What “BJJ Takedowns” Mean in Day-to-Day Training
In simple terms, BJJ takedowns are the skills that move the match from standing to the ground on your terms. That includes entries, grips, off-balancing, finishing mechanics, and landing safely in a position you can control or score from. Whether you prefer wrestling-style shots, judo-inspired throws, or foot sweeps, the goal is the same: put your opponent down and arrive on top with balance and posture.
In practice, you’ll work stance and motion, set-ups that create reactions, and follow-ups when your first attempt stalls. For gi, you’ll emphasize sleeve, collar, and belt grips with trips and throws. For no-gi, you’ll focus more on head and arm ties, underhooks, snaps, and level changes. Good stand-up connects seamlessly into the next phase—pinning hips, clearing legs, and moving to the guard pass.
Takedowns Stand Up Videos on BJJ University (Top 20 Videos, Top 10 Courses)
Feet To Floor Bundle by John Danaher
$497.00 • BJJ Fanatics
The video revolves around a master class by John Danaher, focusing on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu stand-up techniques. Danaher's "Feet To Floor" Bundle provides key insights into effective takedowns such as Tomoe Nage, Sumi Gaeshi, Osoto Gari, and Kouchi Gari. Through this systematic approach, viewers learn to counter guard pullers, convert ground moves to effective takedowns, and develop a unique BJJ-based strategy for getting the fight to the floor. It emphasizes an innovative way of thinking about BJJ, transitioning from traditional judo or wrestling to a more BJJ-focused stand-up game.
Standing2Ground Bundle by John Danaher
$497.00 • BJJ Fanatics
In this video, experienced instructor John Danaher presents his Standing2Ground system focusing on superior grip fighting, efficient takedowns, and effective defenses. He provides a comprehensive understanding of arm drags, throw bys, duck unders, and more, aiming to achieve back exposure and dominant back takes from a standing position. John's system incorporates techniques for defending attacks including limp legs, standing submission offense, and the sprawl. The video also advises on modifying and adapting takedown skills to suit modern BJJ styles, improving chances to score and control from the top position.
Systematically Attacking The Scrimmage: Beginners Guide To Success by Gordon Ryan
$349.00 • BJJ Fanatics
This video by Gordon Ryan, a renowned no gi grappler, gives an insightful perspective on takedown defense, especially from a standing position. Instead of teaching specific techniques, Ryan discusses the underlying concepts he uses to dominate in his matches. He shares these defensive principles, emphasizing their effectiveness and simplicity, making them accessible to all levels. His concepts are particularly beneficial for beginners, although they also have the potential to improve the strategies of black belts.
Systematically Attacking The Scrimmage: Upper Body Takedowns by Gordon Ryan
$349.00 • BJJ Fanatics
The 8-volume series video by Gordon Ryan, a renowned BJJ competitor, thoroughly addresses the underappreciated and effective upper body takedown techniques from the standing position. Apart from showcasing how to execute these techniques, Ryan presents the vital conceptual links that facilitate immediate application. Mastery of these upper body takedowns can lead to various offensive options such as guillotines, joint locks, and achieving a dominant position.
Tactics of Struggle In The Stance by Ivan Vasylchuk
$200.00 • BJJ Fanatics
In this video, champion Sambo practitioner Ivan Vasylchuk imparts his proven techniques for effective takedowns in various grappling situations. The tutorial delves into his comprehensive Sambo and takedown instructional program, aimed at teaching viewers the best methods for throwing and controlling their opponents. By joining his training community, viewers get access to his expertly curated curriculum, which enables them to hone high-level takedown skills for enhanced success in BJJ encounters.
The Fastest Way: To Becoming Effective In Standing Position by John Danaher
$197.00 • BJJ Fanatics
This video, presented by John Danaher, focuses on improving and revolutionizing the approach to standing position in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He instructs on high-percentage takedowns, particularly on using the single leg takedown and its various useful variants. The video also provides instructions on key defensive techniques, such as defending singles, doubles, hand fighting, downblocks, and the use of a whizzer. Lastly, there are offensive sequences provided that allow for tightening the waist or upper body control from failed single attempts.
