BJJ Takedowns: Complete Guide for Sport, Self-Defense & Dominance

Welcome to Martial Boss, where passion meets precision in martial arts. I’m Steve Marlin, BJJ brown belt, lifelong grappler, and someone who’s eaten more than his share of mat from botched takedown attempts.

Ever stood across from an opponent, hands touching, heart pounding… and then just waited for them to make a move? Yeah, me too. Back when I was a white belt, I’d rather pull guard than risk looking clumsy on my feet. Sound familiar?

Well, here’s the truth: the fight doesn’t start on the ground, it starts the second you stand up.

And if you’re not using BJJ takedowns to control that moment, you’re giving away free points, position, and power.

At Martial Boss, we believe every martial artist, from brand-new blue belts to black belt coaches, deserves to feel confident standing toe-to-toe. That’s why this guide breaks down everything you need to know about BJJ takedowns:

Why they matter (even if you love guard play)
The core principles no one teaches beginners
High-percentage techniques for gi and no-gi
How to train them safely
And how to use them in real fights or competitions

No fluff. No filler. Just what works, based on years of rolling, failing, learning, and teaching.

Let’s get you off your knees and onto your feet, where the fight begins.

Why BJJ Takedowns Are the Most Underrated Skill

BJJ takedown

I once saw two purple belts circle each other for nearly three minutes. No attacks. No movement. Just hand-fighting like they were playing “keep-away” at summer camp.

Finally, one pulled guard.

The crowd sighed. The referee barely blinked.

Here’s the thing: in high-level BJJ, over half of all matches are won from the first point scored, the takedown. Yet so many of us treat stand-up like a waiting room before the “real” grappling starts.

That has to change.

Takedowns aren’t just about scoring 2 points under IBJJF rules. They’re about control. When you take someone down, you dictate:

Where the fight goes
What positions you land in
Who carries the momentum

And let’s be honest, there’s a psychological edge to being the one who makes things happen.

So why do so many BJJ gyms ignore takedowns?

Three reasons:

Fear of injury (especially knee shots)
Lack of coaching on stand-up
A culture that rewards pulling guard

But here’s the good news: you don’t need to be a wrestler to master BJJ takedowns. You just need the right mindset, mechanics, and practice plan.

Which is exactly what we’ll build together in this guide.

The Philosophy of BJJ Takedowns: Control the Fight from the Start

Think of takedowns like the opening move in chess.

If you wait for your opponent to attack, you’re already reacting. But if you initiate, even with a simple foot sweep, you force them to react.

That’s power.

In BJJ, controlling the stand-up phase means you’re not just fighting on the mat, you’re choosing when and how the fight gets there.

Let me tell you a quick story.

A few years ago, I competed at NAGA against a guy known for his slick guard game. Everyone knew he’d pull guard and try to sweep or submit.

So what did I do?

Instead of letting him sit down, I shot a double leg the second we touched gloves.

I didn’t even finish it perfectly, but I got far enough to score two points and end up in side control.

Game over in 30 seconds.

He never got to play his favorite game.

That’s the philosophy: don’t wait. Lead. Control. Dominate.

BJJ Takedowns vs. Wrestling & Judo: What’s the Difference?

You might be thinking: “Wait, aren’t BJJ takedowns just stolen from wrestling and judo?”

Yes… and no.

Sure, we borrow heavily from both arts. But BJJ adapts takedowns for a different goal: setting up submissions and avoiding bad positions.

Let’s break it down:

Wrestling takedowns focus on pinning or riding. Wrestlers drive hard, explode fast, and stay tight. But in BJJ, that aggressive head position can get you choked by a guillotine.

Judo throws are beautiful, high, flashy, and powerful. But many leave your back exposed, which is a death sentence in BJJ.

So what does BJJ-style look like?

It’s smarter. Safer. More connected.

We modify techniques to:

Protect our neck (no reckless shots)
Maintain grip control (especially in gi)
Land in dominant positions (side control, mount, not just on top)

For example, a wrestler might shoot a double leg and ride out. A BJJ player shoots the same shot, but immediately looks to pass or set up a submission.

