Best BJJ Takedowns: A Complete Guide

Drop Seoi Nage Throw

The Drop Seio Nage is a fantastic Judo throw that can also be used in Brazilian jiu-jitsu with minor modifications to the technique. This is because the standard version of this throw exposes your back to attacks, which you should never do in a BJJ fight.

Why It Works in BJJ

Drop Seoi Nage can be used effectively in BJJ if performed with the necessary caution to protect your back and the appropriate grip modification. However, beginner white belts may find this throw challenging to understand since it requires excellent technical abilities and timing.

Still, it is not considered an advanced technique; all belt-level practitioners can perform it with proper instruction and drilling.

Key Setup Points

• Break opponent’s posture and create the right distance
• Turn your hips into their body to establish connection
• Modify the grip to avoid exposing your back (key BJJ adaptation)
• Protect your back with proper hip positioning during the throw
• Practice footwork extensively before attempting in rolling

Harai Goshi Throw

The Harai Goshi is a fantastic Judo throw that can also be used in BJJ with a few minor tweaks to the execution of the technique. It is a hip movement sweep considered one of the oldest Kodokan Judo throws, developed by master Jigoro Kano.

BJJ Applications

Furthermore, the Harai Goshi can be used effectively with different grips and setups depending on the situation. For example, it can be used against a standing opponent to counter a single-leg takedown, among other things.

The Harai Goshi is a formidable Judo throw for BJJ, requiring excellent technical abilities and timing. Despite this, it is not considered an advanced technique, and practitioners of all belt levels can perform it successfully.

Optimal Setup Scenarios

• Against opponents in forward-lean posture
• Counter to single-leg takedown attempts
• From collar-tie or other close control grips
• Works in both gi and no-gi with grip adjustments

Collar Drag Takedown

Now recognized as one of the easiest and most effective BJJ takedowns, the collar drag has become a staple at all belt levels. This modern takedown technique rose to prominence in 2024-2025 competition data as practitioners discovered its reliability and simplicity.

Why Collar Drag is Essential in 2025

The collar drag works by controlling your opponent’s collar (gi or no-gi neck control) while simultaneously dragging their arm to expose their side. This creates a directional force that off-balances the opponent and allows easy takedown entry.

Elite grapplers use collar drag as a system rather than an isolated technique, chaining it into multiple takedown options based on opponent defense.

Fundamental Setup

• Establish collar grip or neck control from standing
• Control opponent’s wrist or arm with your other hand
• Create angle and drag their collar diagonally
• Step behind or through based on their reaction
• Complete takedown to dominant position

Snap Down to Front Headlock

The snap down represents one of the most important wrestling-to-BJJ transitions. This technique is particularly effective in no-gi competitions and grappling.

Modern BJJ Application

Elite grapplers use snap downs to create front headlock positions, which lead directly to D’arce chokes, guillotines, and back takes. The snap down itself is non-violent compared to explosive takedowns, making it excellent for training partners.

Execution Sequence

• Create proper collar tie or hand position behind opponent’s neck
• Break their posture by snapping their head downward
• Take a small step back to create angle
• Lock front headlock control (clasp your hands or cross-grip)
• Work to back take or submission opportunities

The snap down becomes even more valuable when you understand that failed snap downs can transition to other takedowns—making it a low-risk, high-reward entry.

Body Lock Takedown

The body lock takedown has gained tremendous popularity in 2024-2025, particularly in no-gi competition. This technique wraps the opponent’s midsection while using control to drive them backward and down to the mat.

Why Body Locks Are Effective

Unlike explosive leg-based takedowns that risk injury or back exposure, body locks offer safer positioning for the attacker. You maintain control throughout the takedown and naturally land in dominant positions (chest control, side control, or back control).

Setup and Execution

• Close distance under opponent’s arms or over one arm
• Wrap your arms around their waist/midsection
• Lock your hands firmly behind their back
• Lower your hips and drive forward/backward based on angle
• Control and secure top position as they fall

Double Leg Takedown

The double-leg takedown is among the best wrestling takedowns used in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. In addition, it can help you improve your standing game since it is one of the earliest moves and techniques taught in wrestling and BJJ classes.

How It Works

The double-leg takedown brings a standing opponent to the ground while catching his legs together. The attacker lowers their level dramatically, secures both legs, and drives through to complete the takedown.

Thus, the double leg move is another excellent takedown technique that will help you improve your standing game and provides an essential foundation for more advanced variations.

Fundamental Mechanics

• Create distance and proper angle to opponent
• Lower your level by bending knees and lowering hips
• Drive forward with explosive leg power
• Secure both legs with proper grip (clasped hands behind knees)
• Drive through opponent to mat while maintaining control

Advanced practitioners recognize that double leg variations include knee picks, knee reaps, and other leg-based modifications depending on opponent positioning.

Single-Leg Takedown

The single-leg takedown is one of the most effective wrestling takedowns for BJJ martial art. In addition, it is one of the most fundamental moves and techniques in grappling martial arts. Modern data shows it as the highest-percentage wrestling takedown for BJJ.

