Best BJJ Takedowns for All Levels: Simple & Effective Entries

In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, we spend countless hours mastering guard passing, submissions, and escapes—but for many practitioners, the match begins with a question mark: “How do I get this to the ground?” Whether you’re competing, self-defending, or rolling in the gym, knowing how to take someone down safely and effectively is a critical part of being a complete grappler.

At ROLLBLISS, we believe takedowns should be accessible, adaptable, and efficient—no matter your belt level, size, or athleticism. This post will break down the best takedowns for BJJ practitioners of all levels, how to train them, and when to use them depending on your game style.

Key Takeaways

• Every BJJ match starts standing—takedowns give you a competitive edge
• The best takedowns for BJJ are safe, effective, and transition well to ground control
• Beginners should start with collar drags, snap downs, and simple trips
• Advanced grapplers can add more complex throws and chain wrestling
• Choose takedowns that fit your size, style, and ruleset
• Drill consistently, spar intelligently, and wear gear that moves with you—like the kind we build at ROLLBLISS

Why BJJ Practitioners Need Takedowns

Even though BJJ shines on the ground, it’s often overlooked that every match starts standing. If you only rely on pulling guard, you may be giving up dominant positions before the match even begins.

Here’s why having reliable takedowns matters:

• Scoring in competition: A clean takedown scores points and sets up top control.
• Self-defense readiness: Knowing how to take someone down safely in real life is essential.
• Confidence in transitions: You control where the fight goes—standing or ground.
• No more guard pull predictability: Surprise your opponent and set the tone.

Qualities of a Good BJJ Takedown

A great takedown for BJJ isn’t just about athletic power—it needs to be:

• Technically sound
• Low-risk for injury
• Smoothly connected to ground transitions
• Effective against resisting opponents

Let’s explore the best ones for white belts to black belts.

Best Takedowns for White & Blue Belts (Beginner Friendly)

Collar Drag (Gi)

A perfect intro to stand-up for new grapplers. You grab the collar, pull your opponent forward, and sit to your hip, redirecting their momentum and taking their back or top position.

• Low impact
• Great off guard pulls
• Pairs well with seated guard entries

Snap Down to Front Headlock

No need for big shots. Use posture breaks to snap your opponent’s head down, secure the front headlock, then spin behind or set up chokes.

• Simple, safe, and submission-ready
• Helps develop top control instincts
• Great transition to guillotines or anaconda chokes

Osoto Gari (Outside Leg Trip)

A classic judo trip where you off-balance your opponent backward and reap the leg.

• Easy to learn and execute
• Effective from the collar and sleeve grip
• Works well for heavier grapplers or in gi matches

Single Leg Takedown (Basic Version)

Lift one of their legs while maintaining posture and balance. Great against upright stances.

• High percentage in gi and no-gi
• Can be finished standing or via trip
• Builds strong fundamentals in balance and angle control

Best Takedowns for Intermediate Grapplers (Purple Belt & Up)

Arm Drag to Back Take

Use a quick arm drag to expose the back and either finish standing or bring your opponent to the ground.

• Excellent control with low injury risk
• Combines seamlessly with guard and open mat play
• Sets up body locks or mat returns

Uchi Mata (Inner Thigh Throw)

Classic judo throw where you hook the inner thigh with your leg and lift. Works best from a strong grip and upright posture.

• Dominant in gi
• Opens up transitions directly to side control or mount
• Requires good timing and hip placement

Body Lock to Trip or Mat Return

Once you get around your opponent’s waist, you can use a body lock to off-balance and either trip or drag them to the mat.

• Powerful in no-gi
• High control with minimal space for escape
• Safer alternative to explosive doubles

Duck Under to Back Control

Lower your level, slide under your opponent’s arm, and take the back. Super effective in no-gi or against aggressive collar grips.

• Fast, technical, and sneaky
• Combines well with chain wrestling
• Puts you in direct control of back takes

Best Takedowns for Advanced Grapplers (Brown & Black Belt)

Kouchi Gari (Small Inner Reap)

A deceptive inside foot trip that works great during movement and grip fighting.

• Subtle but effective
• Can trip opponents mid-step
• Combos well with other foot sweeps

Russian Tie to Takedown

Control one arm with two hands (Russian tie), then transition to inside trips, singles, or throws.

• Advanced grip strategy
• Ideal for control freaks and tacticians
• Kills opponents' attacks and opens dominant angles

Double Leg Takedown (Advanced Entry)

Change levels, penetrate deep, and drive through. Advanced versions use setups like fake shots, collar drags, or snap downs.

• Still one of the highest percentage takedowns in no-gi
• Requires conditioning and explosiveness
• Demands precise timing and setups at higher levels

How to Choose the Right Takedown for You

Are You More of a Guard Player or Top Player?

• Guard players: Use collar drags, arm drags, and snap downs to set up sweeps or submissions.
• Top players: Work body locks, trips, and pressure takedowns to land directly in dominant control.

Gi or No-Gi Preference?

• In the gi: Use judo-based grips and sweeps like Osoto Gari and Uchi Mata.
• No-gi: Go for body locks, singles, and snap downs with wrestling-style control.

Are You Smaller or Bigger in Frame?

• Smaller grapplers: Use speed-based takedowns like duck unders, arm drags, and ankle picks.
• Bigger grapplers: Use pressure-based takedowns like Osoto Gari, body locks, and double legs.

How to Train Takedowns Efficiently

1. Drill in Short Bursts

Repetition builds confidence. Start slow and increase speed over time.

2. Incorporate Situational Sparring

Start from standing with limited grips or movement constraints. This builds live adaptation.

3. Chain Attacks Together

Learn to flow from snap down → front headlock → go behind → takedown. The more sequences you develop, the harder you are to read.

4. Don’t Abandon Guard Work

Work both worlds: takedowns AND guard. A well-rounded grappler can dictate where the match takes place.

5. Wear the Right Gear

ROLLBLISS rash guards, shorts, and compression gear are made for high-movement intensity. Our clean fit and reinforced seams are designed to keep you moving freely while drilling, shooting, and scrambling on the feet.

Check out our latest no-gi essentials at ROLLBLISS.com

Conclusion

You don’t need to become a Division I wrestler or Olympic judoka to level up your takedown game—you just need a few go-to techniques that suit your body and game style. Start with one or two from this list, focus on timing and control, and build from there.

Remember, BJJ is about control and adaptability. If you can dictate where the fight starts, you’re already winning before the first grip is broken.

At ROLLBLISS, we’re here for your whole journey—from first fall to first podium finish.
Train smart. Take control. Keep rolling

FAQs

1. What’s the safest takedown for beginners?

The collar drag and snap down to front headlock are very safe for beginners. They require minimal impact and are easy to transition into dominant positions.

2. Do I need wrestling experience to learn takedowns?

Not at all. BJJ practitioners can learn wrestling-style takedowns adapted for jiu-jitsu. Start with drills and positional entries before progressing to live stand-up sparring.

3. Should I pull guard or try a takedown in competition?

It depends on your game. If you’re confident in your guard, pulling can be strategic. But adding a solid takedown can earn early points and help you dictate the pace of the match.