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Double Leg Takedown

Niju Ashi Dori

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About This Technique

Detailed Guide to Executing the Double Leg Takedown

Position: Standing
Japanese Name: Niju Ashi Dori

Overview:

The Double Leg Takedown is a fundamental technique in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and wrestling, favored for its effectiveness and simplicity when executed correctly. This move involves capturing your opponent's legs and driving them off balance, resulting in a takedown to establish a dominant position.

Steps to Execute the Double Leg Takedown:

  1. Engage in a Stance:

    • Begin in a standing stance with a staggered stance to ensure stability. If you're shooting from the left, your left foot should be slightly ahead of the right foot.
  2. Close the Distance:

    • Utilize your lead hand to make contact with your partner by either gaining wrist control or establishing a collar tie (grasping the back of your opponent's neck) to close the gap.
  3. Level Change:

    • Drop your hips and level while maintaining a strong back posture. Bend your knees to lower your center of gravity, ensuring your chest is upright.
  4. Penetration Step:

    • Step forward with your lead foot, aiming to place it in between your opponent's stance. Ensure your knee doesn't touch the ground just yet.
    • Simultaneously, align your shoulder into their midsection to maintain forward momentum.
  5. Capture the Legs:

    • Use both arms to wrap around the opponent's legs just below the knee area. Be sure your grip is firm and secure.
  6. Drive and Explode:

    • Push off with your back leg for driving force, maintaining chest-to-leg contact. Your head should be on the outside of their hip while keeping your posture tight to prevent counterattacks.
    • Execute a lateral movement, steering them to a direction where they have the least amount of balance, such as towards the side.
  7. Finish the Takedown:

    • Continue driving with your head upward to ensure they are off-balance, forcing them to the ground.
    • Transition immediately to a dominant position, such as side control or mount, depending on the situation.

Tips:

  • Maintain control throughout the movement. After the takedown, avoid leaving any space for your opponent to escape or counter.
  • Head positioning is crucial; always keep it on the outside of their hip
  • Commit to the takedown fully to ensure maximum power and effectiveness.

Common Mistakes:

  • Shooting from too far a distance without appropriate setup.
  • Leaning forward excessively, risking balance and submission possibilities.
  • Keeping the head down, which exposes your neck to potential guillotines or chokes.

Conclusion:

Mastering the Double Leg Takedown can make a significant impact on your grappling game, combining technical precision with explosive power. Practice diligently to refine your timing, accuracy, and follow-up control after the takedown to maximize its effectiveness in competition or practice.

How to Execute

# Double Leg Takedown from Standing Position

## Setup
- **Initial Position Details**: Begin in a standing position facing your opponent. Maintain a balanced posture with knees slightly bent and feet shoulder-width apart. Your head should be up, and your back straight.
- **Grips and Controls Needed**: Look to control your opponent’s posture by establishing grips. Ideally, you want to have one hand on their collar or lapel (if they are wearing a gi) and the other hand on their sleeve or arm. Alternatively, you can have both hands controlling their arms or wrists. This setup helps in breaking their balance and getting closer.

## Steps
1. **Level Change**: Perform a level change by bending your knees and lowering your hips, ensuring your back remains straight. This movement should keep you in a powerful stance while bringing you closer to your opponent's legs.

2. **Penetration Step**: Take a deep step forward with your lead leg (typically your dominant leg) between your opponent's legs. Your foot should land flat on the mat, and your knee should bend to absorb the movement. Your trailing leg should follow quickly to maintain balance.

3. **Grip Transition**: As you step in, release the grip on the opponent's arm or lapel and wrap your arms around the opponent's legs. Your head should press against their hip on the outside of their body, ensuring you're not caught in a guillotine choke.

4. **Drive and Lift**: Use your legs to drive forward while simultaneously pulling your opponent’s legs towards you with your arms. Keep your head up and back straight to maximize power.

5. **Lift and Turn**: As you lift, turn your body to the side, directing your opponent’s body towards the ground. This motion helps in off-balancing your opponent and completing the takedown.

6. **Finish the Takedown**: As your opponent starts to fall, maintain control of their legs and follow them to the ground. Ensure your chest stays close to their body and transition into a dominant position, such as side control or mount.

## Key Points
- **Important Details to Remember**: 
  - Maintain a strong posture throughout the technique with your head up and back straight.
  - Use your legs to drive and your arms to pull the opponent’s legs towards you.
  - Keep your head on the outside of your opponent’s hip to avoid submissions like the guillotine choke.

- **Common Mistakes to Avoid**:
  - Failing to keep your head up, which can lead to being countered or choked.
  - Not committing fully to the penetration step, resulting in a weak attempt that can be easily defended.
  - Allowing your opponent to establish grips or frames that prevent you from completing the takedown.

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