The Trip Throw Dilemma by Michael Pixley and Heath Pedigo
$197.00 • BJJ Fanatics
In this instructional video, renown coaches Michael Pixley & Heath Pedigo delve into the intricacies of trip throws in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The instructional provides detailed instructions on how to execute these powerful moves from a standing position and integrate them into your own BJJ arsenal. It is a valuable resource for both beginner and seasoned practitioners looking to revolutionize their game and dominate on the mats.
Daisy Fresh WHITE BELT Wrestling Curriculum by Alejandro Wajner and Heath Pedigo
$197.00 • BJJ Fanatics
The video is an instructional program specifically designed for beginners, teaching wrestling fundamentals and takedowns for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. It features world-class coaches Alejandro Wajner and Heath Pedigo guiding students on foundational skills. The course is part of the Daisy Fresh WHITE BELT Wrestling Curriculum. It aims to help viewers, regardless of experience, improve efficiency and technique in their BJJ game.
Unpredictable Stand-Up Attacks: High-Level Setups & Execution for Devastating Punches…
$197.00 • BJJ Fanatics
The video features MMA legend Georges St. Pierre providing a tutorial on how to master unpredictable stand-up attacks. This includes creating chaos, landing accurate, powerful strikes and enhancing one's striking abilities. GSP demonstrates elaborate footwork, explosive combinations and tactics to confuse the opponent's defense and finish fights with precision. The video targets both beginners seeking to build a solid base and seasoned fighters looking to improve their skills.
Mastering Takedowns: All Tricks & Techniques for Unstoppable Takedowns by Georges St.…
$197.00 • BJJ Fanatics
In this instructional video, two-division UFC champion Georges St. Pierre imparts his expansive knowledge of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, and MMA to guide viewers towards perfecting their takedown game. The video caters to a wide audience, from beginners aiming to construct a robust foundation, to advanced athletes aiming to refine their techniques. Georges's unique approach merges traditional grappling knowledge with contemporary MMA strategy, offering viewers the tools needed to control the fight from the onset. The video is an ultimate guide for mastering takedowns and dominating opponents in BJJ, MMA, and beyond.
Why Takedowns Matter in BJJ
Starting on the feet happens in competition and in many rounds at the academy. Strong takedown skills improve your chance to score first, control the pace, and avoid conceding bottom by accident. Even when you pull guard strategically, understanding takedowns helps you counter, wrestle up, or threaten enough to make the pull safe and purposeful.
Beyond points, takedown confidence changes how you move. You’ll stand with better posture, hand-fight effectively, pummel for inside position, and be harder to snap down or throw. These habits carry over into guard passing and scrambles, making your overall jiu-jitsu tighter.
Takedowns Stand Up Standing (12 Videos, 4 Courses)
Feet To Floor Bundle by John Danaher
$497.00 • BJJ Fanatics
The video revolves around a master class by John Danaher, focusing on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu stand-up techniques. Danaher's "Feet To Floor" Bundle provides key insights into effective takedowns such as Tomoe Nage, Sumi Gaeshi, Osoto Gari, and Kouchi Gari. Through this systematic approach, viewers learn to counter guard pullers, convert ground moves to effective takedowns, and develop a unique BJJ-based strategy for getting the fight to the floor. It emphasizes an innovative way of thinking about BJJ, transitioning from traditional judo or wrestling to a more BJJ-focused stand-up game.
Standing2Ground Bundle by John Danaher
$497.00 • BJJ Fanatics
In this video, experienced instructor John Danaher presents his Standing2Ground system focusing on superior grip fighting, efficient takedowns, and effective defenses. He provides a comprehensive understanding of arm drags, throw bys, duck unders, and more, aiming to achieve back exposure and dominant back takes from a standing position. John's system incorporates techniques for defending attacks including limp legs, standing submission offense, and the sprawl. The video also advises on modifying and adapting takedown skills to suit modern BJJ styles, improving chances to score and control from the top position.
