Technique library

The ankle pick is a high-percentage takedown that uses a grip on the opponent's upper body (collar-tie or sleeve) to off-balance them while reaching for and controlling their ankle. It is effective for transitioning from standing to a dominant top position with minimal risk of counter throws or scrambles.

The standing arm drag is a classic wrestling maneuver used to create an angle and access the opponent’s back or set up a takedown. It is highly effective in both gi and no-gi, allowing the attacker to bypass frontal defenses and exploit rear positions.

The standing arm drag to back take is a high-percentage transition from hand-fighting to dominant back control, leveraging an opponent’s extended arm to create an angle and secure a body lock. This technique is crucial for both gi and no-gi competitors, as it bypasses traditional takedown battles and leads directly to a finishing position.

The blast double is a high-amplitude, reactive takedown executed in response to the opponent’s forward movement or level change. It is a staple in wrestling and no-gi grappling, allowing for rapid transition from standing to dominant top position with strong control.

The double-leg takedown is a fundamental wrestling-based entry used to bring an opponent from standing to the mat by attacking both legs simultaneously. Mastery of this technique is essential for effective top control and is widely applicable in gi, no-gi, and MMA contexts.

Drop Seoi Nage is a dynamic judo throw adapted for BJJ, where you drop to your knees to load your opponent onto your back and execute a shoulder throw. It is highly effective for taking the fight to the ground with control, especially against upright, aggressive grips.

The Duck Under is a classic wrestling-based takedown entry from the collar tie, allowing you to bypass your opponent’s arms and take their back or secure a dominant top position. It is highly effective in both gi and no-gi for quickly gaining positional advantage with minimal risk of counter throws.

The Fireman’s Carry (Kata Guruma) is a high-amplitude takedown executed from standing, typically off a wrist control. It allows you to redirect your opponent’s weight and bring them to the mat while establishing a dominant top position, often bypassing their guard.

De Ashi Harai is a dynamic standing foot sweep executed during grip fighting, aiming to off-balance the opponent and sweep their lead foot as they step. Mastery of this technique allows for low-risk, high-reward takedowns that transition directly into dominant top positions, making it valuable in both gi and no-gi competition.

A technical guard pull that transitions directly from standing into a seated shin-on-shin guard, allowing immediate off-balancing and entry into sweeps or leg entanglements. This method is safer than generic guard pulls, as it maintains active connection and prevents easy guard passes.

Harai Goshi is a classic judo hip throw adapted for BJJ, using a sweeping hip and leg action to off-balance and project the opponent from standing. It is highly effective for transitioning directly to a dominant top position, especially against upright or forward-pressuring opponents.

The high crotch is a powerful single-leg takedown entry from standing, targeting the opponent's far leg with deep penetration. It is a staple in wrestling and BJJ, providing strong control and transition options to top position. Mastery of the high crotch is crucial for effective takedown chains and scrambling.

The High Crotch to Double is a wrestling-based takedown that transitions from a single-leg, high crotch entry to a double leg finish. This sequence is highly effective for bypassing strong sprawls or whizzer counters, allowing the attacker to secure dominant top control. It is a staple in both gi and no-gi grappling, especially for competitors who blend wrestling and jiu-jitsu.

Kouchi Gari is a classic judo foot sweep adapted for BJJ, targeting the opponent’s near-side foot to off-balance and trip them from standing. It is especially effective when opponents are defensive or retreating, and transitions directly into a dominant top position for passing or control.

The low double-leg takedown is a wrestling-based entry that attacks both of the opponent’s legs below the knees, aiming to finish with top control. It is highly effective for bypassing upright defenses and transitioning directly into a strong passing position.

Osoto Gari is a classic judo throw adapted for BJJ, executed from standing with a collar-and-sleeve grip. It allows you to off-balance your opponent and reap their leg, landing directly in a dominant top position. Its direct path to top makes it highly relevant for points and control in gi competition.

Ouchi Gari is a fundamental judo trip adapted for BJJ, used to off-balance and sweep an opponent from standing to the mat, usually ending in a dominant top position. Its efficiency and low risk make it a staple takedown for both gi and no-gi grapplers.

Seoi Nage is a classic judo shoulder throw adapted for BJJ and no-gi, used to off-balance and project an opponent from a standing engagement. It is highly effective for transitioning from standing to a dominant top position, especially when grips are established. Mastery of Seoi Nage provides a powerful offensive option in gi and no-gi rulesets.

The single-leg takedown is a foundational wrestling takedown adapted for BJJ, allowing you to bring your opponent to the mat while maintaining control of one of their legs. It is highly effective in both gi and no-gi, minimizing exposure to guillotines and enabling a wide variety of finishes. Mastery of the single-leg is essential for building a strong top game and dictating where the match takes place.

The snap-down to front headlock is a fundamental wrestling-based takedown setup that transitions from a standing collar tie to dominant head-and-arm control. It is crucial for opening up attacks such as guillotines, anaconda chokes, or go-behinds, and is especially effective against opponents with upright posture.

Tai Otoshi is a classic judo throw adapted for BJJ, utilizing a hand-and-hip action to off-balance and project an opponent forward over an extended leg. It is valued for its speed, minimal commitment of your own body, and ability to land you directly into a dominant top position. Mastery of Tai Otoshi gives a powerful, low-risk option for standup exchanges in gi and no-gi settings.

Tomoe Nage is a classic sacrifice throw where you pull your opponent forward and use your foot at their belt line to launch them overhead, landing in top position or closed guard. It is especially effective against aggressive opponents who drive forward, and is legal in both gi and no-gi formats.

Uchi Mata is a classic judo throw adapted for BJJ, executed from standing with collar-and-sleeve grips. It uses a sweeping inner thigh action to off-balance and project the opponent, often landing you in a dominant top position. Its effectiveness lies in its dynamic kuzushi (off-balancing) and its ability to counter defensive postures.