Knee Cut with Frames
When your opponent has strong cross-frames while you're entering a knee cut position, the Rao Drag allows you to:
Knock out their frame with a sharp shoulder bump
Disrupt their structure just enough to sneak in an underhook
Begin controlling the upper body for a tight pin or submission chain
This isn’t just a pass — it’s a launchpad.
🔧 Mechanics Breakdown:
Frame Baiting – Pressure forward to get a big push from your opponent’s frames.
Cross-Frame Bump – Slide your chest back and bump their cross-frame with your shoulder to knock it aside.
Underhook Entry – As their frame is cleared, shoot your arm under and reapply chest pressure.
Knee Positioning – Turn your knee down into the hip pocket to flatten out the shield.
Control & Pin – With your underhook in, you now control their ability to turn into you.
🛠️ Follow-Ups from Pin:
🔹 Quarter Juji (Quick Armbar Setup)
Climb to the far-side arm.
Pin the elbow with chest pressure.
Finish with a sharp knee pinch and elbow isolation.
Tip: Control the thumb and keep the arm tight to your chest for maximum breaking pressure.
🔹 Triangle Transition from Failed Juji
If your opponent pummels their arm inside and you miss the crossface leg, pivot into a side triangle.
Control the far arm with a kimura grip.
Lock the triangle, adjust the angle, and finish with a clean strangle.
🔹 Cross Frame to Chin Strap: Rolling Attack
Wrap the head and roll through over your shoulder.
Control from front headlock or transition into guillotine or anaconda setups.
🔹 Backstep to Leg Lock (Surprise Attack!)
After clearing the knee shield, pummel your leg over their quad.
Slide down to expose the heel.
Lock the triangle and go straight into heel hook mechanics.
🧠 Key Concepts to Practice:
Timing the bump – You’re not forcing the pass, you’re tricking them into giving you the opening.
Pin to submission flow – Don’t pause at the pin; use it to advance.
Anticipate the defense – Whether they turn in, pummel, or reframe, there’s a clean path to an attack.
🧪 Try This:
Next time someone builds a strong knee shield, try baiting them into framing and practice the Rao Drag. Then cycle through each of the finishing branches: quarter juji, triangle, leg lock — and see what sticks.
🧭 Want to master transitions? This class is a roadmap.
🎥 Learn the full system on Sydney West Online class — your technical lab for BJJ growth.