BJJ Takedowns Guide (2026) — Best Throws & Wrestling for Grapplers
BJJBJJ App Team·⏱️ 2 min read·🔄 Mar 31, 2026
The most effective takedowns for BJJ competition and street self-defense. Combines wrestling, judo, and BJJ-specific entries.
Most BJJ practitioners are strong on the ground but weak from standing. Mastering even 2-3 takedowns gives you a massive competitive advantage. Here are the best takedowns for BJJ.
Contents
🥋 Essential Techniques
Double Leg Takedown
The most universal wrestling takedown. Low risk, high reward. Entry point for most ground sequences.
→Single Leg Takedown
Easier to set up than double leg. Can convert to trips and dumps.
→Ankle Pick
Low-risk takedown when your opponent pushes forward. Perfect counter.
→Osoto Gari
Judo leg reap. Devastating when opponent's weight is on their back leg.
→Harai Goshi
Hip throw. Requires timing but very powerful when landed.
→Ippon Seoi Nage
One-arm shoulder throw. Very common in gi BJJ from sleeve grip.
→Snap Down
Wrestling control. Snap down to front headlock → darce or anaconda.
→Arm Drag
Universal upper body control that leads to double legs, back takes, or trips.
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❓ Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Do I need to learn takedowns for BJJ?
Yes, especially if you compete. Many matches are decided by takedown points or by controlling where the fight goes. At minimum, learn double leg, single leg, and ankle pick.
❓ What is the easiest BJJ takedown to learn?
The ankle pick and arm drag are the most beginner-friendly takedowns because they require less athleticism and work well against stiff, forward-pressuring opponents.
❓ Is judo or wrestling better for BJJ?
Both are valuable. Wrestling gives you better control in top position and scrambles. Judo gives you powerful throws that score in gi BJJ and dramatic finishes. Most elite BJJ competitors train both.