Same tool. Different mission.

Sport BJJ vs. Self-Defense: Why Context Changes Everything

Now, let’s talk about why you’re taking someone down.

Because believe it or not, that changes how you do it.

In sport BJJ, your job is clear: score points and avoid penalties.

A clean takedown = 2 points. Land in side control? That’s 4 more. Boom, half the match won before the ground game even starts.

But you also have to follow the rules. No striking. No eye pokes. And if you get reversed, you lose points.

So sport takedowns are about efficiency, safety, and smart positioning.

Now, imagine a self-defense scenario.

You’re on concrete. Your goal isn’t points, it’s survival.

You need to take the threat down quickly, control them, and either escape or keep them pinned.

No tapping. No referees. No resets.

Suddenly, flashy throws become risky. You don’t want to fall awkwardly or land wrong.

Instead, low-risk trips, sweeps, and clinch takedowns shine.

And yes, you can combine strikes with takedowns here. A push, a slap, a knee to the thigh, all legal and effective in real life.

So ask yourself:
Are you training takedowns for the mat… or for the street?

Both matter. But they require slightly different tools.

The 3 Pillars of Every Successful BJJ Takedown

Forget memorizing 20 different throws.

If you don’t master the three pillars of takedowns, none of them will work consistently.

These are the non-negotiables. The foundation. The “ABCs” of taking people down.

Let’s go through them one by one.

Kuzushi (Off-Balancing): Break Their Base Before You Move

“Kuzushi” is a Japanese word meaning “breaking balance.”

And it’s the #1 reason most beginner takedown attempts fail.

You see it all the time: a student shoots hard… only to bounce off a fully balanced opponent like a rubber ball.

Why?

Because they didn’t break their balance first.

Think of it like pushing a shopping cart.

If all four wheels are on the ground, it rolls smoothly. But lift one wheel? It wobbles. Tip it forward? It dumps.

Same with people.

Before you shoot or throw, make them unstable.

How?

Pull the collar to yank their head forward
Drag their sleeve to spin them off-axis
Snap their head down before stepping in

Once they’re leaning? That’s your moment.

An off-balanced opponent isn’t a wall, they’re a domino.

Positioning & Angles: Get to the Corner of Their Stance

You wouldn’t try to open a locked door by ramming it head-on, right?

Same with takedowns.

If you attack straight into someone’s base, you’ll get sprawled, or worse, swept.

Instead, cut the corner.

Imagine your opponent is a square. Attacking from the front is tough. But step to their side? Suddenly, their legs can’t defend as well.

This is angle creation.

For wrestling shots: Penetrate deep and step to the outside hip.

For judo throws: Rotate around their center like a satellite.

For trips: Hook the leg when they’re shifting weight.

Good angles make weak people look strong and slow people look fast.

Practice footwork daily. It’s the invisible engine behind every great takedown.

Timing & Commitment: Half-Speed Gets You Sprawled

Here’s a hard truth: a hesitant takedown is a failed takedown.

I learned this the painful way.

Back in my blue belt days, I’d set up a single leg… then pause mid-shot to check if my coach was watching.

Big mistake.

My partner sprawled, passed, and submitted me in 20 seconds.

Lesson? Either go full commitment, or don’t go at all.

Timing is about reading your opponent:

When they step forward? Attack.
When they pull hard on your sleeve? Counter with Ouchi Gari.
When they shift weight to one leg? Trip the other.

And once you decide, explode.

No half-measures. No second-guessing.

Commit like your next meal depends on it.

Because in BJJ, hesitation isn’t just lost points. It’s lost control.

Essential BJJ Takedowns: Techniques for Gi and No-Gi

Now that you’ve got the foundation, let’s dive into the moves.

I’ll walk you through the highest-percentage takedowns, grouped by style, context, and skill level.

These are the ones I teach my students first. The ones I still use today.

No fancy circus throws. Just what works, again and again.

Ready?

