Sep 30, 2025
Justin Ha
Starting from the feet is part of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. These five takedowns are beginner-safe, mat-friendly, and work with or without a gi. Each section includes when to use it, step-by-step cues, a drill, and common mistakes so you can build skill without collisions, cranks, or chaos.
Safety & Warm-Up (2 minutes)
Breakfall refresh: back fall, side fall, hip-safe sitting.
Hand-fighter’s handshake: light collar-tie or sleeve/collar grips only.
Speed limit: practice at 50–70% until the landing is clean and controlled.
1) Ankle Pick (Gi & No-Gi)
When to use: Opponent stands tall or retreats; perfect for shorter athletes and for gi sleeve/collar grips.
How-to (quick cues)
Post the head/shoulder lightly on their chest (or collar grip in gi).
Step in so your lead foot points between theirs.
Pull their upper body slightly toward you to shift weight.
Pick the near ankle with your rear hand and push/pull diagonally.
Guide down and land in top position; immediately establish frames and pass.
Drill: Touch-and-go: 10 reps each side focusing on posture (no diving).
Common mistakes: Reaching from far away; bending at the waist; trying to lift the leg instead of tipping the “tall tree” over.
2) Arm Drag to Back Take (Gi & No-Gi)
When to use: Opponent hand-fights aggressively or posts a stiff arm.
How-to
Control wrist with your same-side hand; reach across the triceps with the other.
Drag the arm past your center as you step to the outside.
Chest to shoulder-blade contact; don’t chase the hand, chase the back.
Seatbelt grip (over/under) and hip-steer behind them.
Finish by mat-return (if allowed) or pull into back control on the mat.
Drill: “Mirror walks” down the mat: partner offers light resistance; 5 controlled drags per lap.
Common mistakes: Staying in front after the drag; yanking only with arms instead of stepping and turning your hips.
3) Single-Leg (“Run the Pipe”) – Wrestling-Safe Finish
When to use: Opponent leads heavy on one leg or squares up after your arm drag.
How-to
Level change with upright posture; penetration step close to their lead foot.
Clamp the leg (both hands high on the thigh, head tight to ribs).
Stand them up by driving slightly and adjusting your feet to the outside.
Run the pipe: rotate your outside foot away while pulling the leg in a small circle; sit them down gently.
Cover the hips and start your pass.
Drill: 3×10 reps each side at walking speed; focus on posture and tight head position.
Common mistakes: Bending over at the waist; finishing by yanking straight back (creates collisions); head outside the body line.
4) Osoto Gari (Major Outer Reap) – Judo-Lite Entry
When to use: Partner plants weight on one leg or backpedals on a collar-sleeve frame.
How-to
Collar-sleeve (gi) or head/arm hook (no-gi); step your reaping leg close to their heel.
Off-balance by lifting the collar hand and pulling the sleeve/back of arm.
Reap the outer thigh/hamstring with a straight leg while your chest stays tall.
Hips through as they fall; guide them to a safe landing.
Land standing or follow to side control.
Drill: “Bungee osoto”: partner gives 30% resistance; focus on timing the off-balance before the reap.
Common mistakes: Swinging the leg high (looks big, does little); chest collapsing; reaping before kuzushi (off-balance).
5) Snap-Down to Go-Behind
When to use: Opponent leans into collar-tie exchanges or resists with posture.
How-to
Collar-tie and triceps control; elbows tucked.
Quick snap-down by bending your knees and pulsing hips back (no neck yanks).
Their hands post—circle to the back on the open side.
Seatbelt or body lock as you step behind their hips.
Mat return gently or pull to back control.
Drill: 20-second rounds: partner resists lightly; your goal is 2 clean go-behinds per round.
Common mistakes: Pulling only with arms (use your legs); staying square in front after the snap.
4-Week Beginner Plan (standing focus)
Week 1: Ankle pick + breakfalls
Week 2: Arm drag chains (drag → back take → mat return)
Week 3: Single-leg to “run the pipe”
Week 4: Osoto gari timing + snap-down go-behind rounds
FAQs
Is it okay to learn takedowns on day one?
Yes—choose low-impact entries and controlled landings (the five above). Start slow, add intensity after you can guide your partner safely to the mat.
What if my gym mostly trains from knees or guard pulls?
Drill these takedowns in short, technical rounds before live training. Even if you pull guard in sparring, having one clean takedown keeps opponents honest.