Systematically Attacking The Scrimmage: Beginners Guide To Success by Gordon Ryan
$349.00 • BJJ Fanatics
This video by Gordon Ryan, a renowned no gi grappler, gives an insightful perspective on takedown defense, especially from a standing position. Instead of teaching specific techniques, Ryan discusses the underlying concepts he uses to dominate in his matches. He shares these defensive principles, emphasizing their effectiveness and simplicity, making them accessible to all levels. His concepts are particularly beneficial for beginners, although they also have the potential to improve the strategies of black belts.
Systematically Attacking The Scrimmage: Upper Body Takedowns by Gordon Ryan
$349.00 • BJJ Fanatics
The 8-volume series video by Gordon Ryan, a renowned BJJ competitor, thoroughly addresses the underappreciated and effective upper body takedown techniques from the standing position. Apart from showcasing how to execute these techniques, Ryan presents the vital conceptual links that facilitate immediate application. Mastery of these upper body takedowns can lead to various offensive options such as guillotines, joint locks, and achieving a dominant position.
Core Techniques, Concepts, and Decision Points
High-percentage options for many students include the bjj double leg takedown, bjj single leg takedown, ankle picks, snap-down to front headlock, inside and outside trips, and basic foot sweeps. In the gi, osoto gari, sasae/ashi barai, kouchi/ouchi gari, seoi nage variations, and hip toss-style entries become especially effective with strong grips. In no-gi, level-change shots, underhook/body lock attacks, and snap-down chains shine.
Key concepts to internalize: stance and level, inside ties, grip fighting, kuzushi (off-balance), penetration steps, finishing mechanics, and the mat return. Decide early whether you’re playing a collar-and-sleeve throwing game, a tie-up and snap game, or a shot-first game. Build combinations: if the head comes up on your single, tree-top or run the pipe; if it drops, switch to double. If the near leg disappears on a sweep, transition to the far leg or foot sweep the recovery step.
Common mistakes include reaching with your arms instead of moving your feet, shooting from too far away, stopping after contact instead of running through the finish, neglecting posture on landings, and forgetting to connect to top control. Another big one: training takedowns too hard, too soon. Smart drilling with clear intensity levels protects you and your partners while you develop timing.
Takedowns Stand Up Control (2 Videos, 4 Courses)
2 on 1 Control Tie Offense by Dan Dennis
$97.00 • BJJ Fanatics
This video, taught by instructor Dan Dennis, teaches different techniques from the 2 on 1 control tie position. Techniques include near leg single, sweep single, post double, ankle and knee picks, and various trips and throws including over under throw and different fireman's carry options. Dennis emphasizes the importance of positioning and control in order to execute these techniques effectively, suggesting these can become the foundation of an entire game, elevating one's wrestling performance to the next level.
The Complete Guide To 2 on 1: A Masterclass In Wrestling Offense by Zack Esposito
$79.00 • BJJ Fanatics
The video is a comprehensive guide by Coach Zack Esposito on the 2 on 1 wrestling offensive position. It provides personalized training tailored to learners of various skill levels, covering everything from foundational practices to advanced tactics. The instructor aims to help viewers gain dominance over their opponents on the mat with these strategies, therefore transforming their wrestling game. The techniques taught are designed to maximize potential and give learners a competitive edge.
Control and Conquer: Mastering Snap Downs and 2 on 1 Offense by Carson Kharchla
$79.00 • BJJ Fanatics
This video features instructor Carson Kharchla teaching viewers how to effectively execute snap downs and a 2 on 1 offense in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He focuses on the importance of these often-overlooked techniques, demonstrating their efficacy and detailing his unique system. He also explains how mastering these techniques can aid in securing a takedown and ultimately winning a match, thereby providing viewers a competitive edge. The video enhances participants' wrestling IQ and boosts their confidence and performance on the mat.
Dominating Wrist Control - Clearing Ties & Generating 2 on 1 Attacks by Lenny Merkin
$79.00 • BJJ Fanatics
The video focuses on teaching effective techniques for dominating wrist control in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Instructor Lenny Merkin highlights the significance of taking control at the beginning of a match, which can determine the final outcome. He provides practical guidance on how to clear ties, generate 2 on 1 attacks, and utilize this grip for an array of setups to secure a takedown. The end goal is to boost the wrestling IQ, confidence, and mat performance of the viewer.
