The Double Leg: The First Takedown You Should Learn

The Must Know, Basic Takedown For Your Grappling Game!

As the guard game develops, Jiu Jitsu practitioners will often ignore the takedowns as they are more certain they can successful on the ground. Some argue that the whole goal of wrestling in Jiu Jitsu is to get to the ground, but it can be done the same if one just sits.

When done effectively, wrestling forces our opponents down to the ground in inferior positions relative to the ones they would establish if they pull guard. Also, maintaining the top position is easier than defending guard pass, so why not get the top position?

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Although wrestling takedowns are technical and intricate techniques themselves, they will only be as successful as the set ups. There is no point in learning all the intricacies of a double leg if one does not know how to set them up. With that being said, I would like to share a few double leg setups that I use to consistently get to the double leg position. These setups are very simple and safe.

The first set up I use constantly not to only attack the double leg but threaten takedowns is extremely simple. Typically, when grapplers wrestle, they will battle for hand position and gaining the superior clinch.

In this battle, grips are constantly being removed and returned. To set up almost any shooting takedown while in the clinch, I will often break grips and separate slightly from my partner. As my partner begins to approach again, they will usually begin reaching for grips. As they reach, this is a great opportunity to quickly go under the gripping hands and get to the legs.

Another simple set up that works really well in all levels of Jiu Jitsu is using the snap down. The snap down is technique in wrestling that utilizes the collar tie. After establishing the appropriate grips, literally snap your partner down as if you are forcing them to turtle. Most grapplers will respond by posturing up and standing straight. When they do this, it is an excellent time to shoot for the takedown. In the following video by BJJ Fanatics, Black Belt Fabiano Scherner demonstrates how to do this.

These setups have one main characteristic that can be attributed to their success. We are distracting our opponent using their upper body so that they open up their lower body. From this idea alone, many different set ups can be used that will lead to quick and effective finishes.

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