Why Single Legs Work So Well

The single-leg takedown brings a standing opponent to the ground while catching one of his legs. This technique’s beauty lies in its versatility—you can attack from various distances and angles, and multiple finish options exist.

Common Single Leg Variations

• Inside Control: Grip inside the thigh and control the leg against your hip
• Outside Control: Wrap around the outside of the leg and drive
• High Crotch: Similar to single leg but with higher hand position
• Ankle Pick: Quick grab and lift of the ankle from standing position
• Knee Pick: Modern variation that targets the knee area instead of the thigh

Data shows single-leg takedown success rates remain high across all skill levels when properly executed, making it a cornerstone of any grappler’s standing game.

Foot Sweep Takedowns

Foot sweeps are among the most effective jiu-jitsu takedowns to off-balance and bring an opponent to the ground. These excellent grappling techniques are largely used in Jiu-Jitsu and Judo martial arts.

How Foot Sweeps Function

To perform a foot sweep, you must first create an opening in your opponent’s stance. This can be done by using footwork to move your opponent’s weight to one side or by distracting them with a feint or fake attack.

After opening an attacking angle, use your foot in a rapid sweeping motion to take down your opponent. The foot sweep has several versions, each effective in different situations.

Common Foot Sweep Types

• O Goshi (Osoto Gari): Outside leg trip using your leg to sweep their leg from outside
• Ko Uchi Gari: Inside foot sweep targeting inside of leg
• Uchi Mata: Inner thigh sweep, particularly effective for taller grapplers
• Deashi Barai: Sweeping foot out from under them as they step
• Harai Goshi Gaeshi: Counter to hip sweep by preventing their rotation

Modern grapplers use foot sweeps as counter-attacks and timing-based entries, particularly when opponents are committed to their own takedown attempts.

Arm Drag Takedown System

The arm drag takedown is a great and helpful wrestling move for bringing an opponent to the ground. It’s one of the essential techniques to improve your standing game.

Arm Drag as a System

The cool thing is that the arm drag isn’t just for takedowns. It is a comprehensive system that assists you in achieving or establishing various positions (guard-to-back take, for example), submissions, and other things.

Primary Arm Drag Finishes

• Arm Drag Inside Trip TakeDown: Pull opponent’s arm across their body and take their inside leg
• Arm Drag to Single Leg Takedown: Control their arm and transition into a single leg attack
• Arm Drag to Back Take: Drag the arm and circle behind to secure back control
• Arm Drag to Knee Reap: Advanced variation using leg hook mechanics

Elite grapplers value arm drags for the control position they establish. Even if the takedown doesn’t complete, you’ve often achieved a position to attack submissions or transitions.

Ankle Pick Takedown

The Ankle Pick is often one of the most straightforward takedown techniques for BJJ beginners. This folkstyle wrestling move is highly effective with low risk. In addition, it may give a takedown and a guard pass opportunity.

When to Use Ankle Picks

If you see your opponent bending down (reaching for your ankle, establishing a grip, or getting low), you may take advantage of this by grasping their ankle and elevating it, causing them to lose balance and fall to the ground.

Key Principles

• Wait for opponent to lower their level or post hands
• Quickly grab the ankle with both hands or one hand
• Lift the ankle directly upward while stepping back
• Control their body as they fall
• Secure top position for guard pass or submission setup

The ankle pick’s beauty lies in its directness and low-risk profile. Even if the takedown fails, you maintain relatively safe positioning compared to explosive leg attacks.

Duck Under Takedown / Back Take

The duck under is one of the most valuable wrestling-to-BJJ transitions. This technique involves ducking under your opponent’s arm control to gain access to their back or flank position.

How Duck Unders Work

When your opponent has an over-under control or hooks arm around you, you can drop your level, move your head outside their arm, and circle behind to take their back. This transitions naturally to back control, submissions, or top position.

Setup Scenarios

• From standing exchanges when opponent has sleeve/underhook
• During failed takedown attempts by opponent
• From collar tie or clinch exchanges
• Particularly effective in no-gi when positional control is looser

Modern elite grapplers recognize duck unders as high-percentage transitions, particularly when chained with other wrestling entries and creating positional transitions rather than explosive takedowns.

Russian Tie Wrestling System

The Russian tie is a collar tie variation that uses a 2-on-1 control system. This represents one of the most dominant hand-fighting and control positions in wrestling and BJJ.

Russian Tie Control Features

From the Russian tie position, elite practitioners can execute multiple takedowns including snaps, arm drags, pummeling sequences, and counter-wrestling. The position dominates hand-fighting exchanges.

Multiple Attack Options from Russian Tie

• Snap down to front headlock or back control
• Arm drag from the controlled arm position
• Single leg or other takedowns off the head control
• Pummel exchanges to transition positions
• Use for defensive positioning when opponent controls you

Understanding the Russian tie as a system (not just for takedowns) helps grapplers dominate hand-fighting exchanges and creates multiple attack opportunities.