If you're new to BJJ, you've probably noticed that most training time focuses on what happens after you hit the ground. But here's the thing: every match starts standing up. Learning jiu jitsu takedowns as a beginner is essential if you want to control where the fight goes instead of just accepting whatever position you end up in.
The reality is that many BJJ practitioners, especially at white and blue belt levels, feel uncomfortable in the standing phase. They either pull guard immediately or awkwardly try wrestling moves they haven't really practiced. This creates a gap in your game that more well-rounded opponents will exploit.
That's why I've put together this guide to nine fundamental jiu jitsu takedowns for beginners. These aren't fancy throws that require years of judo experience. They're practical, high-percentage techniques that you can start drilling right away and actually use in your rolls.
Why takedowns matter in BJJ
Before we dive into specific techniques, let's talk about why this matters. In competition, takedowns score points and let you choose the position. In training, being confident on your feet means you can work on your top game more effectively. And from a self-defense perspective, controlling where and how a fight goes to the ground is crucial.
The good news is that you don't need to become a wrestling champion or judo black belt. You just need a few reliable takedowns that fit your game. Once you have those, you can build from there.
The 9 essential jiu jitsu takedowns for beginners
1. Double leg takedown
The double leg is probably the most fundamental wrestling takedown you can learn. It's effective in both gi and no-gi, works against bigger opponents, and doesn't require perfect timing to pull off.
The key is dropping your level, stepping in deep, and driving through your opponent. You're not trying to pick them up; you're trying to take their legs out from under them while you drive forward. Most beginners make the mistake of staying too upright and reaching for the legs, which leaves you vulnerable and weak.
Brian Peterson breaks down the double leg step by step in this technique, focusing on the level change, penetration step, and drive that makes it work.
2. Single leg takedown
The single leg is often easier to hit than the double leg because you only need to secure one leg, and it gives you more options for finishing. Wrestling University teaches it as a concept rather than a single technique, because once you have the leg, there are multiple ways to finish depending on how your opponent reacts.
For beginners, the single leg is great because even if you don't finish the takedown perfectly, you're usually in a decent position to transition to something else. You can work to the back, sweep, or reset and try again.
The main thing is commitment. When you shoot for that single leg, you need to get deep and stay connected. Half-hearted attempts just put you in bad positions. Check out Wrestling University's breakdown to see how to approach it systematically.
3. Arm drag to back take
This is one of the smoothest jiu jitsu takedowns for beginners because it doesn't feel like a takedown at all. You're basically using your opponent's arm against them, pulling it across their body and stepping to the side to get to their back.
The beauty of the arm drag is that it works from so many positions and you don't need to be particularly strong or explosive. It's all about timing, hand placement, and footwork. Giancarlo Bodoni teaches this in a way that makes sense even if you've never done any wrestling.
What makes it especially valuable for BJJ is that even if you don't take them down, you often end up in a scramble where you have better position. Learn the arm drag to back take and you'll find yourself using it constantly.
4. Snap down to back take
The snap down is a wrestling staple that translates perfectly to BJJ. You get a strong grip on your opponent's head or collar and break their posture by pulling them forward and down. As they react to the pull, you circle to their back.
Matt Arroyo's instruction on the snap down to back take focuses on using that initial pull to create movement you can capitalize on. For no-gi, this is particularly effective because people tend to be more upright in their stance.
The snap down is also forgiving for beginners. Even if you mess up the back take, you're usually in a position to try something else or at worst reset to standing. It teaches you to create and exploit movement, which is valuable beyond just this one technique.
5. Ouchi Gari
Ouchi Gari is a judo technique that works beautifully in BJJ because it doesn't require perfect grips or extreme athleticism. You're essentially sweeping your opponent's leg from the inside while breaking their balance backward.
The key, as Satoshi Ishii explains, is making your opponent step forward first. If they're not off-balance, the sweep won't work and you'll just be standing there with your leg in the air looking awkward. But when you time it right and they're already moving forward, the technique is incredibly effective.
Watch Satoshi Ishii's tutorial to understand the balance-breaking component. That's what makes the difference between a technique that works and one that just gets you countered.
6. Uchimata
Uchimata is another judo throw that translates well to BJJ. It looks more complex than it actually is. You're basically using your hip and leg to lift and throw your opponent, but the key is positioning rather than strength.