What to Study First: A Simple, Reliable Stand-Up Blueprint
Choose a compact game you can trust under fatigue. For most athletes, a small set of beginner bjj takedowns covers 80% of situations:
- Stance, motion, and hand-fighting basics (pummeling, inside ties, collar tie and biceps control).
- One primary shot: single leg or double leg bjj, with clear finishes (running the pipe, shelf to trip, cutback, or corner finish).
- One clinch throw or trip: osoto or kouchi/ouchi in the gi; inside trip or body-lock outside trip in no-gi.
- One easy counter from front headlock: snap-down to spin-behind or go-behind after a sprawl.
Drilling priorities:
- Entry timing: level change before step, eyes up, chest over knee. Start from contact—not across the room.
- Chain attacks: single to double, double to high-crotch, failed shot to snap/front headlock, missed trip to foot sweep.
- Safe landings and immediate control: clear legs, establish chest-to-chest or strong pant-grip control in gi, and connect to your best guard pass.
As you gain reps, expand with foot sweeps, ankle picks, and body-lock sequences. In gi, develop collar-and-sleeve off-balancing and learn when to break grips versus throw through them. In no-gi, sharpen head position, underhook battles, and re-shots.
Takedowns Stand Up Front Headlock (7 Videos, 4 Courses)
The Art of Crushing Pressure by Terry Brands
$149.00 • BJJ Fanatics
This instructional video features renowned wrestling coach, Olympic Medalist and World Champion, Terry Brands. He teaches what he refers to as "Crushing Pressure" applied from the front headlock position. The lessons include how to effectively shut down the opponents' single leg, double leg, high crotches attacks and more. Brands also shares some insights on winning the front headlock position, re-attacking with down blocks and re-shots, inclusive of drills and variations to improve faster.
Dominating Front Headlocks and Go Behinds by Youssif Hemida
$79.00 • BJJ Fanatics
The video is about the technique of "Go Behinds" from the "Front Headlocks" position by Instructor Youssif Hemida. The video is designed to be helpful for both beginners and seasoned competitors to sharpen their skills. Hemida shares insights and strategies that can give one a competitive edge on the wrestling mat, thereby improving performance and confidence. The video showcases these techniques in a clear and instructional manner.
Winning With The Front Headlock & Leg Attacks by Tony Ramos
$79.00 • BJJ Fanatics
This instructional video, presented by accomplished NCAA Champion and World Team Member Tony Ramos, provides a detailed overview of offensive strategies focusing on the Front Headlock position and Leg Attacks. He specifically covers techniques for short offense and shooting to the legs with single legs, high crotches, and counter attacks. Tony also teaches his signature attacks, including the "cow catcher", a move that secured him numerous victories during his career as an Iowa Hawkeye.
The Cramm Takedown System by Nate Jackson
$79.00 • BJJ Fanatics
The video is an instructional guide by Nate Jackson on a system he calls The Cramm Takedown System. This involves various takedowns from handfighting sequences, lock ups and the front headlock series. These techniques are presented with a particular focus on the amount of power generated while shooting for a takedown, which is what has defined Coach Jackson's style and inspired the name for the system. The video offers the same technical training that Coach Jackson provides at Princeton University.
Training Smart: Intensity, Safety, and Progression
Build from cooperative to competitive. Start with stance and motion, then add hand-fighting, then light resistance entries, then finishing mechanics, and only later integrate live speed. Use crash pads and drill to the knees first when learning throws. Communicate: agree on pace and landing positions. Focus on posture on impact—head up, hips under you—so you arrive ready to pass rather than scramble.
Track what actually works for you. If you’re shorter or stockier, doubles, ankle picks, inside trips, and body-locks often feel natural. If you’re longer or more flexible, collar-drag-to-single, foot sweeps, arm drags, and snap-downs may suit you. For smaller athletes, the best takedowns for bjj often involve angles, timing, and off-balancing over raw force—think foot sweeps, snap-to-angle singles, ankle picks, and re-shots.
