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BeginnerDouble Leg
N/A
Taught by:Adam FarnslerAndre GalvaoGordon RyanJohn DanaherMarcelo GarciaNathan MerkleRob BiernackiRob ShifflerRoger Gracie
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About This Technique
Double Leg Takedown
The Double Leg Takedown is a fundamental wrestling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu technique primarily used in grappling and mixed martial arts (MMA) to bring an opponent from a standing position to the ground.
Possible Position(s)
- Standing: The double leg takedown is executed from a standing position as both practitioners engage in the initial phases of a grappling encounter.
Japanese Name
- N/A: While wrestling techniques are often integrated into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, they usually retain their traditional wrestling names rather than Japanese terms.
Step-by-Step Instructions
-
Initial Setup
- Start in a standing stance, maintaining a balanced and athletic position.
- Establish a reach or a light hand engagement at your partner’s shoulders or lapels.
-
Level Change
- Bend your knees slightly to lower your center of gravity and maintain good posture.
- Shift your weight onto the balls of your feet to increase mobility.
-
Entry
- Drive forward using your back foot to propel your body.
- Drop your lead knee to the ground directly in front of your opponent’s feet, sliding into optimal range.
- Simultaneously, wrap your lead arm around the opponent’s knee on your dominant side, followed by your rear arm around the other knee.
-
Securing the Legs
- Clasp your hands together behind your opponent’s knees in a tight grip, keeping your elbows close to your body.
- Ensure no gap is present between your chest and your opponent’s thighs.
-
Lift and Drive
- Engage your hips by thrusting them forward and lifting your head up towards the ceiling to unbalance your opponent.
- As you lift, stand up slightly while following through with the drive motion.
-
Finishing the Takedown
- Turn sharply towards one side, using your shoulder as leverage to push, directing your opponent off their center line.
- As they fall, maintain your clasped hands, guiding your opponent to the mat in a controlled manner.
- Land in a dominant position such as side control or mount, ensuring you secure the position immediately to maintain control.
-
Post-Takedown Control
- After landing, base out your arms for balance.
- Apply pressure and adjust your position to align for further offensive maneuvers.
Tips for Effectiveness
- Time your takedown effectively, ideally off your opponent’s movement or offensive attack.
- Maintain a straight back and keep your head up to avoid leaving yourself vulnerable.
- Practice the level change to be swift and fluid, minimizing telegraphed movements.
How to Execute
# Double Leg Takedown from Standing Position in BJJ
## Setup
### Initial Position Details
- Begin by facing your opponent in a neutral standing position.
- Maintain a slight bend in your knees, with your weight distributed evenly on the balls of your feet.
- Keep your posture low and your center of gravity stable to facilitate quick movement.
### Grips and Controls Needed
- Establish a control grip on your opponent's lead arm by holding their sleeve or wrist.
- Use your opposite hand to control the back of their neck or collar to help guide their movement.
## Steps
1. **Create an Opening**
- Use your grip on the neck or collar to slightly pull your opponent forward, disrupting their balance.
- At the same time, step your lead foot slightly forward to close the distance.
2. **Level Change**
- Drop your hips and bend your knees to lower your level.
- Keep your back straight and your head up, aiming to maintain a strong posture.
3. **Penetration Step**
- Take a deep step forward with your lead leg, placing your foot between your opponent's legs.
- Ensure your knee is bent and your foot is flat on the mat for stability.
4. **Engage the Hips**
- Shoot your rear leg forward, driving your hips into your opponent's midsection.
- Maintain a controlled posture by keeping your head upright and your chest close to your opponent.
5. **Wrap the Legs**
- Use your arms to wrap around the back of your opponent's knees, creating a tight grip.
- Lock your hands together, either in a gable grip or by cupping the back of your hands.
6. **Drive Forward**
- Push off your back foot to drive your weight forward and through your opponent.
- Use your shoulder to apply pressure on their midsection, driving your opponent backward.
7. **Finish the Takedown**
- As your opponent begins to fall, maintain control by continuing to drive through their body.
- Follow them to the ground, ensuring you end up in a dominant top position, such as side control or mount.
## Key Points
- **Maintain Head Position**: Keep your head on the outside of your opponent's body to avoid guillotines and maintain balance.
- **Control the Hips**: Engage your hips effectively to generate power and off-balance your opponent.
- **Stay Tight**: Keep your grips and body close to prevent your opponent from sprawling or countering effectively.
### Common Mistakes to Avoid
- **Poor Level Change**: Failing to lower your level can lead to ineffective penetration and a higher risk of being countered.
- **Ineffective Grips**: Weak or loose grips can allow your opponent to break free and regain control.
- **Overcommitting**: Charging in without proper control can lead to easy counters or submissions from your opponent.
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