Let’s roll.

h2>Bold>Essential BJJ Takedowns: Techniques for Gi and No-Gi (Part 2)

Now that you’ve got the core principles, kuzushi, angles, timing, it’s time to put them into action.

These are the takedowns I use most, both in competition and teaching. Some come from wrestling. Others from judo. All have been adapted for BJJ reality: submissions, guard pulls, and staying safe on your neck.

Let’s break them down, one by one.

Double Leg Takedown – The King of No-Gi

If stand-up grappling had a MVP, it’d be the double leg.

It’s simple: drive forward, shoot under both legs, lift, and finish.

But here’s the BJJ twist: you’re not just trying to pin someone, you’re trying not to get choked.

I learned this the hard way during a no-gi tournament. I shot hard… but left my head high.

My opponent locked a guillotine before I even stood up.

Tap. Match over.

So how do you fix it?

Tuck your chin like you’re hiding behind a scarf.
Frame with your near hand against their hip or thigh.
Drive through with your shoulders low, don’t pop straight up.

And remember: you don’t need to lift them high. Just enough to off-balance, then ride them down.

Best used when closing distance or after a level change fake.

This move is gold in no-gi. In gi? Use it when they’re moving backward or lose grip control.

Single Leg Takedown – Speed, Angles & Control

The single leg is like a scalpel, precise, fast, and full of options.

You grab one leg, break balance, and finish with trips, lifts, or runs.

Why do I love it?

Because it works whether you’re short, tall, strong, or technical.

Here’s how to make it BJJ-safe:

Get deep on the leg, don’t just grab the ankle. Wrap higher if you can.
Angle out, don’t go straight back. Step to the side like you’re running around a cone.
Protect your head, keep it tucked and framed.

Finishes matter. You don’t have to lift them.

Try:

Running the pipe (spin behind for back control)
Shelving the leg (press it into their body to drop them)
Trip to side control (sweep the standing leg with your foot)

Great for taller opponents who lean forward. Also perfect after a collar pull or arm drag.

O Goshi (Hip Toss) – Power Meets Precision

O Goshi isn’t flashy, but man, is it effective, especially in gi.

I first learned it from a judo black belt at my gym. He weighed 30 pounds less than me… and tossed me like a sack of laundry.

How?

He didn’t use strength. He used kuzushi and hip placement.

To do it right:

Break their posture forward (pull collar/sleeve).
Step deep into their space, hip to hip.
Squeeze and rotate, like you’re turning a doorknob.

Key tip: Your hip is the fulcrum. If you don’t get close enough, it won’t work.

Use this when they’re flat-footed or pulling hard on your lapel.

And yes, you can hit it from the clinch or after a feint.

It’s not a “wrestler move.” It’s a smart grappler’s move.

Ouchi Gari (Major Inner Reap) – The Beginner’s Best Friend

If you’re new to takedowns, start here.

Ouchi Gari is low-risk, high-reward, and uses natural movement.

You reap (hook) their front leg from the inside while pulling their upper body forward.

It feels like tripping someone who’s already falling.

Why it works:

Minimal penetration needed
Hard to sprawl against
Sets up other throws if blocked

I teach this to brand-new students because it builds timing and coordination without risking injury.

Use it when they step forward, just hook and pull.

In gi? Grab the sleeve and collar for extra control.

In no-gi? Use an over-under clinch or head snap.

And if they defend? No problem. Transition to Osoto Gari or a single leg.

Osoto Gari (Major Outer Reap) – Power Throw for Stronger Opponents

Think of Osoto Gari as Ouchi’s bigger, stronger cousin.

Instead of reaping from the inside, you sweep their leg from the outside while driving them backward.

Perfect for controlling larger, stronger opponents.

Mechanics:

Pull them forward (collar grip helps).
Step behind their leg.
Swing your leg like a baseball bat and push their chest.

Timing is everything. Wait until they’re shifting weight onto the leg you’re targeting.

I once used this to take down a 250-pound purple belt who thought he was immune to throws.

He wasn’t.

Just remember: keep your back straight. Don’t arch too much, or you’ll end up underneath them.