Brian Glick's instruction focuses on hip position and leg movement. When you get those right, even a smaller person can throw someone bigger. The nice thing about uchimata is that it creates natural entries to side control, so even if the throw isn't perfect, you often end up in a good position.
The uchimata technique works in both gi and no-gi, though the grips are different. For beginners, the gi version offers more control while you're learning the mechanics before adapting to no-gi.
7. Collar drag to single leg
This is a gi-specific technique that's perfect for BJJ practitioners because it combines a drag with a wrestling finish. You use the collar grip to pull your opponent off-balance while transitioning to a single leg takedown as they react.
John Danaher teaches this with an emphasis on the connection between the drag and the leg attack. They're not separate moves, they're one flowing sequence. The collar drag sets up the single leg by off-balancing your opponent and getting you to the right angle.
The collar drag to single leg is particularly useful in competition where you have gi grips. It's a high-percentage move once you get the timing down, and it combines elements that BJJ players are already familiar with.
8. Fake guard pull to ankle pick
This is pure BJJ trickery. You fake like you're going to pull guard, which makes your opponent relax or change their weight distribution. As they adjust, you quickly change levels and attack the ankle instead. Andre Galvao is a master of this technique.
The key is selling the fake. Your opponent needs to believe you're actually pulling guard, so you have to commit to the motion before changing direction. When done right, they literally can't react fast enough because they were expecting something completely different.
Learn the fake guard pull to ankle pick and you'll have a weapon that catches people by surprise. This is one of those jiu jitsu takedowns for beginners that doesn't require much strength or speed, just good timing and a convincing fake.
9. Tomoe Nage
Tomoe Nage is a sacrifice throw where you drop back, put your foot in your opponent's hip, and flip them over you. It looks dramatic, but it's actually pretty safe to learn and can be surprisingly effective.
Travis Stevens teaches it with a focus on off-balancing first. You can't just drop back and hope the throw works. You need to get your opponent moving forward or at least off-balance before using your leg and their momentum to complete the throw.
The Tomoe Nage is especially useful for smaller grapplers because you're using leverage and momentum rather than strength. Plus, even if the throw doesn't work perfectly, you often end up in guard, which isn't a bad place to be if that's where you're comfortable.
How to train these takedowns
Here's the reality: you can't learn jiu jitsu takedowns for beginners just by reading about them or watching videos. You need to drill them. A lot.
Start slow and focus on the mechanics. Work with a partner who's also learning. Don't worry about finishing the takedown perfectly at first, just get comfortable with the movements and the feeling of each technique.
Once you have the basic mechanics down, you can start adding resistance. Have your partner defend lightly while gradually increasing the intensity. The goal is to develop timing and feel, not just memorize steps.
And here's an important point: pick one or two of these to focus on at first. Don't try to master all nine at once. Get decent at one or two, use them in your rolls, and build from there. Having two reliable takedowns is infinitely better than having nine that you kind of know but can't actually execute under pressure.
Common mistakes beginners make
The biggest mistake I see is hesitation. If you're going to shoot for a takedown, commit to it. Halfway attempts just put you in bad positions and waste energy.
The second mistake is trying to muscle through the technique. These takedowns work because of mechanics, timing, and positioning, not pure strength. (well okay, strength works, but you should still focus on the technique) If you find yourself trying to force it, you're probably doing something wrong.
Finally, don't neglect the setup. You can't just randomly shoot for takedowns and expect them to work. You need to create openings through movement, grips, feints, or reactions. Watch how more experienced grapplers set up their takedowns and try to copy that approach.
Building your takedown game
Learning jiu jitsu takedowns as a beginner isn't about becoming a world-class wrestler. It's about having reliable tools to get the fight to the ground on your terms. Start with these nine techniques, drill them consistently, and use them in your training.
As you develop your stand-up game, you'll find that it opens up your entire BJJ game. You'll feel more confident in competition, more effective in training, and more well-rounded as a grappler.
And remember, this is just the beginning. Once you're comfortable with these fundamentals, there are plenty of other takedowns, throws, and setups to explore. But these nine will give you a solid foundation to build on.
Want to complement your takedown game with a stronger body? Check out our guide on strength training for BJJ to develop the physical attributes that make these techniques even more effective.