Do You Even Want to Take the Fight to the Ground?
Before we dive into selecting takedowns, let’s ask a basic but important question: Do you want to take your opponent down at all?
In my book Roll to the Top and throughout my coaching, I emphasize designing a game plan that matches your strengths. For some competitors, that may mean using guard pulls as a strategic choice—particularly if their strongest positions and attacks start from guard. However, if you prefer top control, excel at passing, or simply want to score first and dictate the pace, then having reliable takedown options is essential.
Start with What You Know
If you have a background in wrestling or judo, you already have a head start. Your “go-to” takedowns from those sports often translate well to BJJ—if they’re chosen and adjusted thoughtfully.
- Wrestlers might naturally lean on singles, doubles, body locks, and snap-downs. These moves can fit beautifully into a BJJ strategy when combined with solid positional awareness after the takedown.
- Judokas often favor foot sweeps, hip throws, and trips. With proper grip fighting and posture control, these techniques can off-balance an opponent and create opportunities to land in dominant top positions.
But Be Cautious: BJJ Has Different Priorities
Not every takedown from judo or wrestling is safe or ideal in the context of BJJ competition.
Some moves come with hidden liabilities:
- Back exposure: High-amplitude throws or turning takedowns like drop seoi nage can leave your back exposed if the throw fails or your opponent rolls through.
- Submission exposure: Shooting a low double or single with the head inside can open you up to guillotines. Similarly, leaving an arm isolated during a throw can result in an instant kimura or armbar attack.
- Scoring rules mismatch: In BJJ, you only score a takedown if you establish control for 3 seconds. A judo throw that scores ippon may not count at all if the opponent scrambles back to their feet before control is established.
Choosing a Takedown for Your A-Game
In Roll to the Top, I describe building your game plan around high-percentage moves that suit your body type, experience, and strategic intent. Apply this same lens when picking your takedowns:
✅ Does it lead directly into your top game?
If your passing game is strong from half guard, consider takedowns that funnel your opponent into that position (e.g., knee tap to half guard, or a low single that lands you in headquarters).
✅ Is it low-risk?
Avoid takedowns that require you to give up position or expose yourself unnecessarily. Often, simpler is better. Snap-downs to front headlock or a well-timed ankle pick may serve you better than more dynamic throws.
✅ Can you practice it safely and consistently?
Choose takedowns that you can drill regularly in your gym setting. If your school doesn’t train a lot of stand-up, opt for techniques that require less impact and can be practiced live without high injury risk.
✅ Do you have good entries?
A takedown is only as good as your ability to get to it. If you’re picking a single leg as your main attack, make sure your grip fighting, setups, and stance transitions support that shot.
Integrating Takedowns into Your Game Plan
Once you’ve chosen one or two takedowns that fit your style, begin integrating them into the rest of your game plan:
- From the opening grip fight, have a plan for how to set up your takedown. Don’t wait for a perfect moment—create it.
- Tie it to your next move. You should already know what pass or control position you want immediately after landing the takedown.
- Have a backup plan. If your takedown attempt stalls or fails, you should be able to transition to a guard pull, re-shot, or secondary attack without hesitation.
Final Thought: Don’t Copy, Customize
Just because a takedown works well for your teammate—or even for your coach—doesn’t mean it belongs in your competition A-game. The right takedown is the one that you can hit under pressure, that complements your overall strategy, and that leads you where you want the match to go.
Whether you’re building from your judo roots, refining your wrestling instincts, or starting fresh from scratch, choose takedowns that make sense for you. That’s the heart of smart game planning.