BJJ Takedowns
Takedowns are how the fight gets to the ground on your terms. In BJJ they borrow from wrestling and judo, singles, doubles, ankle picks, and throws, adapted to a ruleset where the guard pull is always an alternative.
Browse BJJ Takedowns flowcharts in ExploreWrestling and judo, adapted for BJJ
No-gi takedowns lean on wrestling: level changes, singles, doubles, and ankle picks off collar ties and underhooks. Gi takedowns add judo throws built on lapel and sleeve grips. Either way the BJJ context changes the risk, since getting countered can mean handing over points or your back.
Chain attempts, mind the landing
Single takedowns rarely land cold; the high-percentage approach is to chain them, so a failed double becomes a single and a stuffed shot becomes an ankle pick. And because this is BJJ, you finish thinking about the pass and the scramble, not just the takedown itself.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best takedowns for BJJ?
The single leg, double leg, and ankle pick from wrestling, and grip-based throws from judo, are the staples. The best one for you depends on whether you train gi or no-gi and your athletic style.
Should I learn takedowns or just pull guard?
Both have a place, but takedowns put you on top and score points. Even a small reliable takedown game makes you far harder to deal with than relying on the guard pull alone.
How are BJJ takedowns different from wrestling?
The techniques overlap, but BJJ rewards control over the scramble and punishes giving up your back. You finish a BJJ takedown already thinking about the pass.
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