How to Effectively Combine Wrestling Takedowns with BJJ

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and wrestling are two grappling arts that share many commonalities but approach combat from distinct angles. Wrestling emphasizes explosive takedowns, relentless pressure, and positional dominance, while BJJ focuses on submissions, leverage, and strategy from both top and bottom positions. For the modern grappler, combining wrestling takedowns with BJJ is not just an option—it’s a necessity.

Whether your goals are competition success, MMA, or simply becoming a well-rounded martial artist, learning how to blend these two systems will elevate your game. At RollBliss, we understand that martial artists don’t just want techniques; they want practical, battle-tested strategies that translate into real performance. That’s why we focus on equipping you with insights that merge the best of both grappling worlds.

Key Takeaways

• Wrestling takedowns, such as single-leg, double-leg, and body locks, integrate seamlessly into BJJ when adapted correctly.
• Success comes from blending setups, finishes, and guard-passing strategies into one smooth sequence.
• Awareness of submissions during takedowns is critical to staying safe and effective.
• Combining wrestling and BJJ makes you a more complete grappler in both gi, no-gi, and MMA contexts.

Why Wrestlers Have an Advantage in BJJ Takedowns

BJJ traditionally developed with a strong emphasis on ground fighting, often starting matches from the knees in training. While this develops excellent positional and submission awareness, it leaves many practitioners weaker in the stand-up phase of grappling. Wrestlers, on the other hand, specialize in takedowns. Their conditioning, stance work, and timing often give them an advantage when matches begin on the feet.

If a BJJ athlete integrates wrestling takedowns, they gain control over where the match happens. Dictating the fight is one of the most overlooked but powerful tools in competition. By mastering wrestling entries and blending them with the smooth transitions of BJJ, you create a skill set that is difficult to stop.

Foundational Wrestling Takedowns That Work in BJJ

Not every wrestling move translates directly into BJJ due to the threat of submissions, but several takedowns adapt seamlessly when used with the right strategy:

1. The Double Leg Takedown

One of the most iconic moves in wrestling, the double leg is equally effective in BJJ. The key difference is keeping your head placement safe to avoid guillotines. Proper setup with grips or feints can make this takedown a powerful tool for establishing dominant top position.

2. The Single Leg Takedown

Single-leg moves are more versatile and safer in both gi and no-gi contexts. Learning to finish with pressure, balance, and transitions into passes is crucial. Many BJJ players combine single legs with guard passing to flow smoothly into control.

3. Snap Downs to Front Headlock

Wrestlers excel at snapping their opponents into a front headlock position. In BJJ, this becomes a gateway not just to takedowns but also to submissions like guillotines, D’arce chokes, and anaconda chokes.

4. Body Lock Takedowns

Especially in no-gi, the body lock provides a safe way to get an opponent down without exposing your neck. It transitions directly into guard passes, making it an excellent choice for BJJ players.

Blending Wrestling with BJJ Strategy

The real magic isn’t just learning wrestling takedowns—it’s integrating them into your BJJ game. Here’s how you can make the two systems complement each other:

• Set Up Takedowns with BJJ Grips: Use collar ties, sleeve grips, and underhooks from the gi or wrist control in no-gi to set up classic wrestling shots.
• Think About Guard Passing Early: When you hit a takedown, don’t pause. Flow immediately into a pass before your opponent secures guard.
• Adapt to the Rule Set: In IBJJF tournaments, pulling guard is a common technique. But having a wrestling-based top game puts pressure on opponents who rely too heavily on guard work.
• Develop Scramble Awareness: Wrestling builds scrambles, and in BJJ, those scrambles can be turned into back takes or submission chains.

Common Challenges When Mixing Wrestling and BJJ

Blending these arts isn’t without challenges. Some common issues include:

• Overcommitting Shots: Wrestlers often shoot from deep positions, which can expose them to guillotines and kimuras.
• Stance Adjustments: A wrestling stance is lower and more forward than a BJJ stance, which can make you vulnerable to sweeps and submissions.
• Energy Management: Wrestling is explosive, but BJJ requires a different approach, emphasizing pacing. Finding the balance ensures you don’t run out of energy early.

By acknowledging these challenges, practitioners can refine their approach and create a more seamless hybrid style.

Training Tips for Building a Wrestling-BJJ Blend

1. Drill Situationally: Don’t just practice takedowns in isolation—drill them starting from BJJ grips and ending in passes.
2. Use Progressive Resistance: Start with cooperative drilling, then gradually add resistance to simulate real timing.
3. Cross-Train with Wrestlers: Sparring with pure wrestlers will sharpen your takedown defense and timing.
4. Stay Submission Aware: Always drill wrestling takedowns with awareness of guillotines, triangles, and kimuras.
5. Condition Smartly: Borrow wrestling-style conditioning drills but balance them with the endurance required for long BJJ matches.

How RollBliss Supports Grapplers in This Journey

At RollBliss, we believe in equipping practitioners with the tools they need to elevate their game, regardless of their stage in their journey. Combining wrestling with BJJ isn’t just about learning techniques—it’s about developing a mindset of adaptability. The gear we provide is designed for grapplers who train hard, embrace challenges, and want equipment that supports growth both on the mat and in competition.

Whether you’re sharpening your double leg in drilling sessions or transitioning to side control after a takedown, having reliable, durable gear keeps you focused on performance. RollBliss is committed to supporting grapplers who want to push boundaries, evolve their style, and stay prepared for whatever challenge comes next.

Conclusion

The fusion of wrestling and BJJ is one of the most effective ways to elevate your grappling. Wrestling gives you control over where the fight takes place, while BJJ provides the submission tools to finish. Together, they form a complete system that is powerful in competition, self-defense, and MMA.

For practitioners who want to develop this hybrid style, consistency, awareness, and adaptability are key. At RollBliss, we’re dedicated to supporting that growth by providing durable gear and insights that match the intensity of your training. By combining wrestling takedowns with BJJ’s technical depth, you’ll not only improve your game but also build the confidence to dictate every match.

FAQs

What wrestling takedown is safest to use in BJJ?

The single-leg takedown is often the safest and most versatile option in BJJ. It minimizes exposure to guillotines compared to the double leg and transitions smoothly into guard passes.

Can I learn wrestling for BJJ without a wrestling background?

Yes, many BJJ athletes learn wrestling later in their journey. Focus on a few high-percentage moves and drill them consistently. With time, you can integrate them naturally into your grappling game.

Do I need wrestling if I prefer guard pulling?

While you can succeed as a guard player, adding wrestling makes you more complete. It improves your stand-up confidence, takedown defense, and overall ability to dictate the pace of a match.