Let's be honest, most BJJ practitioners would rather pull guard than engage in a takedown battle. But here's the thing: if you can't take someone down, you're giving up control from the very start of the match. Whether you're training for competition or self-defense, having a solid takedown game is essential.
Takedowns aren't just for wrestlers. They're a fundamental part of BJJ that allows you to dictate where the fight happens and start from a dominant position. Landing a clean takedown can give you an immediate advantage, putting you on top and forcing your opponent to work from the bottom.
This guide covers seven essential takedown techniques every white belt should learn to develop a well-rounded standing game. These techniques work in both gi and no-gi, and they'll help you feel more confident when the match starts on the feet.
1. Double leg takedown
The double leg takedown is one of the most fundamental takedowns in both wrestling and BJJ. It's powerful, relatively simple to learn, and works in both gi and no-gi situations.
Key details:
- Lower your level by bending your knees, not your back.
- Step in fast and commit to the takedown.
- Drive through your opponent with your shoulder in their hips.
- Keep driving until they hit the mat.
The double leg is effective because it uses your whole body to take down your opponent. Once you understand the mechanics, you can hit this takedown from various setups and positions.
2. Single leg takedown
The single leg takedown is more of a concept than a single technique. There are countless variations and finishes, making it one of the most versatile takedowns in grappling.
Key details:
- Attack one leg instead of both.
- Win the small battles, hand fighting, level changes, and angle creation all matter.
- Understand where to go next based on your opponent's defense.
- Works great from various grips and positions.
The beauty of the single leg is that it opens up a chain of attacks. If one finish doesn't work, you can transition to another. This makes it an excellent takedown for BJJ practitioners who like to flow and adapt.
3. Arm drag to back take
Learn the arm drag to back take
The arm drag to back take is a favorite among BJJ practitioners because it doesn't require explosive wrestling movements. Instead, it relies on timing, grip control, and quick footwork.
Key details:
- Pull your opponent's arm across their body.
- Step to the side as you drag the arm.
- Quickly circle behind them to secure back control.
- Works from various grips in both gi and no-gi.
This technique is perfect for BJJ players who prefer technique over power. If you can master the arm drag, you'll find yourself on your opponent's back before they even realize what happened.
4. Ouchi gari
The ouchi gari is a classic judo technique that's perfect for BJJ. It's a simple inside leg reap that can catch opponents off guard, especially if they're standing too tall.
Key details:
- Break your opponent's balance by making them step forward first.
- Reap their inside leg with your leg.
- Without proper balance breaking, the sweep can leave you open to a counterattack.
- Works in both gi and no-gi.
The key to this technique is the setup. You need to get your opponent moving forward before attempting the reap. This is a great technique to add to your arsenal because it's low-risk and high-reward when executed properly.
5. Collar drag to single leg
Learn the collar drag to single leg
The collar drag to single leg combines the setup of a collar drag with the finish of a single leg takedown. This is a great technique for gi practitioners who want to use their grips effectively.
Key details:
- Use the collar drag to off-balance your opponent.
- Quickly transition to a single leg takedown.
- Maintain control throughout the transition.
- Great for setting up other attacks if the single leg doesn't work.
This combination technique teaches you how to chain attacks together. The collar drag creates an opening, and the single leg capitalizes on that opening.
6. Snap down to back take
Learn the snap down to back take
The snap down to back take is a no-gi favorite that's perfect for when your opponent is bent over or has poor posture. It's fast, effective, and leads directly to back control.
Key details:
- Use a strong grip on your opponent's head to break their posture.
- Force them to bend forward.
- Quickly circle behind to secure back control.
- Works great in scrambles and transitions.
This technique is particularly useful in no-gi where you don't have collar grips to work with. If your opponent gives you their head, make them pay for it by taking their back.
7. Uchimata
The uchimata is a powerful judo throw that works in both gi and no-gi. It's a bit more technical than some other takedowns, but once you get it down, it's incredibly effective.
Key details:
- Hip position is crucial—get your hip under your opponent's center of gravity.
- Use proper leg movement to lift and throw.
- Creates easy entries to side control.
- Works in both gi and no-gi with slight variations.
The uchimata is one of those techniques that looks spectacular when done correctly. It requires good timing and body positioning, but the payoff is worth the effort.
Building a takedown game as a white belt
Takedowns might feel uncomfortable at first, especially if you're used to pulling guard. But developing a solid standing game will make you a more complete grappler. Here's why takedowns matter:
Control the pace: Landing a takedown lets you dictate where the fight goes. You start on top, in a dominant position, while your opponent has to work from the bottom.
Competition advantage: In most competition rulesets, you get points for takedowns. Starting the match with points on the board gives you a significant advantage.
Self-defense: In a real-world scenario, you need to be able to control whether the fight goes to the ground or not. Takedowns give you that control.
Build confidence: There's something empowering about being able to take someone down. It builds confidence in your overall game and makes you harder to deal with.
Key takeaways:
- Start with the basics double leg and single leg are your bread and butter.
- Practice level changes and footwork, they're just as important as the technique itself.
- Don't be afraid to pull guard if a takedown isn't there, but always look for the takedown first.
- Drill takedowns regularly, even if it's just for 10-15 minutes before or after class.
- Use setups, collar drags, arm drags, and snap downs create openings for your takedowns.
- Focus on balance and posture, both yours and your opponent's.
Remember, you don't need to be a world-class wrestler to have an effective takedown game. You just need a few solid techniques that you can hit consistently. These seven takedowns will give you a strong foundation and make you a more complete grappler.
For more detailed guides on takedowns and other techniques, check out our technique library.