How To Do A Double Leg & Single Leg Takedown

This page provides details on how to do a Single and Double Leg Takedown in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts. This grappling technique is used to unbalance your opponent in order to take them to the ground and put yourself in position to utilize a submission technique.

For more grappling techniques, please visit our main Grappling section.

How To Perform A Single Leg Takedown

• The High Crotch
• First of all, imagine that you are lunging forward and kneeling down (preferably on the left leg) to take down your opponent via the double leg takedown.
• Then, if the double leg does not work (for example, if your opponent balances well or is larger/a higher belt than you), switch from the double leg takedown to the single leg takedown or the high crotch by only holding onto one leg.
• Whilst holding onto this leg, move your head to the outside of the leg that you are holding.
• Finally, pivot whilst holding the leg away from your opponent (do not pivot towards your opponent as they already have a leg there to balance on!)
• The Inside Leg Triple
• For this move, whilst holding one of your opponent's legs, place your head on their stomach (not their chest) and push into their stomach to take your opponent down.

How To Counter A High Crotch Takedown

• First of all, whilst your opponent is doing the high crotch but has not yet taken you down, cup the hand that is nearest to your opponent's head around their chin and onto their chin.
• Next, with the foot that is not between your opponent's legs, hop up to your opponent's legs.
• Finally, as quickly and as efficiently as you can to prevent yourself and your opponent from being hurt, roll backwards on the shoulder of the arm that is cupping your opponent's chin.

References

1. Written instructions provided by MMA Marcus - 12/20/14