Ankle Pick – The Stealthy Takedown

No grips? No problem.

The ankle pick is a sneaky, low-commitment takedown that frustrates aggressive opponents.

You drop your level, grab the ankle, and trip them forward.

It’s like stealing a base in baseball, no warning, all action.

Best setups:

After a head snap
During a two-on-one grip fight
When they’re bouncing on their toes

Keep your head safe, tuck and frame.

And don’t try to lift. Just collapse the leg and follow them down.

Great for shorter practitioners or when space is tight.

I use this in rolling sessions when I want to avoid a messy clinch.

Simple. Effective. Underused.

Collar Drag to Takedown – Pure BJJ Magic

This one’s special. It only works in gi, but when it does, it’s beautiful.

You pull their collar, spin them off-balance, and either throw them or take their back.

It’s not just a takedown. It’s a position killer.

Steps:

Break their posture with a strong collar grip.
Step to the side and drag their head across your body.
As they turn, reap their leg or sit through for back control.

I love this move because it turns defense into offense.

They come in strong? You drag and flip the script.

Bonus: It sets up submissions instantly. One second they’re attacking, the next, they’re looking at your knees from mount.

Teach this early. It builds grip fighting IQ and spatial awareness.

Snapdown to Guard Pull – A Strategic Choice, Not a Weakness

Wait, guard pull? In a takedown guide?

Yes. Hear me out.

Pulling guard isn’t always avoiding takedowns. Sometimes, it’s choosing your battlefield.

If you’re a black belt sweep artist, why let your opponent pass your guard?

Take them down your way.

A snapdown to guard pull looks like this:

Snap their head down
Immediately sit and grab your preferred grips

Now the fight is where you want it.

Is it a takedown? Technically, no.

But is it stand-up control? Absolutely.

And in BJJ, control is power, whether you’re on top or on bottom.

So don’t shame the guard pull. Master it. Own it. Make it part of your game.

Just don’t do it every time. Mix it up. Keep them guessing.

Setting Up Takedowns: Grip Fighting, Feints & Combinations

You wouldn’t swing a punch without setting it up, right?

Same with takedowns.

Even the best technique fails if you telegraph it.

So let’s talk about how to set up takedowns so they actually work.

Grip Fighting: The Secret Weapon in Gi BJJ

In gi, grips are like chess pieces. Control them, and you control the game.

Common setups:

Sleeve-and-collar pull → creates forward kuzushi → opens door for Ouchi or Osoto.

Breaking their grip → disrupts balance → creates an entry window.

Two-on-one → controls one arm → frees you to attack the legs.

Drill grip fighting like it’s a language. Learn the responses.

For example:

You grab their collar → they strip it → you switch to sleeve → they post → you drag and reap.

That’s not random. That’s conversation.

And the one who speaks better wins.

Feints and Misdirection: Trick Their Reflexes

Your body reacts faster than your brain thinks.

Use that.

Fake a double leg → they sprawl → now you go for a single leg or ankle pick.

Fake a collar drag → they turn away → now you reap the back leg.

It’s like faking a pass in basketball. The defender moves, and suddenly, the real move is wide open.

Practice slow at first. Make the fake believable.

Then speed it up.

Soon, your opponent will be reacting to ghosts.

Chain Wrestling: Flow Like Water

“Chain wrestling” just means linking takedown attempts together.

Failed a double leg? Don’t stop. Transition to a single leg, then a trip, then a body lock.

Think of it like climbing a ladder. Miss one rung? Grab the next.

This keeps pressure on and stops you from getting stale.

Drill it live:

Start with a shot
Partner defends
You flow into another option
Repeat for 60 seconds

Do this regularly, and you’ll never freeze up again.

Common Mistakes in BJJ Takedowns (And How to Fix Them)

Let’s keep it real.

We’ve all done these.

But knowing the mistakes? That’s how you fix them.

Mistake #1: Poor Head Position = Free Choke

Leaving your head high during a shot is like handing your opponent a gift-wrapped guillotine.

Fix: Tuck your chin, keep your back rounded, and frame with your near hand.

