Hey there,
Tired of pulling guard every match? Want to dominate the standing game like the elite competitors?
I’ve just updated our complete guide to the most effective BJJ takedowns with 2024-2025 competition data from ADCC, IBJJF Worlds, and professional grappling—and the findings are game-changing.
🔥 Hot Take: Guard pulls are 8x more common than takedowns in elite BJJ competition. That means developing a solid takedown game gives you a MASSIVE competitive advantage.
The Modern Takedown Meta (By The Numbers)
There was 62 takedowns at ADCC 2024 male division with 20% single-leg success rate (highest percentage)
Here’s what the data reveals about modern BJJ takedowns:
Wrestling-heavy approaches dominate at elite levels
Collar drag is the new king—recognized as one of the easiest and most effective entries
Position matters more than the takedown itself—landing in side control beats just getting them down
Chain wrestling wins—combining techniques beats single-shot attempts.
Top 10 Takedowns You NEED in Your Arsenal
Based on competition success rates and versatility, here are the techniques that should be in every grappler’s toolkit:
1. Collar Drag Takedown (Highest percentage 2025)
Now recognized as the easiest and most effective BJJ takedown. Works in gi and no-gi, all skill levels, and chains into multiple finishes.
Why it works: Creates directional off-balancing and exposes opponent’s side instantly.
2. Body Lock Takedown (Safest)
The safest takedown for training partners. Unlike explosive leg shots, body locks maintain control throughout and naturally land you in dominant positions.
Perfect for: No-gi specialists and grapplers who prioritize position over explosion.
3. Single Leg Takedown (Wrestling foundation)
The highest-percentage wrestling takedown for BJJ (20% success rate in competition). Multiple variations and finishes available.
Essential because: Works from various distances and has the most finish options.
4. Snap Down to Front Headlock (No-Gi Specialist)
Modern wrestling-to-BJJ transition. Creates guillotine, D’arce, and back take opportunities without explosive shooting.
Low-risk bonus: Failed snap downs transition easily into other attacks.
5. Double Leg Takedown (Classic wresting)
The most fundamental wrestling move. Every grappler should master this early.
Why learn it: Foundation for understanding level changes and explosive entries.
6-10: Complete Your Takedown Game
Arm Drag System – Versatile entries leading to multiple positions
Foot Sweeps – Timing-based attacks (O Goshi, Ko Uchi Gari, Uchi Mata)
Ankle Pick – Beginner-friendly, low-risk opportunistic finish
Duck Under – Wrestling transition to back control
Drop Seoi Nage – Judo throw adapted for BJJ (protect your back!)
Beyond Individual Techniques: Takedown Systems
Elite grapplers don’t rely on single techniques—they build systems that chain multiple entries together.
🎯 Fake Guard Pull System
Threaten guard pull → opponent reacts → ankle pick or single leg. Used successfully by Andre Galvao and other elite competitors.
🎯 Collar-Sleeve System (Gi)
Establish collar-sleeve grips → create off-balance → execute foot sweeps, arm drags, or leg attacks based on reaction.
🎯 Russian Tie System (No-Gi)
2-on-1 control position → snap downs, arm drags, or direct takedowns. Dominates hand-fighting exchanges.
💡 Pro Tip: Modern champions emphasize grip-fighting and hand control BEFORE attempting takedowns. Win the hand-fighting battle, and the takedown becomes much easier.
Starting from Zero? Your 8-Week Development Path
For white belts, focus on these 3 takedowns first:
Single Leg – Most fundamental, highest success rate
Ankle Pick – Quick, low-risk, doesn’t require athleticism
Collar Drag – Easiest modern entry to learn
8-Week Training Plan:
Weeks 1-2: Single & double leg fundamentals
Weeks 3-4: Add ankle pick and basic foot sweeps
Weeks 5-6: Collar drag and collar-sleeve system
Weeks 7-8: Body lock and arm drag entries
Ongoing: Chain techniques into combinations
Defense Wins Championships
Knowing how to defend takedowns is equally critical:
Proper Sprawl Mechanics – Extend legs back, post hands, keep hips high
Hand Fighting – Win the grip battle before they establish control
Guillotine Counters – Punish poor takedown attempts with front headlock submissions
Timing Back Takes – As they commit to the shot, take their back
Your Standing Game Starts Today
Whether you’re a white belt learning your first takedown or a brown belt refining your game, the techniques and systems in our complete guide provide the foundation for elite-level grappling.
Here’s what you’ll get in the full article:
✅ Detailed breakdowns of 12+ proven takedowns
✅ Step-by-step execution guides for each technique
✅ Competition statistics and success rates
✅ Modern takedown systems and setups
✅ Gi vs No-Gi specific applications
✅ Beginner-to-advanced progression path
✅ Takedown defense strategies
✅ Video demonstrations from elite instructors
Remember: Solid fundamentals beat fancy techniques every time. Train consistently, drill combinations, and respect your training partners by prioritizing safety.
OSS!
Ben—The Grappler's Toolkit
P.S. Want to train smarter, stay injury-free, and level up faster. Get your FREE BJJ Longevity Checklist, which reveals the training mistakes that cause burnout—and the simple habits that keep grapplers on the mats for decades. Get it now!