Takedowns Stand Up Other (2 Videos, 4 Courses)
Championship Wrestling Fundamentals Cowboy Defense by John Smith
$149.00 • BJJ Fanatics
The video is an instructional piece featuring Coach John Smith teaching the Cowboy Defense wrestling technique. Smith provides a comprehensive guide on how to build a solid defensive foundation that allows you to always stay on the offensive despite your opponent's takedowns attempts. Whether from a standing position or during grappling, Smith’s technique helps to break the opponent’s inertia and positioning, making it impossible for them to execute even the deepest shots. The tutorial also covers how to effectively use the sprawl and go-behind method used by Smith in the acclaimed Oklahoma State wrestling program.
New Wave Tai Otoshi No Gi by Satoshi Ishii
$99.00 • BJJ Fanatics
This video features Satoshi Ishii, an expert in Judo and BJJ, providing instructions on how to execute the New Wave Tai Otoshi technique in a No-Gi grappling context. The course highlights the specific grips, setups, and timing needed to effectively perform this throw. Additionally, it focuses on transition strategies, ways to off-balance adversaries, and maintaining control over opponents. The course also promises access to a vibrant community of No-Gi practitioners learning from Ishii's insights and experience.
Ultimate Askren Wrestling by Ben Askren
$97.00 • BJJ Fanatics
The video introduces Ben Askren's wrestling system that is specifically designed to take anyone down to the ground, irrespective of their size, skill or athletic prowess. The teaching focuses on increasing one's takedown percentage and offering practical insights into both attacking and defending takedown techniques. The system has proven successful across a variety of combat arts like Wrestling, MMA, and BJJ.
The Palanka Cuban Roll by Israel Hernandez
$79.00 • BJJ Fanatics
In this instructional video, 2x Olympic bronze medalist Israel Hernandez teaches his complete system for the Palanka Cuban Roll, a technique he used throughout his career. He explains how to use dominant grips, leverage, and mechanics to roll opponents from a defensive position directly onto their back. Hernandez also details numerous Palanka roll variations adapted to various defensive reactions. The video is beneficial for learning unique grip variations and transition strategies for defended throws.
How to Use BJJ University to Study BJJ Takedowns
BJJ University is a free, curated hub for Brazilian jiu jitsu takedown techniques and complete stand-up systems. Use the navigation menu to browse categorized videos, clips, breakdowns, and instructional resources by instructor, technique, position, category, and training topic. You can compare gi grip-fighting series, no-gi tie-ups and shots, foot sweep details, and combination chains from world-class coaches.
Start at the Takedowns Stand Up category page to scan playlists and resources by style—wrestling-influenced shots, judo throws, foot sweeps, ankle picks, front headlock series, and body-locks. Save what fits your body type and rule set, then drill sequences that connect the takedown directly to guard passing or top pins. Bookmark BJJ University and share it with teammates and friends who want more free BJJ learning resources.
FAQs
What are the best BJJ takedowns for beginners?
Pick one reliable shot (single or double), one simple trip or foot sweep, and a front headlock go-behind. That small toolkit covers most early situations and builds confidence without overload.
Are gi takedowns different from no-gi takedowns?
The goals are the same, but strategies differ. Gi favors sleeve, collar, and belt grips for throws and trips; no-gi leans on ties, underhooks, level changes, and snap-downs. Train both if you compete in both.
How can smaller athletes succeed with takedowns?
Prioritize timing, angles, and off-balancing. Use foot sweeps, snaps to singles, ankle picks, and chain attacks instead of straight-on collisions. Win the hand-fight and make them step before you enter.
How do I practice takedowns safely?
Progress intensity gradually, communicate with partners, use crash pads when learning throws, and focus on posture and landings. Drill to the knees first, then add standing finishes as control improves.
What should I connect to after the takedown?
Have a default sequence to clear legs and pass. For example, double leg to knee cut, single leg to body lock pass, or trip to chest-to-chest pin. Arrive with control instead of starting a scramble.