Drill: Shadow roll with head position focus. No partner needed.

Mistake #2: Overcommitting and Getting Reversed

Going all-in on a bad angle? That’s how you end up on your back.

Fix: Stay balanced. Keep a base. Be ready to disengage.

Tip: Practice “entry and exit” drills, attack, then reset.

Mistake #3: Ignoring Grip Fighting

Trying to throw someone while they control your sleeves? Good luck.

Fix: Break grips first. Establish your own. Then attack.

Drill: 2-minute grip-fighting rounds before sparring.

Mistake #4: Not Following Through

Landing the takedown is half the job.

If you don’t secure side control or mount, you wasted the energy.

Fix: Have a plan. Know your first pass or submission setup before you even shoot.

Training Drills to Improve Your BJJ Takedowns

You don’t get good at takedowns by watching videos.

You get good by doing them, again and again.

Here’s how.

Solo Drills: Build Muscle Memory

Shadow drilling: Walk through shots, throws, and transitions slowly.
Penetration steps: Drive forward with explosive steps.
Sprawl drills: React to imaginary shots, fast and low.

Do 5–10 minutes before every class.

Partner Drills: Add Resistance

Shot penetration with resistance: Partner pushes back lightly.
Grip fighting sequences: Rotate through common exchanges.
Chain wrestling rounds: 3 minutes of live takedown attempts.

Start slow. Focus on form. Then go live.

Situational Sparring: Bridge to Real Rolling

Start from standing with specific grips.

Example:

Collar-sleeve grip → spar until takedown or defense.

This builds timing, adaptability, and confidence.

Takedowns in Competition: Strategies from Top Grapplers

Elite grapplers don’t win with mystery moves.

They win with timing, consistency, and smart setups.

Marcus Almeida? Hits single legs under pressure like a sniper.

Ffion Davies? Uses Ouchi and Osoto with perfect kuzushi.

Gordon Ryan? Combines body locks with trips and pins.

Their secret?

They practice takedowns like they matter.

Because in a close match, one takedown decides everything.

So train yours like it will.

Self-Defense Applications: Practical Takedowns for Real Life

On concrete, you don’t want high throws.

You want control, safety, and efficiency.

Best options:

Foot sweeps
Hip tosses
Clinch takedowns (body lock, collar drag)

Avoid jumping or spinning moves.

And always protect your head.

Remember: in self-defense, your goal isn’t to submit them, it’s to escape safely.

Takedown Defense: The Other Side of the Coin

Can’t stop takedowns? You’ll never control the fight.

Master:

Stance and movement (don’t stand still)
The sprawl (hips back, chest heavy)
Grip stripping (break their control before they act)

Good offense needs good defense.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About BJJ Takedowns

Q: Are takedowns allowed in BJJ?
A: Yes! They score 2 points in IBJJF and ADCC rules.

Q: Can I use wrestling takedowns in BJJ?
A: Absolutely. Many champions blend wrestling and BJJ seamlessly.

Q: What’s the easiest takedown for beginners?
A: Ouchi Gari, foot sweep, or collar drag, low risk, high reward.

Q: Do no-gi takedowns differ from gi?
A: Yes. Gi uses fabric grips; no-gi relies on underhooks, clinch, and speed.

Q: I have bad knees. Any takedowns without shooting?
A: Yes! Try Ouchi, Osoto, foot sweeps, or collar drags.

Q: How long to get good at takedowns?
A: With 1–2 focused sessions per week, noticeable progress in 3–6 months.

Conclusion: Become a Complete Grappler

Look, I used to hate stand-up.

I’d rather tap from a triangle than eat mat from a failed shot.

But once I committed to learning takedowns? Everything changed.

I scored more points. Won more matches. Felt more confident.

And so can you.

You don’t need to be an Olympian wrestler.

You just need to start.

Pick one takedown from this guide.

Ask your coach to help you drill it.

Do it for 10 minutes in your next class.

Small steps lead to big results.

Because in BJJ, the journey begins on your feet.

Now go take control.