Takedown techniques help a jiu-jitsu fighter bring an opponent down from standing to the mat. Otherwise, those BJJ takedowns are derived primarily from judo throws and wrestling takedowns, with some modifications.
The drop Seoi Nage, Harai Goshi, Hari Goshi Gaeshi, double leg, single-leg, foot sweep, and arm drag are some of the best takedowns used in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
Continue reading to learn more about the most effective jiu-jitsu takedowns. As a result, you will take your standing game to the next level. Stay tuned!
What Are The Best Jiu-Jitsu Takedowns?
The following are some of the most effective BJJ takedowns and throws practitioners should know from their early days on the mat.
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.
On the other hand, 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 be challenging to understand this throw since they require excellent technical abilities and timing.
Still, it is not considered an advanced technique; all belt-level practitioners can perform it.
In the following video, you’ll get some great tips to perform the Drop Seoi Nage correctly with giving you back.
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.
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.
Moreover, 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.
In the following video, you’ll learn excellent tips for properly performing the Harai Goshi for Jiu-Jitsu.
Harai Goshi Gaeshi Throw
The Harai Goshi Gaeshi is another great Judo throw suitable for BJJ martial art. It is one of the techniques included in the Kodokan Shinmeisho No Waza list.
Indeed, Harai Goshi Gaeshi is a judo foot technique (Ashi-Waza) mainly used to counter the Harai Goshi throw (hip sweep technique).
In the following video, you’ll learn some excellent tips for appropriately performing the Harai Goshi Gaeshi throw.
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.
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 ina rapid sweeping motion to take down your opponent.
The foot sweep has several versions; the following video demonstrates some of the best.
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.
The double-leg takedown brings a standing opponent to the ground while catching his legs together.
Thus, the double leg move is another excellent takedown technique that will help you improve your standing game so far.
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.
The single-leg takedown brings a standing opponent to the ground while catching one of his legs.
Thus, the single-leg move is another takedown technique that will help you improve your standing game.
Arm Drag Takedown
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.
The cool thing is that the arm drag isn’t just for takedowns.
However, it is a comprehensive system that assists you in achieving or establishing various positions (guard-to-back take, for example), submissions, and other things.
In the following videos, learn how to perform some essential arm properly drag takedowns for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
- Arm Drag Inside Trip TakeDown by Andre Galvao
- Arm Drag to Single Leg Takedown by Marcelo Garcia
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.
If you see your opponent bending down, you may take advantage of this by grasping their ankle and elevating it, causing them to lose balance and fall to the ground.
Recommended: Most takedowns are brutal, putting a lot of strain on the knees. As a result, practitioners must carry reliable knee pads to protect their joints and avoid injury. Click here to learn more!
Effective Brazilian jiu-jitsu Takedown System
An effective Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu takedown system can help practitioners gain an advantage in competitions. This is because it gathers multiple takedown techniques that can be synchronized and used from almost the same starting point.
Here are some of the most effective BJJ takedown systems you should know.
Fake Guard Pull BJJ Takedown
The guard pull is one of the most effective methods for dealing with the standing game in BJJ tournaments, and many fighters have used it successfully.
However, many other competitors attempt to shoot a pulling guard to fool their opponent and do other things, known as “Fake Guard Pull.”
As a result, you can use the Fake Guard Pull to perform excellent takedowns like the ankle pick and others.
In the following video, Andre Galvao demonstrates single-leg and ankle pick takedowns from a fake guard pull.
Collar-Sleeve Takedown Jiu Jitsu System
The collar-sleeve BJJ system is versatile and practical to level up your game. When established correctly, these grips give you access to various effective technique combinations, including takedowns.
This system involves grabbing your opponent’s collar with one hand and pulling it across their body while simultaneously using your other hand to push or pull their arm.
From a standing position, this motion causes your opponent to become off-balance, allowing you to take them down to the ground using several possible techniques, such as foot-sweeps, single-leg, arm-drag, double-leg, ankle pick, etc.
Takedown Mechanics: How to Turn Your Takedowns Highly Effective?
Final Thoughts
BJJ takedowns are among the must-have techniques to improve your standing game. A BJJ fighter uses takedown moves to bring a standing opponent down to the mat.
Some of the top takedowns in Brazilian jiu-jitsu are Seoi Nage, Harai Goshi, Harai Goshi Gaeshi, double leg, single-leg, foot sweep, and arm drag takedowns.
Moreover, as the names reveal, many of these BJJ takedowns are issued from judo throws and wrestling takedowns with few tweaks to suit the jiu-jitsu game.
Otherwise, you should first disbalance your opponent to perform these great techniques.
I hope you find this article worthwhile in improving your BJJ standing game. So, don’t be afraid to experiment with the takedown tactics outlined above.
Please share your thoughts: What are your favorite Brazilian jiu-jitsu takedowns?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Suplex Takedown Allowed in BJJ?
The suplex is one of the illegal techniques in most BJJ competitions. Even though this takedown is legal in freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling, it is not allowed In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu due to safety concerns.
What Are the Best Jiu Jitsu Takedowns for Beginners?
Some of the finest takedowns to work on for beginners in Gi and No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu are generally straightforward. Here are a few such examples:
- Single Leg Takedown
- Double Leg Takedown
- Ankle Pick Takedown
