TOP 5 BJJ TAKEDOWNS TO LEARN | JIU-JITSU BASICS
Looking to learn some of the Top BJJ takedowns that you can add to your arsenal?
In BJJ, most of the procedures you practice involves being on the ground. However, there's a little concern:- How do you get your opponents to the ground with these moves?
- What are the strategies you can use to get them to the ground fast?
Well, you guessed that right- BJJ TAKEDOWNS.
Most wrestling and judo school curriculum focuses mainly on the ground aspect of the sport without emphasizing the importance of getting the match to the ground.
In a BJJ match, you naturally start the competition standing. Afterward, looking for ways to pull down your competitor to the ground or force them to the ground with a takedown.
In reality, takedowns are a necessity for top-game players- they're essential techniques that you'll learn in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
Whether in competition or practice, BJJ takedowns are used by MMA and BJJ practitioners to throw off their challengers off balance and take them down.
That way, it becomes easier to take control of the match, become a multi-dimensional grappler, and win the competition by leveraging the advantage of being on top.
If you've been looking to transform your takedown level and dive into the next level, here are some of the Best BJJ takedowns & throws to consider.
1. THE DOUBLE LEG TAKEDOWN
The double leg takedown is considered as one of the best and most effective BJJ takedowns to learn- so useful that one can't compile a list of BJJ takedowns for beginners without mentioning it.
In addition to that, it's perhaps the most used takedown in all martial arts, as it is generally prevalent in submission grappling, wrestling, BJJ, and MMA.
Undoubtedly, the popularity of the double leg takedown can be attributed to its simplicity.
To successfully execute a double leg takedown, you need first to change levels, wrap the challenger's legs, and put them on the ground. Once you're able to practice this technique frequently, it'll be easier to catch your challengers off guard and least expect it.
If you want to get a deep shot using a double leg takedown, it's advisable to keep your hips lower than your opponents.
2. THE SINGLE LEG TAKEDOWN
The single-leg takedown is the second most popular and used BJJ takedown to learn if you want to become a professional grappler.
It's a pretty straightforward approach to execute- you just need to grab one of your opponents' legs.
The single-leg takedown is a bit trickier to execute than the double-leg counterpart. However, it's a very effective technique that anyone can learn if drilled enough and used in live rolling.
You need to lift your contender's leg by positioning one arm under his ankle and the other under his thigh of the same leg. Afterward, you can use your shoulder to push and rotate your challenger into the direction that's unsupported by his leg. That way, he'll lose balance and fall down.
3. THE ANKLE PICK
The Ankle pick takedown is usually of the first techniques that many BJJ beginners learn because of its simplicity in folkstyle wrestling and BJJ.
It's a relatively low risk but high reward takedown attack than can land you in an excellent position for passing the guard. The ankle pick is usually executed using a lapel grip.
If you notice that your challenger is bent slowly, then you can leverage this takedown technique to your advantage by grabbing his ankle and putting it in the air. That way, your challenger won't have any option other than to lose balance and fall to the ground.
If you really want to perfect the ankle pick takedown, then you need to deceive your challenger and make him think that you're pulling guard.
When you pretend to place your foot on your challenger's hip, they'll instantly change levels and try to pull guard or pass your guard.
That's the best time to get them off balance by leveraging their change in stance and pulling their ankle towards you.
If you really want to maximally take advantage of their change in levels, it's best to execute the ankle pick technique using leverage.
4. UCHI MATA
The Uchi Mata is a quintessential Judo throw that's very applicable to BJJ and devastating when done correctly.
In order to execute Uchi Mata properly, you basically need to turn your back to your opponent while grabbing their arm and wrapping it around your stomach at the same time. Then, you need to place your other arm over their head and use this positioning as support over which you'll throw your opponent.
If you want to launch your opponent in the air, it’ll be helpful if you can lift off one of your legs.
Undoubtedly, Uchi Mata is one of the best BBJ takedowns. It's a high-scoring and high-percentage throw. However, you need to be extremely careful as it's not a good idea to turn your back to your challenger in a BJJ match.
5. OUCH GARI
The Ouch Gari, otherwise known as the inside trip, is another great BBJ takedown to learn.
It's one of the most effective and easiest takedowns in jiu-jitsu. This takedown is a very high percentage throw and would be a great addition to your arsenals of throws/takedowns.
In order to execute the Ouch Gari, you need to stand opposite your challenger, battle for grips, insert your left leg on the inside of your opponent's right leg (and vice versa) and then use your leg to trip off your opponents.
Afterward, you can decide whether to fall down with your challenger or continue to stand after the trip is over.
CONCLUSION
And that's it for now.
In this article, we were able to talk about the top 5 BJJ takedowns to learn.
Even though there are several other techniques that you can use to take down your challenger, these are some of the best takedowns that you use to improve your stand-up game in BJJ by leaps and bounds.
We wish you the very best in your BJJ beginner journey.
Now, we'll love to hear from you.
What are your thoughts on this article? Are there other easy takedowns for white belts that you'll love to share? Do you have any other questions? Please sound off your views and questions in the comments section below.